Tag: sea hear now

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Dominate Sea.Hear.Now 2024

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It’s been rare — to say the least — when I’ve gone to a festival where the entire weekend revolved around one headliner. It was undeniable — the palpable energy at Sea.Hear.Now 2024 as the time to watch hometown hero — Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band — perform as the Sunday night headliner.

Spanning the two-day festival were iconic performances from the likes of Noah Kahan, Norah Jones, Trey Anastasio Band, and more…but it was clear from the beginning who this festival was about: The Boss.

From the first moments of this year’s Sea.Hear.Now, fans were decked out in their Bruce Springsteen merch. I’ve never seen a crowd so diverse in terms of age — longtime Springsteen followers and new listeners alike flocked to Asbury Park, New Jersey to see Bruce live.

Springsteen had not returned to Asbury Park since 2010 — when he performed an invite-only set at the Carousel House. This was the first time he played a set in New Jersey to a paying audience in decades…and The Boss didn’t disappoint.

Sea.Hear.Now Day One: Noah Kahan Brings Stick Season To The Beach

We rented a place in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, a few miles from Asbury Park. Saturday we opted to take the train in because it runs almost directly into the festival itself. I’d highly recommend that anyone planning on going to next year’s festival take advantage of public transportation.

As I entered the festival on Saturday, I did what all savvy festival attendees do: bee-lined for the merch stand before all the good stuff sold out. Since I’d arrived a bit late, I was already out of luck on a number of popular items.

I will always tell people to buy one piece of personalized merch at every concert you attend. It’s terrific memorabilia, and even better bragging rights. So, anything that states the festival lineup and location will do for me.

What I love about Sea.Hear.Now is that it truly showcases the beauty of Asbury Park itself. Once a struggling, rundown town, Asbury Park has rebuilt and transformed itself into a mecca for music, nightlife, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Festival performers like Joe P had amazing sets, where he performed classics like “All Day I Dream About” and “Off My Mind.” But Joe P also dropped in and played sets at local bars like Low Dive. Bruce Springsteen also played a surprise 30-minute set at the iconic Stone Pony that same Saturday night.

I quickly ate my go-to festival dinner — a pulled pork sandwich, which is never the best or worst attempt at barbecue I’ve had — and rushed to the VIP area for Noah Kahan’s headline set.

As always, Noah Kahan delivered a flawless performance. I’ve seen him perform his hit album, Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever), numerous times now and am constantly impressed by both his vocal power and humor.

But the VIP crowd was evidently there for Bruce. As I screamed the words along with Noah — to the horror of everyone around me — I discovered that many did not know a single song. That’s the worst part about VIP at a festival…it can be a bit stuffy.

Sea.Hear.Now Day Two: The Boss Is Back

The crowd at Sea.Hear.Now 2024 Nathan Zucker

By day two I was exhausted. No matter how small and cozy a festival is, there’s a lot of walking. My feet and legs ached as I woke up, but I knew I had more to go. But there was one factor motivating me, and his name is Bruce Springsteen.

This was my first Bruce show. Growing up in New Jersey, The Boss is an absolute superhero. It’s between him and fictional character Tony Soprano for top two New Jerseyans.

I’d heard many things about seeing the legendary E Street Band in person. Everyone knows that many artists wouldn’t be here without Bruce. And I knew what a big thing it was for him to play a hometown show for the first time in forever.

The anticipation was electric from the beginning, but Sunday in Asbury Park felt like Christmas came early.

Last year, the VIP section was flooded with people sitting in the food area, watching football games by the TV on Sunday. This year, the beach was packed by midday.

As soon as you entered the festival, everyone was wearing something Springsteen-related. While Saturday brought a few Noah Kahan-faithful, Sunday was solely for Bruce.

He popped into multiple other sets, like performing with the Trey Anastasio Band before his own headline performance. Bruce and his E Street Band were gifted a three hour slot — unheard of in most festivals.

But it was for entirely good reason. Bruce delivered an unforgettable performance that longtime fans know in their bones is once-in-a-lifetime. Many are saying that if they never see Bruce live again, ending with that performance would be perfect.

He played songs like “Thundercrack” for the first time since 2016 and “Asbury Park (Sandy)” for the first time since 2010. After a cover of “Twist and Shout,” he ended the concert with a piercingly resonant “Jersey Girl.”

The band may be aging, but you cannot tell by their onstage electricity and fervor. Springsteen turns 75 years old this week, but you’d think it’s the 80s by the way he’s playing.

