Breathing Blue: Names Aren't Everything

A band will often times spend hours, days, even weeks coming up with the perfect name for their band. Many times they’ll even come up with a name before making music.  Even more so, they want to make sure it has a hard-hitting meaning.

Hailing from Ocean County, the members of Breathing Blue went the opposite direction. Using a name that came on the fly, Breathing Blue has made a name based on their music. 

Dolla Bil Facciponte: Let’s talk right away about what’s new with you guys. You’re working on the release of your first full-length album. How’s that all going?

Matt Basilotto: It’s going good. We recorded at The Pilot Studio with our friend Dave Ryan. We finished recording in February and we’re all really happy with it.  We’re looking at a late spring/early summer release.

Chris Dechert: It’s all new songs that no one has ever heard. These songs were written strictly for the record and they haven’t been played out, so it’s all fresh and new.

DB:  Do you have a title?

CD: Yeah, it’s called “Inner Animal.”

DB: Is this album different from your previous work?

CD: It’s a whole different ballgame.

Rob Bost: We found our new sound. Our first EP was like we were trying to find our sound. Now with the full length, we know what we want to be which is hard-hitting rock and roll.

DB: Your fans have gotten used to the sound you had when, as you said, you were trying to find your sound. Do you think they’ll accept the new album just as much?

MB: We kind of weaned them into it. We released a couple of singles so they kind of knew what to expect. We kind of frankensteined a couple of songs. We took some dead songs and brought them to the new album.

CD: A lot of the songs had hints of our new rock and roll, southern rock style. All in all, the thing of us is we’ll always have the same sound. Our singer is very different and we’re pretty particular about our tones and way we have everything sound.

DB: So now let’s talk about your past a bit. What brought you guys together to form Breathing Blue?

MB: Breathing Blue started about three years ago.

CD: Yeah, we were all in other bands, some together some separately.  Our drummer was in another band and Matt, Rob and I were in a band together where I was the singer. We broke up and Matt and Rob started a new band with J.T our current singer. They called me out of the blue and said, “Hey man, why don’t you come jam and play bass?” I thought it’d be cool so I went over for our first practice, and the rest is history.

DB: Well where did the name come from?

CD: We were going to play our first show and the promoter kept hounding us because he needed a name to put on the bill.  We didn’t care about a name or even try to think of one. Then for whatever reason, Rob turns around in the car and says “first band name off the top of your head.” I said Breathing Blue and we just carried on with it.

DB: Aside from the upcoming album, you’ll also be playing Bamboozle this year for the third straight year. What’s that like?

MB: It’s cool. Especially since it’s in Asbury this year, it’s probably going to be the coolest Bamboozle yet.

CD: Plus we’re all big Foo Fighters and Incubus fans, so it’s unreal for us to be playing with them in our home area.  We’re pretty excited for that and a bunch of other shows we have lined up. We have a couple of small tours coming up. We’re really just trying to hit the road and play outside of Jersey.  Although, we do have a big show coming up at the Starland Ballroom with Eve 6 that we’re getting ready for.

DB: Are you doing any of your new stuff at the Starland show?

CD: Since the record has been done, all we do is play new stuff. Whatever our set time is – oh we have 30 minutes, we can do the first four tracks. 

DB: You guys are pretty young and have done a lot for your age. Is that a weird feeling?

MB: I think sometimes we forget, but when you put it like that it makes us stop and think, “oh damn.”

CD: It’s like if you’re a football player and you win all these trophies. After that you think, “oh I want to get into this college” or “I want to get into the NFL.” So all the other stuff is cool, but when you think about it and look at all your trophies, you think “damn” and you’re always just striving to do better and progress. We have our glory moments, but the next day we’re right back to work.

RB: It goes so fast. It’s an insane feeling. You forget about it while you’re up there, especially big shows like Grammercy Theatre. It feels like we’re up there for two seconds then it’s over.

DB: What kind of struggles have you guys gone through?

CD: Being in a band. If anyone ever thinks it’s a great idea to start a band and get a trailer and go on tour, don’t do it.

