New Jersey Stage Issue 55 | Page 10

really what makes us original. Our similarities keep us glued while our differences make us different. That’s what I love about being in a band. Don’t get me wrong, we can jam “Bulls on Parade” like that’s what we’re meant to do...but it doesn’t mean we sound like that all the time. Listeners are going to hear what they want to hear, so we have to put our money where our mouths are. New Jersey still has a thriving rock-oriented scene happening throughout the state, but it’s fair to say that funk-rock (or rock in general) doesn’t sound like the mainstream right now. In your estimation, is that a good thing or an obstacle that greater audience awareness will overcome? Great question. To sit here and say, “woe is me, the music we make isn’t what people typically listen to” would be all too easy. We make the music we make NJ STAGE - ISSUE 55 because we like it...hopefully, others will as well. I wouldn’t call it an obstacle. Anyone who sees us live tends to dig us no matter his or her taste. It just means we have to rock that much harder. I can’t speak for the rest of the rock scene, but I’ve noticed a lot of bands doing really well lately, so I think rock will survive. Even with the problems that a band - new or otherwise - might face in getting into the public consciousness, there has never been a better time for indie artists to thrive, thanks in part to Internet platforms that help get artists heard. How important are these platforms to Experiment 34 in terms of getting heard and gaining awareness? You could make the argument that it actually hinders a band from standing out... this is because everyone and their mother now have a music page. It’s an INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 10