And, consequently, he reminded the crowd that we cannot outlast the E Street Band. The lovemaking, earth shaking, groundbreaking E Street Band played their hearts out for three hours straight— with no break! — on the beach of Asbury Park.

All ages came together in that one glorious moment to experience an outstanding set. It was something special to gaze around at the crowd and see everyone, old and young, having the best night of their lives. That’s what music is all about, and that’s why Sea.Hear.Now 2024 was so special.

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Jai Phillips

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September 17, 2024
An Inside Look At Sea.Hear.Now 2024

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In terms of festivals, it doesn’t get any better than Sea.Hear.Now. Remove the uncomfy camping vibe that’s borderline abusive, and all the intensity of large-scale festivals located in remote areas…and you’ll have SHN.

An oasis nestled in Asbury Park, New Jersey — you won’t get a better experience than a concert on the sand. With local food, an easy-going crowd, and plenty of shopping opportunities, there’s something for everyone at this festival.

This year, Sea.Hear.Now 2024 is garnering more excitement than ever thanks to their star-studded lineup. With headliners Noah Kahan and New Jersey’s own, Bruce-The-Boss-Springsteen. Springsteen — the Sunday headline act — will have an extra-long, 3-hour set.

We attended the festival last year, and I was most surprised by how terrific the food was. I even heard people raving about the seafood at SHN. Admittedly, I’ve only eaten one Korean corn dog in my life…but this seemed to be a pretty good intro.

If you’re going to buy VIP tickets for any festival, this is the one where you’ll get the most bang for your buck. A guaranteed good view for Noah Kahan and The Boss, exclusive merch and food stands where you’ll have less of a line…and of course, my favorite: private bathrooms!

Sea.Hear.Now is only a few days away…But if you’re last-minute-spontaneous, tickets are still available on resale sites. If you want to know more about one of my favorite festivals, here’s the inside scoop for Sea.Hear.Now 2024!

Sea.Hear.Now 2024 Lineup

Sea Hear Now

The crowd at Sea.Hear.Now isn’t your typical festival crowd. The locals bring a certain informal atmosphere, and since there’s such a wide variety of performers, the crowd is just as diverse.

On Saturday, Noah Kahan, The Black Crowes, Grace Potter, and Joe P are names to watch out for. Sunday features megastars like Norah Jones, Joy Oladokun, and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band.

Since the festival is only 2 days long, it’s more manageable than a 3 or 4-day taxing experience. While I always have the time of my life at festivals, I’m often ready to go home earlier than anticipated.

Transportation at Sea.Hear.Now

I definitely would not take an Asbury Uber or Lyft during this festival. Last year, I wasted hours in Ubers just sitting in traffic (I think it’s because I wasn’t staying in Asbury Park). But even if you are: don’t use a rideshare service.

There’s a train that runs into Asbury Park itself, which I’d highly recommend. Go with the option where you won’t stuck in traffic, wishing you were home. Believe me.

Plus, rideshare prices will surge due to demand. Our Lyft driver last year charged us close to $100 extra because she took a different route and we ended up in more traffic. A train ticket is never market-based.

The Food

Surf Taco

Sea.Hear.Now features some of the best food from the Jersey Shore area. I’m addicted to Surf Taco — especially the eponymous fish taco which is a Jersey shore delicacy. Looking for food that’s absolutely delish and not just a mass-produced, high-caloric, flavorless mess? Surf Taco is for you.

Other favorites include Dank Dogs, Local 130 Seafood, and Lobster Rolls & More. Normally, I’d warn against the seafood options at a festival…but we’re literally at Sea.Hear.Now. It’s necessary.

Now, I’m not going to say that these food options will be the best meals in your life…or the cheapest. However, when it comes to festival life, pick your battles. Remember, the food is never the star of the weekend.

The Drinks

At every festival, there’ll be those random alcoholic beverage stands featuring familiar brands like Twisted Tea, Hendricks Gin, Aperol Spritz, and Tito’s.

These booths are my favorite stops because they offer photo ops left and right, exclusive brand merch that’s super cute. Last year, the Aperol Spritz sun hats were all the rage, and don’t forget the cute cocktails.

This year, keep an eye out for Bud Light, Mamitas, White Claw, Hendrick’s Gin, Twisted Tea, and more! I loved the Hendrick’s cocktails last year — and I’m not even a gin gal.