DB: Then why do you do it?

CD: We’re in too deep at this point. It’s all we know how to do.

MB: Aside from that, it’s just rough. We’ll get in several fights a day. If you could imagine a struggle between two people and then on top of that you need money and then you have a deadline for something and then you have a struggle for trying to promote stuff. Everything just adds up and it’s a struggle. Sometimes I don’t even want to tell people I’m in a band because they’ll look at me like a con-headed-ninny-mugget. Nobody knows there’s more to it than playing music.

RB: Everyone thinks it’s just fun, which it is, but it’s still a job. It’s one of the toughest jobs there is.

DB: Have you found it hard to balance the band and your personal lives?

CD: Absolutely.

MB: I think we’re getting used to it because we’ve been doing it so long, but it’s still really hard.

RB: It’s brought some problems especially with girlfriends and things like that. There were some situations where it’s torn us apart and changed us. Now it’s all back to the way it was and we have our sixth member, it was all for the better. If that didn’t happen then this stuff now probably wouldn’t have, either.

DB: You guys clearly put a lot of work into what you do and people respect it. Especially with this interview, you guys were on board right away.

RB: It gets tough because people hear we’re in a band and think, “oh there’s a million others just like you.” It doesn’t get me down because the more people tell me that the harder it makes me want to work. It’s a little discouraging but then I’ll be like “well I just played to 1500 people last night.”

MB: Sometimes I’ll laugh with them and just think “I hate you,” but it doesn’t get us down too much.

DB: Which goes to show you guys are doing this for the love rather than the glory and money.

CD: When we go on a weekend tour or do any shows, it’s like, how do you think we get six or seven hours away? We didn’t make money at the last gig. It’s about whose got money to put in the van or for a hotel. That all comes out of our pocket and it’s so worth it to me because there’s no greater feeling than that.

RB: All bands go through it when they start, you know, going on tour and trying to build a following.

DB: Some bands are fortunate to be financially back, but most aren’t, and I think the ones that aren’t get the most respect because people see bands doing it themselves.

RB: That’s the goal. Hopefully people give us more of a push because we do do it ourselves. We want to build a big family of friends and fans that’ll stick with us forever.

CD: We don’t want to have one big hit and have that be the end of it. I’d love to play to 5,000 people a night. That’d be great, but I’d be perfectly content if we went on tour and there were 60 to 100 people there if every single one of them came to the show because they love our music.

DB: In the worst-case scenario that it doesn’t work out, do you guys have a back-up plan?

CD: (Rob and I have both said) if you have a back-up plan, then maybe you don’t care that much about your plan A.

DB: Finally, if you’re only remembered for one thing, what do you want it to be?

CD: That we’re all around badass.  Cool dudes, cool music. I mean, think of Led Zeppelin. If you had one word to describe them, what would it be, you know?

DB: You guys do what you want to do and it works for you. You’ve found your sound and know where you want to go which is the biggest part of the battle.  You definitely look like you have fun on stage and I’ve had a great time here. Do you have any final words?

Collectively: Rock and roll!

BoundAlive Sends a Positive Message with "Relive"

Formed with the intention of making music that relates to listeners on an intense emotional level, BoundAlive’s hard rock and metal style connects with several different audiences. You can clearly feel their 80’s thrash metal and 90’s grunge influences in all of their songs.

Staying true to their original style, BoundAlive has released their latest single, “Relive.” Like most BoundAlive songs, this song has a positive message. It’s about not reliving the same mistakes but embracing them and learning that there is hope and a choice every time.

BoundAlive said that it started out as an acoustic addictive riff and lyrics immediately followed. The first line, “This means war,” talks about the war that takes place within everyone and the battles we face with trying to make the right decisions for ourselves and loved ones.

BoundAlive may be heavy rockers, but they’re not different than anyone else. The message they try to get across is that they understand pain, heartache and the amount of control we, as individuals, have and learn that we can truly can truly shape our own destiny and rewrite our own fate.There will be times in the song where it’ll sound dark and sick but once you really hear what they have to say, you will realize the amount of power, passion and persuasion that they deliver to you.

