ASBURY PARK VIBES PODCAST

The NJ post-grunge band Baron Praxis recently sent me some wave files of their 2023 EP Ecocidal; and I was hooked after listening to the first twenty seconds of lead single “Nice To Meat You” … thanks in part to that heavy, dirty bass line! So, I invited the guys in for a podcast and had the pleasure of talking with Brian and Justin from the band. Our conversation touched upon the EP’s theme which promotes taking care of our planet and all of the species that live upon it. We spoke a lot about how Baron Praxis operates … from their DIY perspective, to writing music, to rehearsing, and what it's like touring in that one-of-a-kind van! The group’s music is passionate and heavy; and it will gut-punch you with a force of energy you might not expect. Take some time today to listen to this really fun podcast, and if you’re a grungy rock fan like me … Baron Praxis may just become your new favorite band the moment you start listening to their music!

Keep in touch with Baron Praxis!

Opening Podcast music by Supermutt

Meagan Greenberg (also known as Meagg E. Moon Art) knew deep down that she was an artist but navigated the working world for a while as an educator, before the pandemic forced her to reevaluate her occupation. Relocating to Asbury Park, NJ … Meagan decided to embrace who she was meant to be and opened up Over The Moon Art Studios, an artist’s collective that welcomes all types of creatives into its fold.

Resident artists share the space as the studio provides art education classes for all ages. Meagan has also embraced the music community here by providing a space for shows and performances. And one of her big upcoming events is the Moonlight Art Show on July 22nd at 7pm. All works of art will be in Black and White. Vendors and music will make this a very unique event!

Tune in to this very special podcast for Megan’s fascinating conversation about the visual arts and you will be absolutely amazed at what her process is for painting and how she creates her extraordinary paintings! Visit Over The Moon Art Studios for classes, shows, and to see what the resident artists are creating!

Hosts  -Diane DiMemmo & Doug Dresher

Guest - Meagan Moon

Opening Podcast Music by Supermutt

We recently had the pleasure of sitting down to talk with Tom Donovan, Executive Director of the Asbury Park Music Foundation.

Tom explained what it was like transitioning from running a large international newspaper to taking on the challenges of making sure that music was a priority for the City of Asbury Park. He discussed the Foundation's relationship with Asbury Park and the struggles of keeping a nonprofit both successful and viable; but was especially passionate when we dove deep down into the importance of music education. The Foundation drives itself to provide programs that support underserved youth through programs like the Lakehouse Music Academy Scholarships, Hope Academy, the Hip Hop Institute, After School Programs, the Asbury Park Summer Music Camp, the Hip Hop Music Camp, and the Latino Experience Music Camp. We also took some time to talk about the area's music history, and how music did indeed save Asbury Park.

Scroll down to take note of upcoming dates for the Asbury Park Live Summer Concert Series and Summer Concert Band Series. Tune in to hear our full podcast and click here to learn just how you can support the amazing Asbury Park Music Foundation!!

Asbury Park Music Foundation

APMF Donations

APMF Merch

There are always so many positive vibes surrounding Alexander Simone (of Alexander Simone & The WHODAT? Live Crew) and it was a pleasure having him back to the APV Studio recently to talk about the North To Shore Festival. As a Grant Awardee of the Festival, Alexander has put together a free show of epic proportions that will take place at Watermark-Asbury Park on June 14th at 7pm. He says that there will be something for everyone in this show that will also feature Marcus Machado, Asha Griffith, Zal Walton, Chill Smith and more! Tune in to hear Alexander’s thoughts about the festival, how it’s helping the local music community and his VERY exciting announcement about who he’s opening up for on June 13th!

Opening music by Supermutt

There is purpose, connectedness, and meaning in every artistic expression that emanates from Carmen Sclafani, known professionally as Wiser Time. From his lyrics, to his songs’ time signatures, to his music release dates, to his visual art … Carmen feels that staying true to his authentic self comes with the responsibility of making meaningful creations.

The NJ vocalist, songwriter, guitarist and producer has an impressive discography to his credit and has just released a brand-new single titled “Hanging Around” - a feel-good, summer tune perfect for driving around with the windows rolled down! In addition to being a musician, Wiser Time Music is a production, publishing and licensing company, committed to helping develop career artists and to producing great music. As a progressive business owner, Sclafani was a pioneer in digital technology for the music industry in his development of the very first musician database designed to connect artists regarding their craft.