The Stages

Sea Hear Now

It’s not easy to get lost at Sea.Hear.Now, which is good news. The festival setup is truly manageable, you can stroll around and easily find each stage without getting overwhelmed or exhausted.

The 3 stages — the Surf Stage, Sand Stage, and Park Stage — are pretty self-explanatory. The Surf and Sand Stages are located across from one another right on the beach, while the stands are on the other side of the boardwalk.

Then, the Park Stage is between stands and the Sand Stage. Sprinkled throughout the festival are some of Asbury Park’s most famous bars and restaurants. Across from the Surf Stage — where Bruce Springsteen will be performing — stands The Stone Pony — the iconic music venue where Springsteen launched his career.

So, if you’re weary of the festival and simply want to rest somewhere and absorb all the fantastic sensations…there are plenty of places where you enjoy the glories that Asbury Park has to offer!

If you’re still looking for Sea.Hear.Now tickets, it’s not too late! Grab them here.

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Jai Phillips

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September 11, 2024
A Mecca For Live Music: A Review of Gov Ball 2024

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If there’s one thing I consistently endorse, it’s the power of a music festival. You get the best bang for your buck by having the opportunity to see dozens of artists all for the price of one weekend pass…and you get the chance to find your next favorite artist.

At their core, music festivals are relatively the same — overpriced drinks, under-seasoned food options,
more overpriced drinks, and, without a doubt, an overflowing port-a-potty or two. You’ll walk at least 10,000 steps per day, your feet will be screaming for help at the end of the night, and your willpower will for sure be tested.

From
Sea.Hear.Now in New Jersey to Coachella in California, festivals are a little hellish. But they’re incredible. All of these Survivor-esque factors make music festivals fun because you’re all struggling together…but the music makes it worth it.

And this past weekend, thousands flocked to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, New York to see the iconic East Coast festival: Gov Ball. If you’re from the Tri-State area, it’s a guarantee that you or someone you know has attended the Governor’s Ball at least once.

Yet, many warned me that Gov Ball was not what it used to be. However, I wasn’t going to resist such a star-studded lineup. Not only were headliners powerhouses like Post Malone, The Killers, and SZA…but the supporting acts were just as tempting: Sabrina Carpenter, Renee Rapp, and Chappell Roan were some of the names to watch.

So I put on my comfiest sneakers, and I went to Gov Ball 2024. And the big secret of it all is that I had a blast.

The Best Performances At Gov Ball 2024

The Killers

@hangrymarn this performance was to die for @The Killers @govballnyc #GovBall #GovBallNYC #MusicFestival #TheKillers #LiveMusic #SummerVibes #ConcertClip #NYCMusic #FestivalSeason ♬ original sound – marn

Brandon Flowers — lead singer of The Killers — declared them “the purveyors of some of the finest rock and roll music” and I can’t say I disagree. Whenever I see The Killers, I’m entranced.

Whether it’s their gospel church-inspired set, with background vocalists, cries of “can I get an AMEN?”, and a minutes-long chant of “I got soul, but I’m not a soldier”…The Killers set is always spiritual.

They play a plethora of their hits from albums like
Hot Fuss — where you get instant classics like “Somebody Told Me”, “Mr. Brightside”, and “All These Things That I’ve Done.” You get newer songs like “Caution” and you come away convinced that rock and roll will never die.

Renee Rapp

@sillyblonderenee “not to much on the theatre kids bc they can sing, they can sing” AND THATS EXACTLY WHAT SHE DID. thats how u do gov ball! #reneerapp #govball #reneerappsupremacy #inthekitchen #fangirl #theatrekid ♬ original sound – M

By far the finest vocalist at the festival was Renee Rapp, who is on her
Snow Hard Feelings tour. Rapp has had a blockbuster few years, with her show Sex Lives of College Girls, and playing Regina George in the Mean Girls reboot. Songs like “In The Kitchen” and “Pretty Girls” went viral on TikTok.

With a similar stage presence to Billie Eilish, Renee Rapp donned baggy clothes and sunglasses. She crawled around stage, stared longingly into the camera as she sang, and bent forwards and backward up and down the catwalk.

But what really comes through is her voice. She can belt a ballad with the best of them — powerhouses like Jennifer Hudson, Demi Lovato, and Adele. She touches your soul with heartbreaking lyrics, and cracks you up with quips like “I wish this song weren’t written about a man, either.”

If you get the chance to see her live, go.