BoundAlive is currently in the process of writing for their next album with the hope of bringing the same positive message to every song on it.

Just Kait: Not Your Average Girl

Many people may never know the name of Kait DiBenedetto. However, this 19-year-old music prodigy has gained a large following as “Just Kait.” She has gained success and fame some only imagine, especially given her young age.

Kait has dedicated her life to music. Even with the amount of success she's found, she has remained true to who she's always been. She's followed her heart and made her dreams a reality.

Dolla Bil Facciponte: Have you always had an interest in making music?

Kait DiBenedetto: Definitely. When I was little, I would pretend baseball bats were guitars so I think I've always had a love for it.

DB: What was your inspiration for getting into music?

KD: My dad was a big part of it. When I was growing up, he was in bands so I'd go to his practices. I think I always just wanted to follow in his footsteps. Besides that, listening to a lot of old school pop-punk/pop rock bands made me want to play.

DB: Who were some of your favorite bands growing up?

KD: New Found Glory, Good Charlotte, Sum 41, basically everything that was around those days.

DB: Those are bands that have found major success in music. You've also found some success as well. How does it feel to be featured on MTV and have your music constantly used on their programming?

KD: I'm super proud and fortunate for all of that. I never thought a company as big as MTV would ever even notice my music, especially considering they don't play much music anymore but, like, its cool. Weird, but awesome.

DB: I'm sure it's also had a big part in helping boost your career.

KD: Absolutely. People who wouldn't normally listen to my music have heard of it one way or another and that's cool. Regardless of if they actually like it or not, at least they are hearing it.

DB: Have you found any difficulties in balancing life?

KD: Not really. I think the only difficult thing for me was trying to finish high school while going on a two month tour. I definitely wanted to finish school so I did a lot of school work on the bus. I also didn't want to miss prom so I made sure I flew home right after the tour ended so I could make it. I even made my mom go to the school and get the paperwork.

DB: Is there any difference between "Just Kait" the musician and "Kait DiBenedetto" the person?

KD: Not really. Who I am in real life is exactly how I am on stage. Some of the songs I write and perform as Just Kait are a little more pop then some of the stuff I actually listen to, but that's not anything that shocking. A lot of people are like that. In early interviews with Just Kait there were definitely moments where I was told to act or restrict myself in a certain way just because I've always been pretty straight forward and sometimes people or places weren't ready for that, but besides that, there's no difference.

DB: Well it certainly seems like you're able to completely be yourself. I'm sure that also helps you connect with your fans a lot better.

KD: Exactly. I got sick of people telling me what to say and what not to say. Like you said, fans understand the real me and that's something they respect. They obviously aren't going to want to look up to an artist who's fake or dishonest. They can relate to a lot of the things I say and do because of that.

DB: Is it a weird feeling to still be growing up and being looked up to?

KD: Oh yeah. It's crazy sometimes to think that people that are older then me actually look up to me. Especially because like I told you earlier, I'm always myself around them and they are more like friends to me than anything. It definitely makes me feel good though.

DB: You perform as "Just Kait," but you're often accompanied by a band. Do you prefer to perform solo or with the band?

KD: With a band for sure. Honestly, before I started "Just Kait," I wanted the whole project to be more of a band and much less a solo project but things didn't pan out that way. I've always loved live shows with big guitars and drums.

DB: You've been working on a new EP. How's that been going?

KD: Awesome! I'm so proud of the entire thing. It really means a lot to me and I'm excited to release it in the summer!

DB: What's this album going to be like compared to your previous work?

KD: Its totally different. It shows a completely different side of me. Obviously, I pour my heart and soul into all the music I write, but these are more serious songs and you can just feel the emotion in every word and riff. Some of the subjects are a lot more [relative] in one way or another.

DB: Everyday new musicians try to make it, but more fail than succeed. In the unfortunate scenario that things don't pan out for you, do you have a pack up plan?

KD: Honestly, no. That sounds terrible but I don't. I put all my time and money into this. Money I had saved for college went to my music career and I honestly don't regret it. I went all in with this. I do have interests in other things that I'd like to do like a clothing line or something along those lines, but music is my thing.