With all of his knowledge, Carmen and I spent our podcast talking as much about the business of music as we did about his impressive career! Musicians will gain a lot from the business ideas in this podcast and listeners are sure to add the banger “Hanging Around” to their playlists as soon as they hear it!

Podcast Intro Music by Supermutt

As part of our partnership with the North To Shore Festival, we sat down with three local bands who will be performing at one of the North2Shore events.

Here we chat with The Foes of Fern, The Extensions, and Fake Pockets - all three bands are releasing their sophomore records and performing at the Baronet Rooftop of the Asbury Hotel on Friday, June 16.

Each of the three bands is wonderfully engaging in their own right, and you will quickly see that all three bands are friends.  

Fake Pockets is an indie rock group that blends power pop and 90s alternative, creating songs that are uniquely nostalgic, with upbeat melodies juxtaposed by earnest, lovesick songwriting.

Named one of the “31 New Jersey Bands You Need to Hear in 2020” by NJ.com, The Extensions have been winning fans all over with their dynamic live shows.

Foes of Fern are a troupe of eclectic musicians creating non-stop fun with gritty gracefulness. Their live shows are the kind of good times you can see coming from a mile away.

TICKETS HERE

Event Info HERE

Mint 400 Records

Telegraph Hill Records

Our latest podcast finds us chatting with Jennifer Stine, owner of Fortune Web Marketing, a boutique marketing agency with offices in Asbury Park, Atlantic City, and Redondo Beach, CA. Fortune Web is one of the main players in the promotion of the inaugural North To Shore Festival – a three-week extravaganza in the State of NJ which will host hundreds of events as diverse as art classes, music concerts, entrepreneur and technology classes, dance festivals, comedy sets, and much more from June 4-25, 2023! 

In our conversation, Jennifer shares with us what makes the North To Shore Festival so unique, the sheer number and variety of events (more to be announced soon), the culturally rich history of NJ, grant awards, and the celebration of our local artist and musician networks.

Tune in today to hear the latest information about the festival and how you can partake in all of the festivities!

Tickets and Free events: https://northtoshore.com/events/

www.northtoshore.com

https://www.fortunewebmarketing.com/

Podcast intro music by Supermutt

Eric B. (from "Eric B. and Rakim" and the show "Blue Bloods") stopped by the Lakehouse Music Academy's Block Party to talk a little about the North2Shore Festival.  Eric B.  and Rakim are performing at the Stone Pony on June 13, 2023, celebrating 50 years of hip-hop.

If you were at all awake in the late 1980s, then Paid in Full was well represented on the hip-hop mixtape you gave your friends. Perhaps better known as Mike Gee in the CBS show "Blue Bloods," anyone using samples in their music owes Eric B. a nod of respect as he pioneered the use of Soul music as samples.

North To Shore is a three-city, three-weekend festival celebrating all the talent, diversity, and creativity.  Events will be taking place in Newark, Atlantic City, and Asbury Park.

North2Shore Info and TICKETS

Lake House Music Academy

Asbury Park Music Foundation

Podcast Intro Music by Supermutt

Clifton, NJ rap-rock dynamos – ToyMachine! – stopped by our studio recently to chat it up about their current upward trajectory as a band. Always engaging and full of energy … Ray, Ryan, Mikey & Greg have been crafting cutting edge music since 2020 with well-received singles "Sally,” “Party and Bullshit,” and “Girls Will Be Boys” as proof! They pride themselves on blending many genres to create a sound that’s never been heard before and are determined to do whatever it takes to get their music heard and recognized.

With a level of wisdom that belies their years, the group shares with us their approach to building and maintaining a fanbase as well as how they fund their music though various businesses and jobs. They also dropped the bomb that they will soon be releasing not one … not two … but THREE studio albums and THREE music videos! ToyMachine! is most definitely in the sweet spot of that "creative zone” and ready to take the NJ rap-rock scene hostage!

The guys call their live shows “an all-out experience” and if you’ve ever seen them perform … you’ll know exactly what that means. If you haven’t yet seen ToyMachine!, you’re in luck! Grab your tickets to have your mind blown at Dingbatz (May 24), QXT’s (May 25) and Bayville Fest (June 24)!

Toy Machine is:

Mikey O'Connor (Bass)

Greg Alders (Drums)

Ray Bentley (VOX)

Ryan Lamon (Guitar, VOX)

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist – Cranston Dean – owns the patent for being cool. The New Jersey musician strolled into the APV Studio the other day for our podcast recording and it felt as if I had had a visit from a longtime friend. We chatted about his childhood, his varied musical talents, the bands he regularly plays in, and the people who make up his inner circle.  In fact, friendships and family are what sustain Cranston on a daily basis, and in all of his musical endeavors. 

