FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE
1. GOD SAVE THE STONE PONY, HERE COME THE SMITHEREENS
2. PLUS, IT SOUNDS COOL. A Q&A WITH RED ENGINE NINE
3. CHECK OUT THE NEW WEB SITE AND EP FROM HIGHWAY 9
4. WALK ACROSS AMERICA UPDATE FROM HILLSBORO, OHIO
5. CALENDAR OF EVENTS
New on The Stone Pony calendar: OS-101, Cats on a Smooth Surface, Zen Tricksters, Billy Hector Band, Gary U.S. Bonds. Check 'em out!
The Stone Pony hopes all of our fans and supporters are having a great holiday season! Still looking for something to do on New Year's Eve? Here's a suggestion: come down to Ocean Avenue on Monday night, December 31st, and see The Smithereens ring in the New Year, with special guests Frankenstein 3000. After a long break between album releases, 1999s God Save the Smithereens (Koch Records) brought fans of the band back to their early-rock and British-invasion influenced sound. The Smithereens, Pat DiNizio, Jim Babjak, Mike Mesaros and Dennis Diken, got their start in the 1980s at The Dirt Club, in Bloomfield, NJ, and built their reputation on college radio with hits such as "Only A Memory" and "A Girl Like You". The band, who has remained active despite numerous creative solo outlets, recently performed at the "Alliance of Neighbors" benefit concerts in October. Pat DiNizio, front man for the 'reens, recently started a gig as program director at XM Satellite Radio, which will devote itself to playing unsigned and indy bands on commercial-free radio. Solo projects aside, the band will be in force on the Stone Pony stage to celebrate New Year's Eve. There will be a happy hour until 10, after which the band will take the stage. The club will be open 'till 4 for dancing and further celebration. If you're a Smithereens fan looking to check out a special show, or just trying to find a great time, get your tix now and join the celebration. Fans looking for Smithereens' information on the web, can check out the official fan club page at www.officialsmithereens.com or Dave's Smithereens Page, which was given props by Pat DiNizio on his 1997 solo CD Sounds and Sounds as well as God Save the Smithereens.
Building upon two successful albums, and a long litany of Asbury Music Award nominations to their credit, Red Engine Nine returns to the Pony's stage on Saturday, January 5th, to rock in 2002. The band has gained tremendous exposure over the past few years: one of their songs was featured on the television show "Felicity", another was included on a compilation CD put together by Spin magazine and their hard work earned them a spot in the CMJ Music Fest Showcase. Most importantly, their latest album, Wishing to Elvis, was released in June 2001 to both critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Dom Carino, songwriter, vocalist and guitarist for Red Engine Nine, spent time answering the following questions for the newsletter on their success so far, who forgot to sign the major record deal, and what it means to be "pop".
The Stone Pony: One of your songs, “Disease”, was
featured in an episode of the TV show “Felicity”. Can you give us the
story of how that pairing came about? Bands often talk about hearing
their music on the radio for the first time. Can you tell us what it was
like to hear your song on television?
Domenick Carino: It's a very simple story. At the time we were working
with and online company "Riffage.com" and they were asked to submit songs
from their staff's favorite bands to the television show. Out of the many
songs [submitted] our song, "Disease", was chosen by the music supervisors
for Felicity. It's always cool to hear one of our songs on the radio
(especially when you're not expecting it) but it's really a kick when you
hear it on a television show. The novelty wears off fast and you get
anxious to take it to the next level. But, accomplishments like that are
for really for the parents. Once they hear your song on T.V.
they think you're a Rock Star.
The Stone Pony: RE9’s most recent album, “Wishing to Elvis”, has been
described as more power-pop than your debut album, “Color of the Day”.
Was this a normal evolution of your sound, or did the band make a
conscious effort to write a different style? Can you briefly describe how
songs develop within the band and what the song creation process is like?
DC: There wasn't a conscious effort made to write any differently. We did,
however, experiment with new guitar sounds and production techniques
simply because it felt right. Song writing? It's pretty simple. I'll write
the core of the song (lyrics, melody and chord progression) and then
deliver it to the band. Then, each of the band members add their pieces.
We work very closely to assure we are doing what is best for the song.
Although I'm the songwriter each of the guys are brilliant with regards
to adding those extra little things that take the song to the next level.
The Stone Pony: Speaking of “Wishing to Elvis”, can you fill us in on how
you came up
with the title?