Chappell Roan

They need to study the rapid rise of Chappell Roan in the history books. She’s instantaneously synonymous with LGBTQ music icons like Lady Gaga. Her album,
Rise and Fall of a Midwest Person, was originally a favorite of TikTok users…but quickly zipped up the charts.

Her Coachella performance played to a packed tent at full capacity…so there was high anticipation for her Gov Ball mainstage performance. She starts the show by entering in an apple, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, smoking a huge joint — which is the epitome of Chappell Roan.

Roan and her all-female band were captivating from start to finish. With Chappell’s dramatic flare and her band’s ability to absolutely rock out, the whole crowd was entranced by Chappell…including myself.

Sabrina Carpenter

Another rapidly rising star is Sabrina Carpenter. She opened for Taylor Swift on
The Eras Tour and also had a major Coachella performance. She’s seen chart-topping success with both “Espresso” and now “Please, Please, Please,” and let’s not forget her newly hard-launched relationship with Saltburn’s Barry Keoghan.

Ever since her love triangle with Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett, Carpenter’s love life has been a major topic of conversation…and inspired much of the
emails I can’t send album. Gearing up for her latest era, with millions more monthly streamers, Carpenter has all the star power of the next big pop princess.

She mashed up songs like The Cardigans’ “Lovefool” and her own “Feather”, she belted “because i liked a boy”, and of course sang “Please, Please, Please” for the first time. Big dance breaks, amazing vocal runs, and her quick wit make Sabrina a must-see.

Post Malone

Post Malone’s set provided one of the lighter moments of the festival when he brought up two individual audience members to perform his ballad, “Stay”, together. If you’re familiar with the song, you know it’s a beautifully haunting slow song.

So, of course, he brings a guitarist — who does fine — and a girl to sing with him. Normally, you’d expect the person who offers to join a famous headliner onstage to be able to sing..so when this girl failed to hit the first note, the crowd knew we were in for a treat.

However, Post Malone sang along and remained professional. Of course, he’s a great performer himself, but this alone lands him a gold star.

How To Have The Best Gov Ball Experience

@govballnyc soaring over the packed crowd @chappell roan 🗽🍷🔥 #govballnyc #govball 🎥 @colin fpv ♬ original sound – govballnyc

Although you’re encouraged
not to drive to Gov Ball, I live 40 minutes away and am a public transportation hater. After a few arduous bouts with the subway and buses, I needed to drive there on Sunday or my body would revolt.

Luckily, there was parking available at Citi Field and right next to where the subway drops commuters off. If you’re brave enough to take a ride-share service, I’d recommend leaving at an off-time where you won’t hit traffic from festival-goers or New York City partiers.

If you can afford it, I’d say VIP made my experience 1000x better. It gets you a guaranteed front-row view of the stage and you won’t feel claustrophobic or have to shove fellow audience members out of your way. There are plenty of areas to sit and relax while watching the show, which is something GA doesn’t provide.

However, the food options were quite limited in the VIP areas. So I tried my luck in the GA food vendor areas and ended up waiting for 20 minutes in endless lines. But what did truly saved the weekend was the private bathroom and bar options to avoid those long lines.

Overall, Gov Ball was so much better than anticipated…and I look forward to next year.

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Jai Phillips

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June 11, 2024
Inside Gov Ball 2024: The NYC Staple Festival Is Back

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New York is home to an abundance of A-listers and socialites, the Met Gala, a rich sports history, and a strong hand in the music industry. In terms of music hotspots, the Big Apple reigns as the East Coast capital for major record labels, festivals, and stunning venues.

The summer brings live performances to an already thriving music scene…my personal favorite is The Governor’s Ball. Also known as Gov Ball, it takes place in Corona Park in Flushing, Queens and is a must-attend for music lovers everywhere.

From Sea.Hear.Now to Coachella, I love a good festival. I constantly rave about the benefits of spending your money on a festival over a concert. In Girl Math terms, it’s the most fiscally responsible choice: you get to see 100 concerts for the price of one.

Each year at Gov Ball, the biggest artists in the world spanning multiple genres gather for memorable performances. From June 7-9, 2024, tens of thousands of fans will flock to Corona Park to hear the likes of Post Malone, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, Peso Pluma, and more.

What makes Gov Ball unique is their commitment to the fan experience. It’s not just a haphazardly thrown festival with lackluster stage production, lack of water and bathrooms, and barely edible food. No, Gov Ball has been a renowned local gem for over a decade.

