Many legendary musical seeds were planted in the Garden State. With their rip-sonic fruits, these recording artists have gone on to flourish worldwide.
For Freehold, the borough’s pride and joy is none other than Bruce Springsteen. The Boss unapologetically carries the Jersey flag wherever he and the E Street Band perform. In return, New Jersey natives flock in droves to every show within the state’s borders. On Sunday, September 15, that was Sea.Hear.Now 2024’s closing night in Asbury Park.
Although Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band served as the headliners, they weren’t the only hometown heroes to grace the North Beach Asbury Park stage. In fact, for its sixth installment, organizers cleverly decided to make that Sea.Hear.Now’s unofficial theme.
Throughout the lineup, attendees were pleased to learn that several rising acts represented various parts of the state. Among those musicians were Joe P, Rachel Ana Dobken, and Ryan Rutter of Sunshine Spazz. I had the chance to catch up with the musicians to discuss their local music scene, playing at the festival, and more. Swipe below to read our conversations.
Joe P Is Carrying The Torch For Asbury Park's Music Scene
What is your fondest memory of your hometown (or nearby) music scene?
Growing up in North Jersey, there weren’t many venues, so all the shows ended up being at VFW halls. Those are still my favorite shows I have ever played because it was literally just an empty room with no vibe at all, so you really had to learn how to put on a show from the ground up.
Are there any parts of your music that tie in elements from your Jersey upbringing?
Growing up in New Jersey is a unique experience because you can get to such contrasting places just by driving an hour or so in a certain direction. Because of that, I think I’m able to pull from so many different settings and moods for my songs. Driving from North Jersey to the shore when you first get your license is like seeing the entire world.
As a New Jersey native, what does performing at Sea.Hear.Now, mean to you?
Sea.Hear.Now has always been such a dream to play because it’s in my backyard. It sort of feels like a big party got set up right in the middle of a place where you hang out all the time, so the transition to playing on a big festival stage feels less daunting.
If there was one thing you want festivalgoers to take away from your set. What would that be?
I just want them to feel like they saw a show in a bar with 16 people. Nothing is better, to me than when you witness a great performance in a place with few people and sticky floors. I think that’s where I’m always trying to steer the show, no matter how big the actual room or stage is.
Growing up in North Jersey, there weren’t many venues, so all the shows ended up being at VFW halls. Those are still my favorite shows I have ever played because it was literally just an empty room with no vibe at all, so you really had to learn how to put on a show from the ground up.
Are there any parts of your music that tie in elements from your Jersey upbringing?
Growing up in New Jersey is a unique experience because you can get to such contrasting places just by driving an hour or so in a certain direction. Because of that, I think I’m able to pull from so many different settings and moods for my songs. Driving from North Jersey to the shore when you first get your license is like seeing the entire world.
As a New Jersey native, what does performing at Sea.Hear.Now, mean to you?
Sea.Hear.Now has always been such a dream to play because it’s in my backyard. It sort of feels like a big party got set up right in the middle of a place where you hang out all the time, so the transition to playing on a big festival stage feels less daunting.
If there was one thing you want festivalgoers to take away from your set. What would that be?
I just want them to feel like they saw a show in a bar with 16 people. Nothing is better, to me than when you witness a great performance in a place with few people and sticky floors. I think that’s where I’m always trying to steer the show, no matter how big the actual room or stage is.
Source: Joe P. Credit Jimmy Fontaine.
Rachel Ana Dobken Is Asbury Park's Bad Ass Multi-Hyphenate
What is your fondest memory of your hometown (or nearby) music scene?
My fondest memories include coming to the Pony around my college years (starting at 18) and seeing some of the incredible live local music this town had to offer. I was a closeted self-taught musician at the time, and it inspired me to dive into studying music in college. I would watch the bands and say, wow, this is incredible. I want to be up there with them shredding. And sure enough, it inspired me to make it happen.
Are there any parts of your music that tie in elements from your Jersey upbringing?
I am heavily inspired by the natural world, and this area is full of it. The rivers, the ocean, the beaches. I would say if anything, the atmosphere and ability to stop and observe has always allowed my art to thrive and be created. I don’t really ever try to sound like anything, but instead just allow and observe. I will always have a deep soft spot for this area.
As a New Jersey native, what does performing at Sea.Hear.Now, mean to you?
It's the highest compliment I have received to date as an artist. I’m incredibly grateful to the team, especially Danny Clinch, for having me. Beyond stoked!
If there was one thing you want festivalgoers to take away from your set. What would that be?
To know that I authentically mean what I say/play, and this is my truth. I’d like them to feel some sense of connection and belonging, to know they aren’t alone, and hopefully, to find comfort in my lyrics, as my songs are ways that I cope with my external reality. And to know that I am the real deal rock musician (drums, guitar, vocals), it's my absolute everything. I live and breathe rock and roll.
Source: Rachel Ana Dobken. Credit Michael Kravetsky.
Sunshine Spazz Is Ocean County's Breakout Psychedelic Garage Rock Trio
What is your fondest memory of your hometown (or nearby) music scene?
Sunshine Spazz’s frontman Ryan Rutter: Before the band started, most of my fondest memories were from shows inside The Stone Pony. Countless amazing acts continue to come through. The overall sound, the hundreds of people immersed in the entertainment, and an overall feeling of culture blended with community. As a Toms River native, it felt comforting to have a music scene so alive and nearby. My parents brought me to quite a few shows when I was 19-22 years old, and I always knew this was the place to be.
Are there any parts of your music that tie in elements from your Jersey upbringing?
Well, the pace is fast for the most part. So I would attribute that to the pace of life here, whether that be the way we drive or the way we scarf down pizza. Rock music is pretty universal, but there’s an undeniable NJ attitude that we bring to the table. A lot of that probably comes from playing sports competitively through high school too. Music has taken over as that new flow activity.
As a New Jersey native, what does performing at Sea.Hear.Now, mean to you?
Performing at Sea.Hear.Now gives us a feeling that our work has not gone unnoticed. We truly love being a part of this community, and there’s no denying that Sea.Hear.Now has quickly become the pinnacle of live music in this town. The blend of local acts with national and international acts is very special. I hope it becomes even bigger to the point where people realize that if you want to start a band and make big moves, you don’t have to be from one of the bigger neighboring cities like NYC or Philly. Being a part of the Asbury Park music scene encorporates everything that brings so much happiness to my personal life: friendship, creative outlets, artistic expression, acceptance of people from all walks of life, and a place to network with professionals and degenerates alike.
If there was one thing, you want festivalgoers to take away from your set. What would that be?
Simply put, we offer the only opportunity to start a mosh pit on the Sunday schedule. We are gonna bring it! The way IDLES tore up the Park Stage in 2022 was so memorable. I hope enough people get there early for our 11:40 AM set and are ready to: push, sweat, jump, and smile. Whether you want to or not, you’re gonna hear us.
Source: Sunshine Spazz. Credit KP.