DB: I have to say, I've done quite a few interviews and it's not very often somebody shows that type of determination and certainty.

KD: Well to me its not just music. I'm not doing it to impress anyone, I do it because I love it and its what keeps me sane. If I don't put 1,000 percent into it, I feel like I'm letting myself down.

DB: Finally, Kait, if you're only remembered for one thing, what do you wish that to be?

KD: I want to be remembered for lyrics and music that touched people. Whether that's taken in a corny way or a super serious way, I don't care. Its really cliche' but if I got one person through a bad day or saved anyone’s life in anyway, that's perfect for me.

DB: Kait for as young as you are, you've accomplished so much that people most people couldn't imagine and you're only getting started. You're positive attitude makes you a great role model and you're musical skills are incredible. Thank you so much for talking to me tonight and I wish you the best of luck.

KD: Thank you so much. It mean's so much to me and you're welcome.

Be sure to check out our partners at Toms River Patch!

The Magnums: Re-cocked and Re-loaded

By BIL FACCIPONTE           

A separation of two parties is a devastating event for anyone involved. At the time, it's hard to imagine life going on at that point. For most people, this comes in the form of a romantic relationship. However, there is another type of relationship that may suffer this more than anyone else.

Many bands that have become household names do not contain the original members that started the band. Whether it be due to politics within the band, a lack of desire or a new dream coming about, band members split all the time. The biggest issue for the band is moving on from that point.

While many may quit after losing a member, Toms River band The Magnums have kept their passion for music. Drummer Phil Rusher had left the band to explore other interests. Despite the loss, The Magnums made their return to the stage on Thursday, February 6 at McIntyre's Pub in Toms River with new drummer, Drew Maltese.

Bil Facciponte: Hey guys, we're here outside McIntyre's after your first set in almost a year. How does it feel?

Nico Santo-Domingo: It feels good to be back on stage performing. We haven't been around in a little while and it almost feels like we never left. I think Drew did really well.

BF: Well let's touch on that. Drew you've only been in the band for a few months now. How does it feel to be apart of the returning Magnums tonight?

Drew Maltese: It felt pretty good, jubilant even. All in all it was great except for a broken cymbal and a leg on the floor tom. It was really cool to be a part of this. I've always been a fan of them. When I first moved (to New Jersey) I started going to a bunch of their shows. I don't normally play drums, but with this band, it just feels good and natural.

NSD: It really felt like rock and roll.

BF: Would you guys say this is the best lineup you've ever had?

NSD: I can't because we've said that every time. Tonight though, we did have a lot of people tell us Drew was exactly the drummer we needed.

BF: The biggest thing a band needs is a connection between members. How do you guys feel Drew fits with the band?

NSD: He fits real well. We all get along and that's one of the key things for us.

BF: You guys debuted a few new songs tonight. Talk a bit about the process in writing the new tunes.

Garret Bayard: It seemed effortless. Everything just kind of fell into place.

NSD: Yeah nothing seemed to really change as far as the writing process went. It did seem easier now than it ever did before.

DM: It took about five minutes to write a song and I've never been part of a band that could write so quickly. It's just something where we caught magic in the moment and just rode that groove. 

BF: In a lot of the new stuff we're starting to hear Rob doing backup vocals. You haven't done a lot of those in the past, how does it feel?

Rob Molinari: I've actually always wanted to. I enjoy doing vocals. As long as it sounds good, I'm happy.

BF: It sounded very good. In fact, the show as a whole was great.

NSD: Yeah a couple of people noticed at the beginning of our set I was nervous. I was just kind of walking awkwardly on stage but once we got into it, it fell into place.

BF: Well you guys debuted some new songs tonight and you've been spending some time in the studio. When can we expect a new album?

GB: Soon, a lot sooner. Definitely quicker than our last one.

DM: Oh I'll definitely back that. I'm so anxious to record.

NSD: Yeah, everything just feels good now. We've had six members that have come and gone with the band but like I said, several people have told has the Drew is what we needed.

