JEEZ.
1. As many readers know, it is important for me to feature bands and artists from my home state of Maine whenever possible. Here we have another band from the 207 getting some real buzz (as they should) in jeez. Would you please introduce yourself and what you do in the band?
Gabe - Drums
Nik - Bass
Jalen - Vocals
Finn - Guitar
2. Tell us a bit about the band—how would you describe it to someone who hasn’t heard it yet? What are your principal influences?
To keep it blunt, we are RnB for the moshers—emo with a hardcore background that we all have.
3. What’s the band’s “origin story”?
Jalen - After a few years of going to shows, people kept asking me when I was going to create or join a band, and at a certain point I just felt it was time, so I grabbed Finn first, and then I wouldn’t be in a band unless Nik was in it, so we grabbed him, and then Gabe is all of our good friend, so it fell right into place.
4. What have been some of the highlights of the band’s young existence?
We saw a UFO, believe us or not. And Gabe being able to play drums for the first time in about 15 years.
5. For people outside the area, would you please provide a snapshot of the Maine punk/alternative/DIY scene and why you think it’s so vibrant? Any particular shout-outs?
COMMUNITY. Younger people continuing to come out for shows, as well as all ages, is helping our scene grow. The older generation passing the torch to the new crew coming up. Our band is an example of that with 3 of the 4 of us of the “older generation.” Everyone that comes to shows is what makes our scene special.
Huge shout out to Stab, Mankala, Half Step, and S.C.O.B.Y.
6. What was your introduction to alternative music? Who were your “gateway bands”?
Green Day, I Set My Friends on Fire, and honestly going to local shows opened the mind up.
7. If you only had five songs to express your musical identity to someone, what would they be?
“Trapped in the Closet Chapter 8” (R. Kelly), “Throwback” (Usher), “Metallic Taste” (Show Me the Body), “A Decade Under the Influence” (Taking Back Sunday), “Lifestyle” (Young Thug).
8. What is a song, album, or artist you love that people wouldn’t expect?
Artists: Enya and Aphex Twin
Song: “Locked Up” by Akon, but it has to be the version with Styles P
9. This is a fun hypothetical question: there’s a tour package being put together and you are going to be on it. What would be the other three current bands or artists you’d most want to tour with (dream as big as you want haha!)?
Show Me the Body
Riff Raff
Fontaines DC
10. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions. Anything coming up we should be keeping an eye out for and/or last words for the readers?
Keep it chill. Freestyle. Iconic. Top left. j33z.