For years, my friends have told tall tales of their past lives at Gov Ball…it’s something everyone who’s anyone in the Tri-State Area has attended at least once in their lives. It’s our East Coast Coachella.

This year, I’m super excited to be attending Gov Ball and giving you all the inside information you need. It’s one of the hottest festivals this summer, you won’t want to miss out.

We’re officially one month away, so here’s what you need to know so far.

Gov Ball lineup Gov Ball 2024

Ultimately, what gets everyone excited about a festival is the lineup. GovBall rarely misses with their performers, and this year has a great mix of different genres and names in the industry.

GovBall 2024’s headliners feature: Post Malone and Rauw Alexander, The Killers and 21 Savage, and SZA and Peso Pluma. Other performances include Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Renee Rapp, Dominic Fike, Labrinth, Sexxy Redd, and more.

With such a diverse lineup, there’s a chance to see artists you know and love…and perhaps be introduced to your next favorite singer. Live performances show you an artist’s true colors – especially in a lineup like GovBall.

Gov Ball Food and Drinks

Gov Ball food and bev list 2024 Gov Ball

What may be equally as important as the music is the food. I’ve been to countless festivals where I’d almost rather starve than eat their cuisine. Yes, the $18 pulled pork sandwich may look good on the outside, but on the inside it’s somehow flavorless.

Luckily, GovBall highlights local favorites and a variety of cuisines that people actually rave about. Their food vendors include top-rated NYC essential establishments such as Magnolia Bakery, Van Leeuwan, Mao’s Bao, and Gotham Burger.

This is the one time in my life I’m looking forward to trying the food at a festival…and that’s because GovBall takes the time to highlight New York City’s diverse culture. They’re well aware that not everyone gets a chance to see the city that never sleeps…so they bring it to you.

Plus, with featured beverages like Aperol Spritz, Dunkin Donuts, Espolon Tequila, Jack Daniel’s, and more, you’re guaranteed a good time.

Getting Tickets To Gov Ball

Here’s where Gov Ball impresses me the most: the options for attending the festival are endless. Sure, there’s your classic 3-day pass or you can choose to attend an individual day if there’s a specific artist you want to see. But what stands out are the other opportunities to upgrade your experience.

The GA+ option allows access to private, air-conditioned bathrooms in the GA+ Lounge. You’ll also have a private bar, which genuinely saves a ton of time. There’s nothing worse than waiting in a line when your favorite artist is about to perform.

If you want an elite experience, the VIP pass is for you. With luxury lounges throughout the festival, a sectioned area for a more private concert experience at the front of the stage, access to the express lane at merch stands, and all the amenities of GA+.

Although pricey, VIP tickets eliminate all the festival hiccups attendees can face. Bathroom and merch lines can be taxing everywhere, and in the summer heat you don’t want to spend a lot of time waiting around.

But that’s not all! If you’re dying to see an artist and want the insider experience…there’s a one-day Ultimate pass, which offers up backstage access to Artist Village, $100 credit to use towards merch, golf cart transportation between stages, and access to a shared all-inclusive Guest Cabana.

Popdust’s Gov Ball Must-Sees

Let’s be frank, we’re all at the festival for one thing and that’s the music. I’m super excited to catch a few of my tried and true artists like The Killers, Post Malone, and Renee Rapp…however, this will be my first time seeing a bunch of my favorite artists live.

Here’s who you absolutely need to see when you go to GovBall 2024:

Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter has not stopped performing. From her own emails i can’t send tour to opening for Taylor Swift on The Era’s Tour to Coachella to GovBall. It won’t be long before she’s on the main stage for these festivals, so catch her while you can.

Chappell Roan

Chappell RoanRyan Clemens

Another force in the music industry is bubblegum pop princess, Chappell Roan. Roan went viral for her iconic Coachella performance – you won’t want to miss her fervent fanbase and electric live shows.

Goth Babe

Goth BabeInsomniac

Goth Babe’s music is made for the summer. If you want a relaxing, transcendental experience then see Goth Babe.

Post Malone

Post MaloneMeg Young

A superstar artists in the industry (and he’s making a run at the country scene), Post Malone is a mega-talented performer. I caught him a few years back at Firefly Music Festival and can’t wait to see him again.

Renee Rapp

Renee Rapp

Renee Rapp seamlessly floats between actor and singer without missing a beat. After seeing her live a few months ago, I instantly became a fan of her music. She’s an enigma who keeps growing.

