Asbury Jams Interview Series: 87 Nights

One of the great joys of writing columns about the Asbury Park music scene for the past decade is the joy of discovering great music. Elmthree Productions has been one of those promotions that have allowed me to discover all sorts of wild stuff whether it be through their Jams on the Sand or AC Jams series — they’ve always brought great stuff from around the U.S. to my ears.

Add the Charleston, South Carolina rock outfit 87 Nights to that list of great discoveries. While, the band is only four years old, this band has a wonderfully lived-in rock ‘n’ roll sound evocative of a sound you’d find in a crate of vinyl records with worn covers and a beautiful rich sound. But don’t call it a throwback — 87 Nights feels perfect in today’s rock scene alongside the likes of Kings of Leon, The Record Company, or White Denim.

Simply put — if you want some really awesome, guitar-driven rock ‘n’ roll that’s bolstered by soulful vocals, then you need some 87 Nights in your life.

We caught up with 87 Nights to talk about their new single, how COVID impacted the band as a whole and their hopes for the future as they get set to play Asbury Jams on Thursday.

87 Nights is (Band Members & Instruments They Play): Zane Acord – Lead Vocals and Guitar, Preston Johnson – Vocals and Guitar, Johnny Holiday – Guitar/Harmonica, Shane McCoy – Vocals and Bass. Mac Dickson – Drums.

Year We Formed In: 2018

The Story Behind Our Name: A show was coming up quickly so we needed a name. The number of the house we lived/practiced at was 87 so we started there (laughs).

Bands That Inspired Our Sound: Kings of Leon, Beatles, Rolling Stones, B-52’s.

Famous/Awesome Bands We’ve Shared the Stage With: Mo Lowda & The Humble, Little Stranger, Flipturn, Easy Honey, Sylmar.

In 2019 you dropped your full length self-titled record. How do you feel the band has evolved lyrically and sonically since then — particularly with the release of the singles “Know Yourself” (2020) and “Hollywood” (2022)? 

We try to stick to our roots but we’re always looking for our sound to be tighter and groovier.

Obviously, the past two years changed everything for the music world. How did the past two years change your approach to music — whether it’s writing, recording, performing, etc? 

COVID caused some of us to move out of Charleston, SC so we had to put more effort into meeting up to write and had to embrace using technology to help us share // collaborate. Most of all, it allowed us to have a greater appreciation when we are touring and being grateful to be able to play shows in front of friends and fans.

If someone wanted come out to Asbury Jams at Wonder Bar to hear you guys play – what song would you suggest they “pre-game” with (listen to before they come to the show) in order to fully get what 87 Nights is all about? 

“Tubthumping” [by Chumbawumba] on repeat.

You guys are currently touring the country — what’s been one of your favorite experiences on the road so far? 

Going and enjoying seemingly random cities throughout the country and meeting/making lifetime friends.

What are you most excited about for the band in 2022? 

The release of the new singles we have in the chamber and our first tour out west!

87 Nights performs at Asbury Jams at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, New Jersey on Thursday July 14 with Connor Bracken and The Mother Leeds Band. Tickets are $10.