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| The Wag are hoping to become a signed act in 2006 |
The year 2005 was rather eventful in
the world of New Jersey music. It was a year, during which the
area’s most legendary performer Bruce Springsteen released a solo
effort entitled Devils & Dust and toured the world. Back in
Asbury Park, 2005 saw the kick off of some impressive young acts, as
the veteran bands continued to play at some rather impressive
venues.Brian Ostering, bassist for Middletown, NJ-based The Wag,
said the most memorable moment for his band was developing and
writing acoustic songs for its new acoustic set.
“This year we have developed an acoustic set, which has made it
possible for us to perform in venues that are new to us,” he said.
“It is a new creative outlet for us. It was challenging and
rewarding.”
The band was nominated for the fifth time as Top Pop Band in the
2005 Asbury Music Awards, something which Ostering also included as
a highlight.
“It’s a great compliment, considering all the pop acts around
these days,” he said. “Also, having opened for some pretty big-name
acts has been a big highlight for us."
Though 2005 was a memorable year, all of the Wag’s years together
can be described in the same manner, he said.
The band’s goal in 2006 is to become a signed act, he said.
For John Rango, lead guitarist for Echofission, the past year’s
most memorable moment happened during the Live 8 concert.
“The most memorable musical moment in 2005 is the reunion of Pink
Floyd at Live 8,” Rango said.
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| Echofission's new CD "Amplify The Sun" will be released early in 2006 |
Rango said Echofission’s highlights included hosting a Hurricane
Katrina relief benefit show that drew about 300 people and playing
its first theater show at the Luna Stage in Montclair, NJ.
“But, most importantly, we went back into the studio this fall to
record a seven-song EP with longtime friend and recording engineer,
Mod [Elefant],” he said.
The band’s top priority in 2006 will be to have as many people
become exposed to its music as possible, he said.
Echofission's "Amplify The Sun" will be released on Jan. 14 at
the Mexicali Blues Cafe in Teaneck, NJ. Free copies of the CD will
be distributed during the show.
“Joining us as opening and supporting acts will be Seminole jam
band God Street Wine guitarist/vocalist Lo Faber,” Rango said “Lo
will be playing an opening acoustic set, as well as joining
Echofission during their set and our friends who we play with more
than any other band, Souls' Release, will play a set as well. After
the release party, the band will play some gigs supporting the new
album and also work on new songs.”
The fifth year of the 21st century seemed memorable for both
Echofission and The Wag and both should garner some more momentum
early in 2006.
“It was most definitely a memorable year,” Rango said. “After
playing for years together, we have solidified our sound and have
become more open-minded and experimental. That is memorable for us.”
[ Websites: www.thewagband.com and www.echofission.com ] |
