In The Know: NJ Local Artists
by Kristine Donovan
New Jersey, at this point and time, is best known for two things: Bruce Springsteen and The Jersey Shore, and with any luck the television show will soon be forgotten about. However, Springsteen and his legacy will continue to be heard and cherished throughout the Garden State for generations to come.
The Boss may be selling out major arenas throughout the world, but he will never forget where he started his success. NJ is the stomping grounds for several famous artists, such as Frank Sinatra and Whitney Houston, and they overcame the troublesome beginnings and obstacles in order to achieve their success. Today’s generation of musicians are working just as hard, if not harder, to achieve similar mainstream success.
These artists, along with hundreds of other aspiring NJ musicians, all have one goal, to be heard. Venues such as The Asbury Lanes and Maxwell’s are two popular locations for young artists to grow into the music scene. However, in order to get themselves out there they have to promote and tour. With today’s economic struggles and social media issues it is becoming harder and harder to advance past these local venues.
Local Artists
Real Estate, Nicole Atkins, The Front Bottoms and River City Extension are four local NJ bands that have already taken the steps to achieving their mainstream success.
Real Estate, from Ridgewood, NJ recently performed at this year’s Coachella Festival, and brought their pop-driven surf rock to audiences across the world. Their 2011 LP “Days,” made top stories in magazines such as Pitchfork and Paste.
Nicole Atkins, formally from Neptune, NJ has opened up for the folk-pop dynamic, The Felice Brothers in 2011. Starting her career playing in local coffee shops, Atkins stepped away from her hometown roots, and begun collaborating with other artists which soon became her “Black Sea.” In 2010 she signed with the NY Independent Label, “Razor and Tie,” and released her second full length album, “Mondo Amore.”
The Front Bottoms, a two-piece punk-dance-rock duo was signed to “Bar/None Records” in 2011. Recently touring in England, and releasing their EP “Slow Dance to Soft Rock,” this duo has only begun their track to success.
NJ local band, River City Extension is complied of eight members. Straight from Toms River, NJ this folk-pop group has been touring across the globe in support of their most recent album, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Your Anger.” Recently playing Bonnaroo Music Festival, The Newport Folk Festival and having a headlining gig at The Bowery Ballroom in New York City, this eight piece collection has surpassed the troublesome beginnings and has begun their trek to mainstream greatness.
All of these artists have already begun to break into the rapid music industry. When hearing this, it should bring nothing but ambition for all NJ locals, especially those who are following these artists’ footsteps. Although the press exposure and tour dates of these artists have all been skyrocketing, there were trials and tribulations that had to be crossed throughout their journey. In order to break it into the music industry it takes a lot of hard work and sleepless nights. However, if you have the ambition to succeed, and the willpower to except nothing less than perfect, you will find yourself steps closer to mainstream success.
Stay tuned for the next article on the trials and tribulations of local musicians.
LINKS TO ARTISTS’ WEBSITES/SOCIAL MEDIA
Real Estate: http://www.myspace.com/realestate/music
Nicole Atkins: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleAtkinsOfficial
The Front Bottoms: http://www.thefrontbottoms.com/
River City Extension: http://rivercityextension.com/
Kristine Donovan is an aspiring journalist with love for the arts. She lives and breathes literature and music, and she longs for the open road. Kristine is currently living in the tri-state area, where she is finishing up her Journalism degree. She digs the tri-state area local music scene, and she also enjoys to play some gritty rock and roll.
Can we add Titus Andronicus to this list?