We're really fortunate to have been put on this little corner of earth as musicians because I definitely think New Jersey, and especially AP, offers a wider array of opportunities than you would find in most other areas of the U.S.

I know you didn’t think we just had one band in our February cassette mixtape right? Right!

We chatted with our boys Asbury Park-band America Part Two about how they met, their influences, and things coming up on the radar (other than the cassette). Check out the awesome interview below, get inspired by these rad dudes, and get yourself a cassette before the month ends.

So, how did you guys meet?

Freddie and I (Alex) met back in middle school. I was starting a band with two kids on my block that happened to be his best friend and cousin. He asked to join the band as our bassist, but at the time, our 6th & 7th grade minds didn't think we needed a bass player so we were like, "Nahh, we're good." Needless to say, after a couple practices we changed our minds. 

Fuck yeah Asbury Park! But what's it like being in a band there today? Crowded space? Decent following? etc

Asbury Park has one of the most bustling music scenes in the country right now, without a doubt. We're really fortunate to have been put on this little corner of earth as musicians because I definitely think New Jersey, and especially AP, offers a wider array of opportunities than you would find in most other areas of the U.S.. So many amazing artists and all around passionate people to work with in such a concentrated area certainly makes for some cool artistic creations. 

Your favorite lyrics you wrote?

We could talk about lyricism and what our songs mean to us for hours, but here are a couple lines we funk with a lot. 

Fred: "My eyesight worsens, focused wrong, think I need glasses but can't stand the thought, so I'll chisel my vision until there's nothing but rock." - "Hoedown (What Do You Know)"

Alex: "You're telling me that everybody gets the same pay for work? Not me, not she, not he, not they, tuition killed ambition for us anyway." - NEW SONG 

Rad but also that's half the fun ... favorite lines SOMEONE ELSE wrote

This also changes constantly, but uhh, here's two single lines out of all the things we like...we like a lot of things...

Alex: "Time should weep for having spent me without you." - Mary-Louise Parker, Dear Mr. You [book]

Fred: "I'm empty and aching and I don't know why. Counting the cars on the NJ turnpike, they've all come to look for America." - Paul Simon

What did you grow up listening to?

Freddie: Since we were raised on Rock n Roll in my house, my dad had a million CD's which I took to my room and jammed alone on my boombox, and thanks to MTV almost every morning before school, my sister and I grew up loving alternative and pop music. I still remember watching Weezer, My Chem, The Killers, Taking Back Sunday, even Gwen Stefani and Gorillaz videos, you name it. 

Alex: I'm first generation American, my parent's were both born and raised in other countries so I didn't have any american rock music truly influencing my life until I discovered All Time Low in 7th grade. Them and the rest of the Bamboozle era mid/late-2000's alternative scene just completely changed my life.

Your favorite part about being in a band?

Making a positive person-to-person connection and being able to express ourselves our way.

Your advice to other bands trying to 'make it'/make music/stay sane

Our advice? Uhh, work hard, practice hard, play harder. Connect with positive people that support and want to succeed just as much as you do. 

If you could play anywhere in the world, where would it be?

We can't just choose one... on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, in the Grand Canyon, in the Mountains of Nepal, the Roman Colosseum, the Ruins of Pompeii, the Parthenon, Australia, Hawaii, Russia. 

Finally, what do you hope to get out of this/what does success look like to you guys?

Put our small stamp on the history of music and live happily without being worried about keeping the lights on.   

Catch these guys at their upcoming show later this week!