DC:
It's always difficult to put a title on a work of art. I've only had to do
it twice but, much
like my writing style, I like to keep the listener thinking. Wishing to
Elvis? What does that mean? Who knows? I think it's best left for
interpretation. Plus, it sounds cool!
The Stone Pony: Red Engine Nine has twice been nominated for Best Pop
Band at the
Asbury Music Awards. The use of the word “pop” has changed dramatically
over music history. Bands such as the Beatles and the Who were billed as
pop bands, and the early 1970s pop festivals produced legendary
performances by the likes of Jimi Hendrix. These days, “pop” has a more
negative connotation in the music world, generally seen as more
commercial. What is your definition of a “pop” band, do you accept the
description for your own band, and does that reflect your attitude towards
songwriting?
DC: Pop is Popular music. It's a sound that appeals to the masses. Pop is
Billy Joel and Pop
is N'Sync. There is an obvious difference between Billy Joel and N'Sync
but they're both
Pop. I think I speak for the band when I say being labeled a pop band
doesn't bother us in the least. We really don't think about it nor do we
care. Our goal is to get as many people listening to our music in hopes of
impacting each listener the way our favorite artists have impacted each
of us. We just want to make good music and wake up every morning knowing
that we can pay our bills doing what we love. Being called a Pop band only
assures me we are on the right path.
The Stone Pony: In addition to Best Pop Band, RE9 received nominations
at the 2001 Asbury Music Awards for Top Male Vocalist, Top Local Release,
Song of the Year, even Top Promotional Flier. What does the success and
packed turn-out at the last two Music Award shows say about the current
state of the local scene? What do all of these accolades mean to the
band? Does the band feel they are part of a larger scene or does that sort
of community really exist at all?
DC: I really don't feel that the last two packed Asbury Music awards are a
good example of a local scene. When I think of Local Scene I think of
bands that have a loyal fan base. I was more impressed with the last show
we played with Highway 9 and Borealis. I was amazed that 3 local bands
packed the Pony. I really was taken by the turn out that each of the bands
had and it felt so good to be a part of it. That is a true example of
a local scene.
The Stone Pony: The Top Promotional Flier nomination suggests the band
is very serious about promotion and getting the word out to fans. How
easy was it to make the jump from just playing music, to becoming involved
in the business side of music, such as promotion, booking gigs and trying
to “sell” your music to fans? Does the band handle all of these efforts
as a group, or are there individuals who handle those areas?
DC: It wasn't a very difficult thing at all for us. Running a band is a
business. Much like any other business you have have to market your
product. In order to sell CD's and build a fan base you have to create
awareness and get people to the shows. If you can't draw people to your
shows then the promoters won't go out of their way to help and you're dead
in the water. If a band doesn't work hard promoting, promoting, promoting
then they, in my opinion, aren't really serious about their art. Flyers,
stickers, sample cd's, are key to getting people to the shows. It's also
key to take the time and meet the people that continuously come to the
shows. We have met some amazing people that were fans and are now friends.
You can play the best show of your career but if there is no one in the
crowd it's a waste of time. Working with promoters, keeping
strong relationships with them is key. We do what is best for the band and
good business and strong songs are the key.
The Stone Pony: Your latest CD includes an “enhanced CD” multimedia
feature, which
has become more common on music releases in recent years. What made the
band decide to include this extra on their CD, and what do you hope that
the additional features will bring to the listener?
DC: We didn't have any plans of releasing an enhanced cd. However, I
recently became close friends with a guy name Matt Halloway (
Mediahooligan.com ) whom happens to be one of the best Flash Designers. He
is a big music fan and wanted to get involved in working with bands and
developing technology that better markets them. He started with us and we
couldn't be more happy. Adding features like an enhanced CD is another key
part to marketing the band.
It's really a cool feature that gives the fan something more to check out.
I remember how cool it was opening an album and just really checking out
the artwork and layout. It's great that now bands can package CD's with
enhancements like that and give the fans that extra little bonus.
The Stone Pony: Moving beyond the local scene, what goals has the band
set to accomplish over the next few months? Are you trying to increase
your exposure outside of this area of the country, and what steps is the
band taking to do so? Are there any projects fans can look forward to, or
places you plan to tour where fans should look out for RE9 appearances?
DC: We totally forgot to get a major record deal. I asked Pat ( Bass
Player ) to remind me to get one but, of course, he forgot and then I
forgot. Seriously? Collectively, one of our goals is to have some sort of
major label success. So, come 2002 we will be working very hard to
accomplish this goal. After the last show at the Pony interest in our band
both locally and [regionally] has really taken off. Also, as a result
of recent local bands signing with major labels, I believe there is some
kind of buzz building about the scene. We have been getting many requests
to showcase and we are in the process of putting it together.
