Dug in NJ
a.k.a talents that are based locally to The Underground Edit
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In conversation with Luke Brindley: living for the music
Music is second nature for Luke Brindley. From growing up in a music-centric family in North Jersey to studying the art in school, it’s almost as if music is the sun and Brindley lives in its orbit. “My parents were amateur musicians,” Brindley explained, “and I played in a duo with my brother. Music, and…
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In conversation with Kenna Heim of Blush Boy: building a band, part 1
For Kenna Heim, the start of her journey with Blush Boy wasn’t a grand cinematic moment; it was a curious raised hand. “At one of our orientation meetings, I raised my hand and said something that told everybody that I was a singer,” Heim recalled. “Then I was approached by Gavin [Kim], and he was…
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In conversation with Lilies of David: power in contrast
Lilies of David didn’t set out to become a band. Originating as an alternative pop duo between Jeremy Rotolo and Dierdra McGrath, the project has since evolved into a five-piece band, joined by Michael Pulice (lead guitar), Matt Sonzogni (bass), and Derek Arnheiter (drums). “I kind of indirectly found out she could sing,” recalled Rotolo,…
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In conversation with James Maddock: unraveling the mystery of songwriting
British-born singer/songwriter James Maddock is renowned for his rousing live performances, deeply emotional music, and his innate ability to connect with audiences everywhere. For Maddock, his passion for music began at a very young age, under the wing of his grandfather, a semi-professional ukulele player. Learning to play the instrument himself, Maddock soon understood the…
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In conversation with Kiersten Blue: looking at the ‘Girl In The Mirror’
On the outside, Kiersten Blue is exactly what her name suggests: blue hair, melancholic lyrics, and even a single appropriately titled “Blue.” On the inside, though, Kiersten is overcome by an unmistakable drive and love for creating music. The singer is relatively new to the music world, having started during the COVID-19 pandemic almost six…
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In conversation with Chris Messineo: bringing ‘The Strange Dark’ to light
Before movies ever felt like a career path, they felt like a kind of magic for Chris Messineo. Growing up, Messineo believed the people who made films lived somewhere far away on the West Coast, in a world that felt unreachable. It wasn’t until his twenties, as independent film began flourishing outside of Hollywood, that…
