Asbury Surf Music Interview: Glycerine Queens

We’re proud to be one of the sponsors of the second annual Asbury Park Surf Music Festival. The fest will be taking place on Saturday July 11th at the world famous Asbury Lanes in, you guessed it, Asbury Park, New Jersey.

One band we’ve dying to talk to for the past few years is the Glycerine Queens. The foursome of young woman have been making a hell of a name for themselves as one of the must-see bands in the Asbury Park music scene. Don’t believe us? Well, one of our favorite artists, Nicole Atkins, decided to work with the band on their last record.  To me, that’s saying something.

So, we were stoked (pun intended?) to speak with Glycerine Queens’ guitarist Cynthia Rittenbach to talk about being a young band in the scene and performing at The Asbury Park Surf Music Festival. 

Glycerine Queens Are (Members & Instruments They Play): Kayla Smith – Lead guitar,  Cynthia Rittenbach – Vocals, Guitar, Kayla Cervone – Bass, Jen Amoscato – Drums

We Formed In: 2010

We’re Based Out Of: Neptune City, Asbury Park

The Story Behind Our Name: Cynthia Rittenbach and Kayla Smith met on YouTube in 2010 collaborating on The Runaways covers. Joan Jett was a huge influence and one of Joan Jetts first influences was Suzi Quatro. We chose the name of the Suzi Quatro song Glycerine Queen for the name of our future all girl band.

Our Sound Has Been Likened To: Cocteau twins, Mazzy Star, The Runaways, War Paint

You guys are pretty young, but have already gained a great reputation as one of the top bands in Asbury. With that being said – what’s been your proudest accomplishment as a band?

Working with Nicole Atkins on our debut EP Sleep Deprivation. She helped us grow together as a band and develop our sound.

What do you love about being in Glycerine Queens?

I love living my dream of having an all girl band and playing music with my best friends!

There’s an endless sea of surf bands, and bands influenced by the surf sound — what separates you guys from everyone else?

Although we love the surf sound, we don’t categorize ourselves into one genre. Some other influences that might be heard in our music are Shoegaze, Jazz and Psychedelic rock.

You’ll be performing at The Asbury Surf Music Festival this year for the first time – what drew you to come on board to perform at this fest?

We hadn’t heard of the Surf Music Festival until this year when we were contacted to play it. We are very excited and honored to be a part of this!

What is it about surf music that inspired you to form a band and play this type of music?

We formed the band when we were very young. At the time were listening to a lot of glam rock, The Runaways and The Donnas. Surf rock is definitely a big part of our sound currently.

What is the ultimate surf rock anthem of all-time, and why?

Thats a tough question. Personally, I am obsessed with The Beach Boys. It’s impossible to chose one song but maybe ‘Surfer Girl.’

What is your ultimate go-to surf-inspired/beachy style drink (e.g. Mai-Tai, Zombie, Margarita, a specific beer, etc.)?

I dont drink but Jen’s is a Mai tai.

What are you most excited about for the band for the rest of 2015?

Hopefully record some new music and play more shows!

The Glycerine Queens perform 1:00pm at The Asbury Park Surf Music Festival

=========================================================================================================