Cranston's most recent creation is his 6th studio album, Northern Town, which will be released on May 11th. Recorded in analog in his parent’s home alongside his very best friends … this album is filled with creativity, love, personal stories and many special moments. And that voice!  There isn’t enough one can say about the richness and texture of Cranston’s vocals. To understand exactly what I mean, listen to his first released single from the album - “The Root.” 

Tune in and enjoy this wonderful conversation about what went into making Northern Town and mark your calendar for the album release show at Asbury Lanes on May 28. 

"Melting Trends" (Joe Brown) is more than just an excellent Spotify playlist.  It has morphed into a community of bands all being championed by Joe Brown.  As a playlist, Melting Trends keeps its followers up to date on the Neo Psych Rock scene.  As a promoter, Melting Trends is booking interesting shows combining local bands with other Neo Psych Rock bands.  Here we talk with Joe Brown - about his roots, his likes, and how he is promoting the bands he loves.

Spotify Playlist

Facebook

Website

What is Neo Psych Rock?

Quite possibly the nicest guys I’ve ever met … the dudes from the NJ band Wake Up Paradise stopped by the APV Studio recently for a podcast and acoustic session. Tim Montalvo (vocals), Roger Wuy (drums), Sal Brisindi (guitar), Dann Aquino (guitar) and Max Orozco (bass) spent the better part of an hour chatting about their influences, process for creating their music, being a DIY musician as well as being parents to their children and pets!

This alt-rock band has been creating catchy, “knock it out of the ballpark” singles since 2013 but are currently picking up speed and ready to release a bopper of a single, “Ready Now," of which we got to hear during their performance!  Although the guys admitted this was their first acoustic session, they crafted beautifully mellow renditions of “Satellites” and “Ready Now,” … so good in fact, that those versions deserve to be separate recordings that stand on their own!

Today when you're in your car, I encourage you to queue up the Asbury Park Vibes Podcast with Wake Up Paradise, and have some great laughs as you  become familiar with this jewel of a band who will be playing Asbury Lanes on August 12th!

Watch and listen to their amazing acoustic session on The APV Podcast's YouTube page!

[Opening podcast music by Supermutt]

The Azures are a throwback while looking forward.  A psychedelic experience with a nod to Jack Kerouac and Jim Morrison mixed with the sound of a new band finding new sounds... you can't go wrong.  Join us for a wild discussion of the band's history, their individual connections to the music of their childhood, and a live performance!

Gia Rose - Vocals.
Ashton Millman - Guitar
Robert Coss - Bass.
Eric Brody - Drums/Harmonica

  Click here for a link to the many ways you can experience The Azures!

There’s a cosmically mighty, galactic, powerhouse of a band right here at the Jersey Shore that sizzles with an energy all their own. Colossal Street Jam has been pounding stages all over the NJ area, the surrounding states, and abroad for a while now; and they’re known for their live shows that are ever-changing and always packed with a very dedicated fanbase.

Their music is not only massive in sound, but it also drips with aggressive technicality, superb song craftmanship, and sick chops from every one of its five band members. Gene Potts (vocals)… Sal Marra (guitar/vocals)… Tony Flora (bass)… Dave Halpern (drums)… and Eric Safka (keys) call themselves “family” and have poured their blood, sweat and tears into their recently released album, “No Way To Live.” 

The only way to listen to this magum opus … is to listen to ALL OF IT. Every song is a delightful surprise because of the mixture of genres, variety in song structure, stellar vocals and harmonies, catchy melodies, and layers upon layers of instrumentation. There is literally something for everyone in “No Way To Live” and the band is ready to stand behind it as their most prolific work yet. “Yet” …  being the operative word because this crew is still constantly bursting with musical creativity. 

To find out more about Colossal Street Jam, you’ll want to listen to our latest Podcast #136 with Gene and Sal who share the history of the band, their personal challenges, and the stories behind their music!

Host - Diane DiMemmo

Guests - Gene Potts & Sal Marra

Opening Podcast Music by Supermutt

Danny Coleman is the real deal. Longtime host of many different radio programs, avid music lover, and a treasure trove of musical knowledge ... Danny approaches every one of his projects with heart. Known for drawing out the most interesting details from his guests during interviews, it’s apparent that Danny’s main goal is to support musicians and help further their careers. In a fun, relaxing format, he delves deep into what makes artists pursue their craft and helps them connect with others in the industry.