GB: Nico and I talked about that earlier and we're pretty inclined to agree with those people.

BF: Well fellas, it was great to see you back on the stage and I'm sure the fans can't wait to see you again. Thank you for the interview and the best of luck to you.

NSD: Thank you for your support and remember kids, always support local music.

The Magnums are:

Nico Santo-Domingo

Garrett Bayard

Rob Molinari

Drew Maltese

End of an Era's Self-Titled Album: PICK IT UP!

There are very few times in which I hear a local band at a local bar and are impressed. It's even more rare that I'm blown away and want more. The first time I saw End of an Era at a local Toms River bar, I had to have more, and they were willing to dish it out.
I met with the Jersey music scene's favorite degenerates after their show, and in all honesty, judging by the crowd who was there to see them and there performance, I was expecting a bunch of pompous jerks. Much to my pleasant surprise, they were some of the most down to earth guys I've ever met, in the music industry or the rest of the world. Not only were they very personable, but they showed a refreshing passion for their music that the scene doesn't see often enough.
Two years later, End of an Era released their self-titled album, and they have gone far beyond my expectations. Engineered, mixed and mastered by EOAE's own Jeff Wallace at Entrolab Studios, “End of an Era” is the best work the band has done to date. Each track brings the hard, electro-rock sound and melodic vocals that EOAE fans have come to love over the years, which is partially due to re-recordings of tracks from the 2010 EP, “Final Approach.”
Now, with new guitarist Chris Matsinger and original guitarist Jeff Brogan on the album, this is by far one of the best albums released in the Jersey music scene in quite some time. Here is the breakdown:

Artist: End of an Era
Album: End of an Era

1. Reclamation – With this track, EOAE eases you into the album. Bringing more of a lighter electro-rock feel, Jeff Wallace's vocals are really the strength of this song. I like it because it's a bit of a tease as to how the rest of the album will go, and I feel it's better than the original 2010 version. 8/10

2. No Tomorrow – After hearing the first three notes of this track, you instantly recognize the vintage EOAE sound. The backing electronics and the drumming of Spags come together so perfectly that you almost get lost in the beat alone. 8/10

3. The Good, The Bad, and The Better – This song has a funny back story, as it was almost an accident of how it came together. As soon as it hits, your head will start bobbing and your toes will start tapping. Unlike the previous track, this is a pretty different sound for the band. Although they bring their traditional heart racing sound, it brings more of a pop feel to it. 9/10

4. Wait for You – This is another track that was originally released in 2010, however, I preferred the original version. The general beat keeps you moving, but the original melody of the vocals sounded better, and blended better, in the 2010 release. However, still a great track. 8/10

5. The Walking Dead – By far my favorite track on the album. Right off the bat, the trippy electronics get you grooving, and then the hard hitting instruments and vocals kick in, all with a perfect melody. - 10/10

6. 2002: A Space Tragedy – EOAE slows it down a bit with this track. The verses are very slow and sang somewhat methodically. The chorus comes in heavier while staying consistent with the rest of the song. - 8/10

7. Chaos Theory – The band brings you right back up to speed with this one. It comes in with a heavy hit and never shy’s away from that. The backing vocals of bassist Justin Mazyk and recording guitarist Jeff Brogan are an essential part of tying this song together. 10/10

8. Freak Show – You better be ready to dance with this one. EOAE displays their versatility by having an electro-dance sound throughout the track while still bringing their heavy sound their fans have come to love. - 8/10

9. Final Approach – Unlike “Wait for You,” there wasn't much change from the 2010 release to this version. With two guitarists, it is a bit heavier than the original, which I absolutely love. 10/10

10. Be All – I consider this track to be “foreplay” for the final track of the album. Lead singer Jeff Wallace is the sole artist on this song, displaying his skills on the keys, with only two cryptic lines. 8/10

11. End All – This starts exactly where “Be All” leaves off, and I mean exactly “Be All” bleeds into “End All.” The majority of the song is more melodic than it is heavy, until you get into the chorus. This is a beautiful track all around (yes, I used beautiful to describe an EOAE song) and a perfect close to the album. 9/10

Final Rating - 9/10
I recommend any music fan grab this album. The entire album is filled with great music and the production value is second to none. If End of an Era continues to make music like this, and perform with the high levels of intensity that they always bring, there is no question that this is only the beginning.