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Jai Phillips

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May 8, 2024
Royal Blood Takes Sea.Hear.Now By Storm

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Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher are childhood friends who shared a love for rock-and-roll music growing up. With Kerr’s vocals and bass and Thatcher’s drums, together the pair created Royal Blood- manifesting their love of rock into a full-fledged rock duo sensation. The British duo have been making hits for a while now, amassing a dedicated fanbase for good reason.

Their knowledge of rock shows in their own music, playing into guitar riffs and big drumbeats that meld perfectly together. Their music quickly tops the UK charts, and together they earned the highly coveted Best British Group at the 2015 BRIT Awards- beating out One Direction, Clean Bandit, Coldplay, and alt-J. Since 2013, the band has put out four flawless studio albums, most recently Back To The Water Below.

The aforementioned album was a stylistic shift for Royal Blood, who abandoned their normal sound and tailored each song specifically- choosing instruments that sounded right for specific tracks. They completely produced the track independently, and they stayed true to Royal Blood by having fun doing it.

It can feel risky for artists to change up their sound completely, but with the duo’s growing confidence in their ability to make major music…there was no better time than now. With the success of their previous album, Typhoons, Royal Blood was able to create a full album unlike anything they’ve ever done before. It worked.

Back To The Water Below consists of 10 flawless tracks (and two bonus singles on the Deluxe version) that switch from graceful piano melodies to dream-pop bass runs seamlessly. It blends genres of pop, rock, and alternative without missing a beat, which is a sign of a band that knows who they are. You can listen to the album here:

Their performance at Sea.Hear.Now told me all I needed to know about Royal Blood: their confidence and swagger radiates onstage…and the new tracks like “Pull Me Through” truly encompass this new era.

Kicking off their North American headline tour at Sea.Hear.Now 2023, I sat down with singer and bassist, Mike Kerr to talk the new album, tour, and more!

PD: You released your new album this month, Back To The Water Below. What was the inspiration behind it?

RB: The inspiration is kind of always about reacting to the album you made before it, you know? So the album we made before was during COVID and lockdown, so it felt more like a studio album. With this album now, we made it for the live shows. Playing live and going back to that simplicity and who we are again is the main sort of inspiration.

PD: Would you say you had playing live in mind when you wrote the album?

RB: I think we always do. We get a lot of ideas- or beginnings of ideas- on the road when we were touring. So I feel like, yeah, it was always on our minds.

PD: This kicks off your North American tour- what are you most excited about with performing live?

RB: I think it’s just getting to be with our fans and getting that connection. We don’t get to come here as often as we’d like…and as COVID proved, you never know when the next time is that you’re going to get to be together. I think it’s about being in front of people.

PD: You’re childhood friends who shared a love for rock- who were your favorite artists growing up?

RB: Favorite artists would be The Beatles, Queen, Rage Against The Machine, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, and Jeff Buckley.

PD: If you could summarize the album in a few words, what would they be?

RB: I would say melodic, English, and rock-and-roll…which I’m counting as one word.

PD: Songs like “Pull Me Through” are a bit of a stylistic shift for you guys. Were you consciously doing this while writing or did it just happen?

RB: It’s mainly something that’s just happening. I think when we start ideas that sound fresh, that’s usually the kind of reason to continue with them. I think when you’re writing and you feel like you’ve done it before, it’s not really inspiring.

PD: What are your favorite songs to perform live?

RB: “Shiner In The Dark” is my favorite at the minute and a song called “Waves”, which is the last track on the album.

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Jai Phillips

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September 20, 2023
Sea.Hear.Now 2023 Proves Rock Is Here To Stay
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Asbury Park, New Jersey is not just a popular shore destination, but a Mecca of music history. Home of iconic venues like The Stone Pony- where Bruce Springsteen got his start in performing- thousands of people flock just for The Pony alone…but every September, the seaside city gathers to celebrate rock and roll for Sea.Hear.Now.

Sea.Hear.Now is the perfect ending to your summer for multiple reasons. It gives you an excuse to enjoy the sun and the sand one more weekend post Labor Day, even better that you throw all of your favorite artists together. I’ve always said that festivals are the best bang for your buck as a music fan- you spend a few hundred dollars to see at least 10 artists over multiple days with general admission seating, as opposed to that $2,000 Taylor Swift ticket.