Hopefully, 2002 will be our year and this time next year we will
be celebrating a major label release.
In the mean time, we continue to tour the college circuit thanks to our
booking agent, Auburn Moon. Thanks to their staff and their belief in us
we have played many universities all over the east coast, from Florida to
Maine. We really can't thank them enough ... Jeff and Nancy, if you're
reading this, we love you!
The Stone Pony: On one of the message boards where fans can discuss
your music, there was a long thread where they were discussing guitar tabs
for your songs. Several fans had taken the time to figure out different
ways to play your more popular songs, and were explaining options for how
to handle various rhythms, and which chords to use. What is your reaction
to seeing that sort of interest in your music, and knowing that fans are
interested enough to take the time and effort to want to learn and play
the tunes you’ve come up with?
DC: We were just talking about that the other day. We really get a kick
out of people taking the time to figure out how to play the songs. All I
can say is that it feels good and I hope, in time, many more people are
taking the time to learn our songs. Reading discussions like those keep us going.
The Stone Pony: On January 5th, you’ll be headlining at The Stone Pony,
with Casual Blue and Derive. What can you remember about the first time you played
the Pony, and how do the crowds at the Pony differ, or do they, from other
venues and cities in which you’ve performed?
DC: The first time I personally played the Pony was probably a few years
back. I can say that the staff there now is awesome. They are always
willing to help the band and make sure we are happy with everything. Both
Kyle and Dominic have done a great job managing the club and we as a band
have always been happy playing there. The crowds? They don't really differ
much from club to club. I guess it all depends on who you are sharing the bill
with.
Be sure to come out to the club on January 5th, when Red Engine Nine headlines for Casual Blue and Derive. For more about the band, check out their official web site, www.redenginenine.com, which includes news about the band, as well as MP3 sample audio clips of their latest work.
The Stone Pony Cafe: Good food and drink from 11:30 am daily!
We're happy to report the new web site for Highway 9, www.highwaynine.com, was unveiled to the public recently. Highway 9 is one of the newsletter's favorite bands, and we encourage everyone to check it out. Sign up for their mailing list and you'll have a chance to win a two-song CD sampler, a copy of their new self-titled EP, and other cool prizes. Check out the Newsletter page of the Pony's web site for our recent two-part interview with Gordon Brown of Highway 9. Their full-length debut release from Sony is due out in early 2002.
Now at asburypark.net: The Stone Pony has been named as the fifth best "reason to love New Jersey" in the January issue of New Jersey Monthly magazine.
An update from Jim Hickey, who is walking across America to raise money and awareness for Cancer research.
I now stand at 600 miles exactly. It has been a little slow recently because of a stiff lower back and severe shin splints. I still am encountering amazing kindness from perfect strangers who've opened up their hearts and homes to me in support of my mission. One such place is Hillsboro, Ohio. The Eagles lodge in Hillsboro accepted me with open arms. [They] let me speak before 225 of their members and a collection was taken by passing the can around. Knowing I had no place to stay, after walking 23 miles out of Hillsboro, they came and got me and brought me back into town so I had a place to sleep, and will return me to the spot tomorrow. They will never know how much they touched me and made me feel at home. That means so much being so alone and so far away. I wish I could take them with me. This was the best town I have walked into on my trip. This is America at its best. Another thing I am accomplishing is a program called Fargo's Christmas cards for kids, after an event that happened to me in Fargo, Oklahoma during my first trip. The children there knew I was coming upon my third Christmas on the road alone and wanted to get me a Christmas present. I asked them to send cards and letters to the children at the City of Hope. They sent 2 boxes of cards and letters to the children and will do so again this year. I have spoken to a number of school children on this trip who will institute this program in their areas. I hope to make this a national program. I will sorrily miss Ohio. I wish everyone back at The Stone Pony a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and a Happy New Year.
More on Jim's walk can be found in the November 2 and December 2 issues of the newsletter on the Newsletter back issue page of the Pony's web site.
Thursday Nights.Bounce Is Back! The Ultimate Dance Party with DJ Matrix and MC BJ, 20-oz. $1 drafts and $1 tube shots all night long, ladies free until 11, $5 with Monmouth University ID, 18 & up for everyone with two forms of ID, doors at 9:30.
