Asbury Park
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In conversation with Mike Chick: turning mistakes into meaning

It all started with a gifted cake—and a misspelling. A small yet thoughtful gesture from family after Yawn Mower released their album To Each Their Own Coat. But instead of “congrats,” the icing read “congarts.” It was the kind of mistake most people would get mad over and soon try to forget, but Mike Chick…
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In conversation with Chiara Maria: finding her way back to music

“Since I was a little girl, I have always loved singing. I started songwriting at the age of seven. The first song was ‘The Hamster Song,’” Chiara Maria confessed, laughing. “After that, it was just like a way for me to process my emotions, but I never told anyone about it. I didn’t want anyone…
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In conversation with Yawn Mower: ten years later

Ten years in, Yawn Mower hasn’t drifted far from where it began. Rooted in New Jersey, the band has grown in size and sound, yet its foundation is still tied to the place that shaped it. “I personally would only want to be celebrating a ten-year anniversary with New Jersey,” explained frontman Mike Chick. “I…
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REVIEW — Mike Chick’s single ‘Atom Bomb’ makes art out of the rubble

Fans of the Asbury Park music scene are no strangers to Yawn Mower. Their lo-fi indie sounds have performed all over Asbury and gained a growing fan base. Now, Mike Chick is preparing to release his newest LP, Congarts, on April 17. On March 20, Chick released “Atom Bomb,” the second single from the album. “Atom Bomb”…
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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,…