End of an Era is:
Jeff Wallace
Chris Matsinger
Justin Mazyk
Spags

Black Dinosaur Entertainment and the Matthew H. Witzgall Artist Grant present Endependence Day 3 at The Brighton Bar in Long Branch, NJ on July 2.

Doors at 2PM
ALL AGES
$10 advance/$12 door
***Limited number of $25 VIP Tickets available!

Featuring Performances by:
End of an Era
Bind
Scantily Clad
Monday Night Heroes
Johnny B. Morbid
Divide and Conquer
and more!

Also....
A super BBQ with Bullfrog Barbecue!
The Mathew H. Witzgall Artist Fund Rock Star Dunk Tank!
The first annual "Miss Endependence Day" contest!
Contests and prizes! Cheap Drinks! Vendors!

This show will DEFINITELY sell out quickly...so reserve your tickets now! Send us a message to reserve yours or buy them online!

Brought to you by Motor Media, Black Dinosaur Entertainment, Mathew H. Witzgall Artist Grant, and DGenn.com!


***VIP Tickets include a special VIP laminate, Limited Edition T-Shirt, access to the VIP tent, free food and drink specials.

A New Album Brings A New Beginning For End Of An Era

Before End of an Era held their CD release party on February 26, 2011 at The Brighton Bar in Long Branch, NJ, I sat with the fellas to discuss the process of putting their album together, what they hope it brings them and the overall direction they want to head. Here is that interview:

Working in the Jersey music scene, I’ve learned that the industry is rough. It is a very dog-eat-dog world. Everybody should stick together, but instead try to step over one another on their way to the top. The ones that do make it to the top try everything they can to get a possible advantage over the competition. Some use costumes, some use publicity stunts and some are just handed fame. Toms River rockers End Of An Era only needed to do one thing: make good music.
Since they first formed in 2005, EOAE have been one of the hardest working bands in the local music scene. Like any band, and any relationship between people for that matter, there were low points that they were forced to overcome. They’ve waded through the high and low tides, and that has brought them where they are today. The self-titled “End Of An Era,” is their first full-length album.
The entire album as a whole still gives the heavy, melodic vibe that EOAE is known for delivering. Not only can you sing along to it, but you can break your neck to it as well. The track “2002: A Space Tragedy” is very mellow and a very unfamiliar sound from these guys. However the new recording of “Final Approach” will get any listener out of their seat.
The new album is a complete collective effort of all members of the band. What they’ve done is take the “End of an Era” style that their fans have come to love, and added new elements to it. At first listen, you clearly know it’s the boys from EOAE, especially in songs like “Reclamation” to “Wait For You.” There are several tracks that were written some time ago that the band re-recorded. The new recordings are far better than the original and really reflect the new camaraderie of the band.
As the album progresses, however, you start to feel a different vibe in tracks like “The Good, The Bad and The Better” and the two-part song “Be All” and “End All.” The new tracks on the album show the complete input of each band member. Everyone brings their own style and sound, and with each song they bring all of their elements together for a sound that has never before been produced.
The band seems to have a stronger connection now than they ever have before. Not only does it show on stage, but also the album reflects it perfectly. “End Of An Era” is perfect for original fans of the band, and is undoubtedly the best recording they have ever produced.
The following interview takes place on Feb. 22, 2011.
Bil Facciponte: Jeff (Brogan), you’re back with the band doing the first recording you’ve done with them in some time, what is it like to be back?
Jeff Brogan: It was really good to get back in the studio with the rest of the guys. It felt like I never really left the band. It’s the first time we have two guitarists in the band, and it’s definitely a different experience.
BF: Well, Chris, how did you vibe with Jeff?
Chris Matsinger: When I came into this, we had talked about having a second guitar player. The first thought was always me coming in and playing with Brogan. Then it happened, and it was joyous.
JB: Its actually pretty amazing how well Chris fit with the band. When we used to play with his old band, he’d actually hang with us more than them.
Jeff Wallace: We had Chris fill in on a show years back, and at that time we had talked about brining him back.
BF: How long have you guys been working on the new album?
Jeff Spagnola: Before Brogan came back into the band, he wanted to just come down and jam a little bit. One day, me, him and Chris we’re sitting around and Brogan came up with something he wanted to jam on, something stupid to mess around on, and 20 minutes later we had a song now called “The Good, The Bad and The Better.” That was the first time we played with Brogan and Chris at the same time, and it just clicked immediately.
BF: So do each of you have a favorite song from the new album, or are you digging on all of them?
JS: We started recording in August, and just put the final touches on it in January. So I’ve been sitting on it for however many months that is, so at this point they’re all kind of my favorite.
BF: You guys had re-recorded a few of your previous tracks for the new album. Brogan, what was it like for you to come record these tracks that were done without you?
JB: There were actually a couple of tracks that I was apart of the band for, I just wasn’t involved in the recording of it. It kind of sucks though because they’re not mine. I almost felt like I was a stepfather to some of these songs.
BF: There was a brief line-up change within the band over the last year. How has that affected the band as a whole?
JW: It really changed the way we wrote as a band. We came together and saw that this was a new entity and we were all in it together. We’ve all equally contributed. Even the lyrics, I’d come up with a chorus and explain what I wanted the song to be, and then someone would come up with a crazy verse, then we’d work out the lyrics for what sounded better. For instance, there was a line that originally read “vomit on his d**k” but then got changed to “puke on his piece,” to give the listener their own interpretation.
JB: We all had a hand in writing the songs. Before “The Good, The Bad, and The Better” came to be, it was some silly pop-punk think I worked on, and then adding the bass, drums and vocals, it just made the song full. If one person didn’t write the song, they contributed to it.
JS: On one hand, if each of the members of the band is like a body part, the head, arms and legs, it’s kind of like losing a limb. That gave us the opportunity to go out and get a better, robotic leg. We got to start from scratch, which is something we haven’t done in a long time. We winded up coming out with our best material so far.
Justin Mazyk: We started a “no-no” policy, in that we didn’t shoot down any ideas. If Chris came up with an idea that Brogan and I thought was stupid, we’d try it anyway and ended up coming up with a lot of cool [stuff] that maybe didn’t sound perfect when we first put it together, but after going through it a bit, it changed the song in such a good way that we ended up keeping it.
BF: I think you guys really vibe well together, and the new album is incredible. You seem to have such a synergy on stage that it seems like this is this original line-up.
CM: That’s another big part of it, the live show. All the energy is still there that we’ve always had, but it is something different to watch. It’s not the same show anymore.
BF: With all you guys have been through, most people would give up. What makes you guys continue to do this?
JW: I’m going to get deep on this. We all have a lot to say. We’re basically disgusted by society around us and the way people treat each other. There’s a lot to say, and we have big mouths. That is the main reason I do this. I want the world to hear these guys’ mouths. I’m honored to say the things that the band feels.
CM: That’s the thing about it, we all hate the same things, but have something different to say about it. The five of us are almost very different guys, but that helps to bring us close together.
BF: Since the last time we interviewed, which was about two years ago, you guys have played a lot of shows. Which has been the most fun?
JW: The Jersey Shows Battle of the Bands at the Starland (Ballroom) was pretty fun. The expectations were high for everyone in the room, and living up to those was a really good feeling.
BF: With the new album, I’m sure you have some shows booked. What do you have lined up so far?
JS: In April we start touring through the Spring and Summer, pretty much until we either run out of money or die. We’re hoping it’s the money thing, but if it’s death, we’re just hoping its cool.

End of an Era’s self titled album is now available on iTunes or from endofanera.bandcamp.com. Find them on Facebook for upcoming show dates.
Jeff Wallace
Jeff Brogan
Chris Matsinger
Justin Mazyk
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