Remember the early 00s when sweaty, snarling, leather jacket wearing New York City centric indie/alt rock dominated the rock ‘n’ roll consciousness?
Brooklyn’s The Exits, who perform at Happy Mondays at The Wonder Bar in Asbury Park tonight, have seemingly channeled that aforementioned sound, and expertly interpreted for the modern era.
We recently caught up with the band to talk about their new song “Stranded,” the current scene in Brooklyn, and playing Asbury for the first time.
The Exits Are (Band Members And Instruments They Play): Jared Michaels – Guitar and Lead Vocals, Tom Harrison – Bass, and Ryan Calabrese – Drums.
Year We Formed In: Late 2017
We’re Based Out Of: Brooklyn, NY
The Story Behind Our Name: Well, we’ve all used one at various points in our lives, so it felt appropriate.
Our Sound Has Been Likened To: Arctic Monkeys, The Beatles, The Strokes, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana.
Famous/Cool Bands We’ve Shared the Stage With: Lots of local legends.
The Exits call Brooklyn its home. Can you talk about the Brooklyn scene right now? How is it being a band in this scene, and how has it fostered or hindered your growth as a band?
Well when you’re “from” Brooklyn and tell people you’re in a band, people’s eyes tend to roll into the back of their heads. But once we get to playing, people genuinely seem to enjoy the music. So there’s some adversity for you.
New York is funny right now. There’s not really one scene, it’s very fragmented. There’s talent as always, but it’s across different genres and neighborhoods. There’s not a single movement that has particular momentum from what I can tell, it feels like a transition period.
Conversely what’s your thoughts on the Asbury Park scene?
Well my mom’s from Jersey and grew up going out there, so I obviously know Bruce and the legend of Asbury Park in general. But I’ve never been there myself so I’m excited to check it out.
You dropped the single “Stranded” in April — how do you feel this stands out from the rest of your catalog?
I think this one might have more parts and dynamics than our previous tracks as we get a bit more ambitious with our studio work.
Will we be seeing a full length or a new EP coming from the band in 2019?
I sure hope so.
What’s been one of the wildest things to ever happen at one of your shows?
Our first show was a house party, and we managed to induce labor in the neighbor upstairs. I guess you could call it baby-making music? Baby-delivering music? An awful lot of noise?
What do you love most about being in this band?
“Rock and Roll can save the world? The chicks are great? I sound like a dick!” – Jeff Bebe, Almost Famous.
What is a goal you have for this band in 2019?
To make some killer recordings. Our live shows coming together, and I want to do justice to our sound and our tunes.
What are you most excited for in 2019?
We’ve just started touring and it’s an absolute blast. What’s not to like about checking out a new town and playing a great show?