Danny’s endearing “on-air” and “off-air" personality is further accentuated by producer and co-host Claire Henwood. Together, this dynamic duo entertains with quick wit and back-and-forth commentary that makes you want to listen to every single one of their broadcasts. Make sure to tune in and enjoy this amazing radio personality in the following programs:

Danny Coleman’s Rock On Radio - Sundays (7 - 9 pm)

www.COAradio.com

www.coaradio.com/listen-now

or download the  City of Angels Recovery Radio app

Danny Coleman’s Got The Blues - Mondays (7 - 8 pm)

www.jazzon2.org

WWFM 89.1 FM HD2

Danny Coleman’s Rock On Podcast

www.Anchor.FM

Anchor.FM app

The Rock On Radio Indie Show 

Sat (3 pm) @ www.COAradio.com

Thurs 5 pm @ 502 Fallen Angel Radio

https://Far0.GoodBarber.app

Rock n’ roll that would leave you in awe, blow your mind, and change EVERYTHING? Rock n’ roll that gave you goosebumps and scared your parents? Did the over-inflated old beast finally keel over and wheeze its last breath or will it rise again to take back its rightful place in the soundtrack of your life? For far too long, the otherworldly mystical larger-than-life heroes that used to be pinned to bedroom walls have been suppressed in favor of charming down to earth folks with their anti-style and anti-rock. But, as any historian knows, the winds of change blow both ways and The Antoine Poncelet Band has answered the call of the nightbird.

Link to Spotify

The Antoine Poncelet Band Web

Antoine Poncelet Band Facebook

The Moon City Masters are a neo-classic rock band with a contemporary edge and more than a hint of soul and funk. The band, consisting of twin brothers Jordan and Talor Steinberg, brings together the whole package, with virtuosic playing and singing, excellent songcraft, and an aesthetic that is all their own.

The Moon City Masters Web

The Moon City Masters on Spotify

The Moon City Masters on Facebook

The Moon City Masters on Instagram

Podcast Intro Music by Supermutt

It was a thrill to have Renee Maskin and Mike Noordzy in the Asbury Park Vibes studio to talk about their new project - Renee Maskin and the Mysterious Wilds. Along with Ben Ross on drums, the trio have released a new album, Renee Maskin and the Mysterious Wilds.

Renee and Mike discuss their influences and writing songs with a new band.  They also perform a few songs from their new album.

You may have seen each of these fine musicians in different bands, but together they are a force to contend with.  If you like new music from three top-notch creative individuals, please do not miss this band.

Renee Maskin and the Mysterious Wilds on Spotify

Renee Maskin on Instagram

Image Credit - Conni Freestone 

Podcast Opening Music by Supermutt

The NYC funky glam-rock band - Tony & The Kiki  - stopped by our Asbury Park Studio recently to chat and play an acoustic set in front of our first live studio audience. 

Tony Alfaro (vocals),  Rodney Bush (keys), and  Junior Pauls (guitar) shared stories about their musical beginnings, how the band came together, the meaning behind their band name, and all about their creative process. 

On Saturday, March 25th, Tony & The Kiki Will be making their Asbury Park debut headlining at Trinity Church. The show is a benefit for The VNA Trans Wellness Center and is being presented by The Light Brigade Collective. Doors open at 5pm  and tickets are first come, first serve on the day of the show.

Tune in to listen to this super fun conversation with Tony & The Kiki and to hear their exquisite musicianship during the acoustic session. You will NOT want to miss their performance on May 25th!

https://www.instagram.com/tonyandthekiki/

https://www.facebook.com/tonyandthekiki

https://twitter.com/TonyTheKiki1

Podcast Intro music by Supermutt

Meeting The Wag is like spending time with old friends.  The two original members, alongside two members who have been with them for years, have no shortage of funny and heartbreaking stories.  And through their 25 years, The Wag has made happy, insightful, and heartwarming music.  All four members, Brian Ostering (Bass and vocals), Alicia Van Sant (Keyboards, vocals), Don Lee (Guitar and vocals), and Joshua Van Ness (Drums, percussion, and vocals), are talented musicians and together make family-friendly pop rock that once heard will make you think you've known about this band for years.

The Wag celebrates their 25 years with a special album-release show on March 25 at the Strand Theater in Lakewood.

Tickets can be found here!

The Wag

More Wag Info