Experiment 34, one of the best, groove-driven rock bands in the New Jersey music scene, is back with a politically-charged new record, What Dying Feels Like.
Matthew Makin, Kevin Nenichka, Bryan Viegas, and Keith Leming are set to hit the stage at Asbury Lanes, NJ for their big album release show this Saturday February, 16th. I had a chance to talk with the rock outfit about the party, the new record, and the greater New Jersey music scene.
Last time I played with you guys, there was a lot going on with the band in terms of personal relationships and going through break ups, etc. Does any of that come into the writing, specifically with the new record, What Dying Feels Like?
Not really in all honesty. Break ups happen. I can’t say I’ve never written on that topic, but I just don’t find it that interesting. What Dying Feels Like is a totally different animal. Maybe on the next album though! However, I’m happily engaged so personally I hope I don’t have any break ups to speak of for the next album.
Let’s talk about the new record. It’s got some real interesting aspects. There’s a few ambient interludes, almost Gregorian chant type on the tracks entitled “Congregation.” We see this title pop up three separate times, and they seem to be chapter on the record? Is a theme for the album?
100% yes. This album is heavily thematic throughout. I feel like it’s the album we were meant to make. I’ve always been a fan of bands who stand for something. The world is a very divisive place at the moment. We want to shine a light on what’s causing the current atmosphere around America’s political climate. The truth is, we’re not cared about. Power has a hold over people and it’s causing us to die a little more all the time.
Our healthcare system is a joke, people have to sell their houses to stay alive. This idea that if we pay the rich more, they’ll give it to their employers instead of hoarding it (like the rich love to do) is ridiculous. We need to rise up. But more importantly, we need to understand each other.
If American citizens could have a political conversation without this whole “if you’re not on my side you’re my enemy” attitude, we can focus on who’s really keeping us down and dead. The congregation tracks symbolize a change in the story, the beginning of each chapter.
I’ve always thought the band name Experiment 34 encompasses your band’s sound perfectly. I hear elements of rock, reggae, funk, jam band and more. I have to ask, what are the band’s influences?
I appreciate that! We always say “The first 33 experiments didn’t work.” But really, it helps our expression in experimentation. We’re always mixing it up and trying to find a new sound we haven’t yet touched on and I feel overall that’s helped us find our own sound.
Personally I’m influenced by The Doors, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, Johnny Cash and Eminem (just to name a few). Oh and I’ve really been into System of a Down lately. The rest of the band has some similar and also very different influences which is where I’d like to think we get our originality.
Give us all the shameless promo for the February 16th LP Release show at Asbury Lanes. The lineup looks great with bands likes Des & the Swagmatics on the bill. Rumor has it entry even includes a complimentary copy of What Dying Feels Like. It’s gonna be an epic night. Why did you guys choose The Lanes and do you guys have any tricks up your sleeves?
Oh man, it’s going to be fun. The Asbury Lanes is a great venue — they really did an awesome job with the renovations. We’ll be playing with Flourish, P Funk North, Bulletproof Belv and Matty Carlock, plus Des and the Swagmatics.
This show is at an environment with a great vibe, killer bands plus a free CD from yours truly. It’s not to be missed. I’ve seen a couple of shows at the new Lanes and it really blew me away so I knew I had to have the release show here. As far as any more tricks than that, you’ll have to see it!
What are your thoughts on the state of the local music scene right now and the state of rock music overall?
That is an interesting question. I have mixed feelings on both fronts. The local music scene is as diverse as human beings themselves. Some are the greatest people in the world that change your life and some are scum that change your view and teach you a lesson (mind you many people, of course, don’t fit into either of these categories at all).
Let’s face it, we need both of those people though. I’m in love with creation. I think there are a lot of bands on the local level and the top tiered level of rock and roll (and everything in between) who are making really incredible music. The key in modern society is weeding through a lot of stuff that may not be for you and finding what really speaks to you. The internet is so saturated with content, so not everything may be your taste. Whereas when rock was more new, there was a a lot less bands to choose from. Overall, I see a huge surge in the near future for rock, it’s far from dead.
I always like to ask bands this question: If someone hasn’t heard you guys play live or any of your music, what one track would you tell them to listen to?
I would say it depends. We’ve changed a lot as a band. This new album ‘What Dying Feels Like’ will really give you an idea of what we are right now. Plus, it was made at Weilhouse Productions, engineers by a genius named Ryan Weil, so every song is killer. However, 3 Days in the Chamber off of our EP Charismanic 2.0, will really give you a sense of our original sound and style.
Where can fans pick up the new music and follow the band on social media?
Definitely come get the physical copy of the album at our release show on Saturday, February 16 at The Asbury Lanes. There’s a lot of really cool artwork and song lyrics on there that you won’t get with a digital copy. But if you can’t make it, definitely order a physical or download a digital copy from us.
You can also check us out on: our website, Instagram, Twitter, Bandcamp, and YouTube. We’re everywhere you can get music.
