INTERVIEW: NJ’s Bobby Mahoney is ready for ‘Another Deadbeat Summer’
Photo: Bobby Mahoney’s new album is called Another Deadbeat Summer. Photo courtesy of Hannah Greve / Provided by Earshot Media with permission.
Bobby Mahoney, an indie alt-rocker, grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey, but has been heavily influenced by the sounds coming from Asbury Park, New Jersey, and all up and down the Jersey Shore. Asbury Park, the musical capital of the Garden State, has developed and supported so many acts over the years, from Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny to Bobby Bandiera, Jon Bon Jovi and Steven Van Zandt. The music venues in town are almost as legendary as the musicians who have graced their stages. There’s the Stone Pony, of course, but also the Wonder Bar, the House of Independents, The Saint and the historic Turf Club, which is being renovated into a music and cultural hub.
Mahoney has soaked in this history, learning its many vital lessons, and he’s prepared to leave his own stamp on the sonic environment of Ocean and Monmouth counties. The guitarist-singer is back with a new album called Another Deadbeat Summer, featuring the single “We Go On.” To show his Jersey pride, he is releasing the album on Wicked Cool Records, Van Zandt’s label. Joining Mahoney in the band are James McIntosh on drums, Andrew Saul on guitar and vocals, and Jon Chang-Soon on bass and vocals.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Mahoney to learn more about his music and how the Jersey Shore has influenced his sound. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can fans expect from Another Deadbeat Summer?
Another Deadbeat Summer is an energetic, raw, catchy, punk rock ‘n’ roll record! It is a collection of songs from our last two EPs, remixed and remastered from the ground up, with some new elements.
How long has this recording project been in the works?
In some ways, we have been working on some of these songs since 2014, 2017 and 2020, respectively, from initial writing and recording! The actual project with Wicked Cool Records has been in the works for about two years now, so it has all been a long time coming!
Is there a hope that this album will lead to even greater success across the country?
Definitely. That is certainly our hope and our goal! Everything we do is in the service of getting our music in front of more people. We are hoping to play in as many new places as possible across the U.S. and the world! We definitely hope to play our first L.A./California show sometime as soon as we can!
What’s it like to be on Wicked Cool Records? How have these early days been?
It has been a thrill, honestly! To have a hero of ours like Little Steven supporting us is a dream come true, and the whole team at Wicked Cool have been excellent to work with! The roster of bands is phenomenal, and our first official show with the label was at an official SXSW Showcase in Austin, Texas!
How much did the Jersey Shore sound influence your career?
Very much so! Some of my first musical memories were listening to “Bad Medicine” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi, as well as “Born to Run” and “Glory Days” by Springsteen. We also love Brian Fallon and the Gaslight Anthem. There are so many incredible acts on the Jersey Shore now that I am constantly inspired by our peers, like Joe P (RIP Deal Casino), Little Hag, JC Soon (our bassist’s project), Williams Honor, The DT’s, The Foes of Fern, Natalie Ferell, Lou Panico. I could keep going. Rock & Roll Tour of the Jersey Shore by Stan Goldstein and Jean Mikle became like a bible to me, and to be friends with people like Gordon Brown (Highway 9, Mr. Reality, Williams Honor), who I grew up reading about in that book, is still wild to me! I have learned so much from Gordon Brown and Reagan Richards (Williams Honor), in particular.
What’s it like to perform at such legendary venues like the Stone Pony?
My goal when I was a kid was to play the Pony at least once. I am very fortunate to have been able to live that dream many times over at this point, both as an opening act and as a headliner! There is so much history there. It is never lost on me how lucky I am to get to be on that stage. I played there for the first time on Oct. 10, 2010 (10.10.10), when I was 15, and the first show I went to see there the following December was Jesse Malin with my mom. And to this day that was a defining rock ‘n’ roll moment for me.
Describe a Bobby Mahoney live gig to someone who hasn’t had the privilege yet.
We take a lot of pride in being an energetic and uplifting concert experience. My goal is to have the audience leave feeling inspired to go after whatever goals or dreams they have for themselves. I figure if they can see people like us giving our dreams and passions 110%, they might be inspired to do the same. We play fast and loud rock ‘n’ roll, and you will leave singing at least one of our songs on the way home. We are real and raw on stage, and I think that resonates with people. I like to say we will play basements, bars, backyards, theaters, arenas, (stadiums one day) and everything in between. And we play every show like we are playing the Garden, and we leave it all on the stage. Regardless of what kind of music you typically listen to, or whatever age you are, I think there is something for everyone at a Bobby Mahoney show.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Bobby Mahoney’s new album is called Another Deadbeat Summer. Click here for more information.