I’ve been to a few festivals spanning from Firefly in Dover, Delaware to the infamous Coachella in Indio, California. I’ve seen bands I may not have purchased single show tickets to, and I’ve become fans of artists just by happening upon their performances at these events. Festivals are great ways to try out new music without throwing all your money away- and there’s no better way to get a feel of an artist than seeing them live.

This was my first year at Sea.Hear.Now, and it didn’t disappoint. For fans of older music and new music alike, there’s truly something for everyone here. Located on the actual beach (so bring sand-appropriate shoes), Sea.Hear.Now features clothing pop-up shops, local food and drink vendors, and much, much more. Here are the highlights:
The Best Performances of Sea.Hear.Now 2023

The Killers at Sea.Hear.Now 2023

Chris Phelps

I’d be crazy if I didn’t start with what we all came for: the music. I hadn’t seen most of these acts live before, but I have admittedly seen (and worshipped) The Killers at Firefly a few years ago. But my reviews are as follows:

Sheryl Crow- if I can look half as good as her, I will consider myself successful. My first headline thought was: Breaking News: Sheryl Crow Has Still Got It. She has a powerful voice, knows how to rock the guitar, and “Soak Up The Sun” will always be famous.

Greta Van Fleet- one word: wow. Everyone compares them to Led Zeppelin, and I was so shocked by the vocal range and witty banter they provided. I became an instant fan.

Royal Blood- not only did I get the chance to interview the lovely British duo this weekend, but also see these two rockstars. Kicking off their tour, Royal Blood did not disappoint.

The Killers- I can’t say enough about this band and how amazing they are live. They opened with my favorite song of all time, “Mr. Brightside,” and I astral projected to the moon. Ask anyone there, The Killers are a must-see whenever they’re in town, bringing up a fan every time to play drums with them. Always electric, never a let down.
Greta Van Fleet at Sea.Hear.Now 2023

Pooneh Ghana

Stephen Sanchez- Sanchez creates story lines with his music, and to hear it seaside felt ethereal. Hits like “Until I Found You” sound better at the beach.

The Beach Boys- First of all, they brought out John Stamos as their drummer (instant win). But Mike Love and Bruce Johnston brought the house down, with Love’s son also helping them out. I loved every second of it.

Mt. Joy- Philly’s finest, Mt. Joy sounds just as good live as they do on your phone. Something about Mt. Joy at Sea.Hear.Now just makes sense.

Weezer- Weezer was another highlight of the festival- playing all of their hits and sounding identical to their soundtracks. “Beverly Hills” and “My Name is Jonas” were some of my faves.

The Foo Fighters- The Foo Fighter fans were plentiful, belting out every word. They didn’t miss a beat, and were the perfect ending to a rock-filled weekend.

The Food at Sea.Hear.Now

At any given festival, the food looks better than it tastes. It’s just a fact, no matter what they try and tell you. However, I did have my first Korean-style corn dog, which was essentially a giant mozzarella stick with a hot dog in the center and sauce on top…and it was delicious despite the fact that it would have sent a Pilgrim into cardiac arrest.

The drinks were moderately priced compared to other festivals I’ve been to, there were plenty of free water stations (as opposed to Coachella), and I need to give a special shoutout to the Hendricks Boat Bar. They had the best triage of Hendricks drinks (I don’t even like gin and these were delicious) curated by Erik Andersson, who also gave us a great tour.

The Experience at Sea.Hear.Now

Cam Richards

Fiona Mullen

Sea.Hear.Now has a lot to offer: picture opportunities, specific drink tents like Tito’s, Twisted Tea, etc., and even shopping opportunities. And for once, I want to emphasize the perks that VIP tickets could get you: your own viewing area close to the stage so it’s never a bad view, access to festival merchandise (not bands, however), your own bathroom area and food/bars, TV’s and a lounge. It’s truly worth the upgrade.

There’s even a surfing competition, which honestly worried me a bit since there was a hurricane but I’m not the professional. But what I loved about this festival is it stayed true to Asbury Park’s roots, featuring everything the small city had to offer.

No matter what, it’s a more relaxed vibe compared to the intense marathon that Coachella is. You have a wider age range of people, all dressed however they want (from festival chic to football jerseys on Sunday). But that’s the beauty of Sea.Hear.Now: come as you are, all will be welcomed.
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Jai Phillips

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September 19, 2023
Your Weekend Playlist: New Music To Listen To

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I don’t know about you guys, but I’m feeling a bit lackluster this week. It may be because of the raging illness I’ve been fighting- and I know I’m not alone here…but there is truly nothing I need more than the weekend and new music.

I’m gearing up to cover Sea.Hear.Now festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where I’ll be beach-side watching bands like The Killers and The Beach Boys play all weekend. Naturally, that means I need a playlist to get me through the drive to the shore, one that will hype up me and my roommates for a great weekend.

But, let’s not be selfish here, I’m sure you also have plans (and one day, I’d love to hear about them, just not now!) Here’s the thing about me, and I’m sure someone can relate, I find it hard to listen to the same playlist week after week. Whether I’m pregaming for the bars or driving to my next destination, I will tire of the same songs when I overplay them.

And then there’s the songs that I hyper-fixate on, listening to them on repeat until I finally scratch the itch and stop forever. Regardless, my mindset is “out with the old, in with the new” and you know what that means…

We have a whole new week’s worth of music to celebrate! That’s right: Drake and SZA, Demi Lovato, Chris Lake and Aluna, and more will be gracing our ears this weekend. If no one else is excited for this playlist, I am…so as always, let’s get listening!

Noah Kahan, Lizzy McAlpine- “Call Your Mom”

There aren’t enough sufficient words in the world to describe my love for Noah Kahan. He’s one of the busiest men in music right now- touring the world, collaborating on “Dial Drunk” with none other than Post Malone, he was just spotted recording with Zach Bryan, and now has released his collab with Lizzy McAlpine on his song “Call Your Mom.”

While “Call Your Mom” was already touching, Lizzy McAlpine’s voice lends a different perspective to the song. When your favorite artists announces a collab, part of you is nervous because you fear the song will be ruined now…but that isn’t the case with Lizzy McAlpine, whose gentle vocals enhance Noah’s, melding perfectly into one of the best duos music can get.

Chris Lake, Aluna- “More Baby”

Chris Lake and Aluna are quickly emerging as the ultimate dance duo: with Aluna’s sultry vocals and Chris Lake’s iconic production abilities, it’s no surprise that they followed up the success of “Beggin” with their new single: “More Baby.” A song perfect for your pregames, your runs, or for any time you want to get up and moving, “More Baby” is classic Chris Lake.

It’s been a huge year for both Lake and Aluna, who have been touring and simultaneously releasing banger after banger. You can’t help but feel like this isn’t the end for a budding dynamic duo like these two, and “More Baby” just solidifies that any track can be a hit if their names are attached.

Oliver Tree- “Fairweather Friends”

Ahead of his third studio album, ALONE IN A CROWD, Oliver Tree has released dynamic single “Fairweather Friends.” Oliver Tree is one-of-a-kind, blending beats and genre-bending to create music fresh to your ears. With “Fairweather Friends,” Tree gives us a glimpse into the new album, which is about how we as humans act surrounding pop culture – the good and the bad.

“Fairweather Friends” makes for the perfect single, exciting and refreshing, introspective and self-deprecating. It’s about the friends that stick around when you’re at your highest of highs, but who are not necessarily there when you need them most. Everyone has had them, but Tree’s catchy beat and punchy lyrics make this song a thrill to listen to.

Shay Lia- “ON THE LOW”

If you want a song that embodies After Hours at the club, where you’re just focusing on dancing all night…then try Shay Lia’s “ON THE LOW.” Shay Lia’s crooning voice is ideal for her R&B sound, but it’s also perfect for mixing up genres and stepping out of the norm. “ON THE LOW” is an example of how Lia can throw her voice into any genre- dance, R&B, pop, you name it- and it will work.

Shay Lia created this track with Kaytranada, marking their 10th collaboration together over their long-time friendship. Now 10 years later, “ON THE LOW” shows that nothing has changed for the pairing: they’re still friends, they can still make a hit track, and it’s always going to work for them.

DWLLRS- “This Heaven’s Tall”

DWLLRS has a way of perfectly capturing nostalgia and wrapping it up into a flawless track. Their melancholic music can feel eye-opening, beautiful, and rare all at once. Their new single, “This Heaven’s Tall”, deals with the risks and rewards of falling in love with someone new, and, as always, the California duo puts their own spin on love that listeners will appreciate.

“This song captures a sweet ignorance of feeling close to heaven while falling in love-knowing that this love is temporary, and the fall will be devastating. Is the pain worth the thrill?”

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Jai Phillips

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September 15, 2023