IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rebounder
Among the growing range of indie rock artists, Rebounder for sure, is a “slam dunk.” Formed and currently based in NYC, the band is fronted by Dylan Chenfeld (lead vocals, guitar), with support from his brother Noah (bass, vocals), as well as Zack Kantor (guitar, vocals) and Cobey Arner (drums, vocals). Just a little over 3 years ago, they released their debut single, “Japanese Posters” (which has garnered almost 3 million streams on Spotify); following that release, in late 2020, they put out Subway Songs, an EP of their first few hits. Earlier this year, they released “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” and most recently, “Change Shapes,” featuring Jesse of The Neighbourhood, on June 24. Not only have they played a handful of venues in NYC including Baby’s All Right, Elsewhere, and The Bowery Ballroom, they have shared the stage with well-known artists such as Circa Waves, Dayglow, and The Neighbourhood. Just this summer, they performed at WonderStruck as well as the WonderBus Music & Arts festival in Ohio.
Last month on August 9, they sold out the Elsewhere rooftop (Brooklyn), with support from Toledo and Sedona. Taking a pause from music, Dylan kindly discussed the process behind creating “Change Shapes,” in addition to a restaurant they frequent. While they are hoping to be in HBO Max’s current reboot of Gossip Girl, they chat about where and how they would have enjoyed performing, had they been featured in the original TV series (which aired from 2007-2012 on The CW).
What’s the story behind the formation of Rebounder?
My brother and I have been musicians forever, always playing in different bands, sometimes having our own band. We were on the road as hired guns in a few different acts, and I planned on coming back to the city and doing something based around a group of songs I had recorded in my bedroom. We put a few out, then got a few friends to play some shows with us, and now, we are here.
What was the first instrument you started making music with?
Guitar!
Which song (released or unreleased) are you most proud of?
I think “Change Shapes” right now—I’m proud of the production on that one. There is a new song from the forthcoming project called “Factoury Girl” that may be my favorite in the live set.
You recently released a new tune, “Change Shapes,” featuring Jesse of The Neighbourhood, on June 24, 2021. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing it?
That was a fun one to make. I made the track for that on an old computer in the city, and then a month or so later, Noah and I got together in our studio and wrote a bunch of vocal ideas/lyric ideas. We went to LA in March to work on songs with some friends and mix some new Rebounder songs. Whenever we’re in LA, we try to make as much music as possible, and are always working out there with Jesse. I think we played him a few starts, and he connected with this one; we didn’t really plan on some kind of “collaboration.” As much as it is, we are always working on ideas, and this one really made sense as the Rebounder / Jesse song. I’m thrilled he hopped on it, as he really did his thing and added his personality into the tune in a real way. While we were there, one of our mutual friends, Jimmy Giannopoulos, came through and shot the video.
Photo by Clara McGregor (@claramcgregor)
While on the road, what are some of your essential tour items?
A good book, looking at the screens all day gets really boring. That and iced coffee.
What’s your favorite food and/or restaurant in NYC?
Lovely Day is the restaurant we currently have a somewhat exclusive parasocial relationship with. I don’t know if they are aware of it, but we are hitting it often.
Any favorite venues and/or memorable shows in NYC (as a performer)?
I think my favorite venue to play in the city is Bowery Ballroom. Our last show before COVID, we played with Nasty Cherry there and had a great crowd and lot of friends out; it felt like an exciting night (see featured photos).
I also have a fondness for Toronto. Really early, we supported The Neighbourhood there. When we went back with Dayglow, we saw a lot of people who were at the first show, which was cool to see. We did a little mini alvvays / Drake cover—gotta keep something local.
Which artists are currently on your music radar?
My buddy Joe has a project called Sipper, and he’s doing some really cool stuff. My brother Noah, who is in Rebounder with me, is releasing a few solo songs that I think are really strong. I feel like the past few weeks, I’ve been listening to a lot of Allen Toussaint, BC Unidos, and the most recent Avalanches record.
If there were a drink with the name “Rebounder,” what would it be?
Black Iced Coffee.
What’s a question you have wanted to get asked in an interview, and what’s the response to it?
Oh jeez. I don’t know if there is anything I want to be asked. I’m cool with just responding to what is on the page! A lot of people really wanna go deep and talk sports cause of the band name, but truth is, I am not too up-to-date on the sporting world. I just enjoy skateboarding and playing tennis at an art school level.
If you had been featured in the original Gossip Girl as a musical guest, where would you have wanted to perform? Which characters and/or cast members would you have liked to be in attendance?
Now this is a fantastic question. This is the question I’ve always wanted to get asked in an interview actually, hahaha!
It’s Rebounder @ The Bowery Hotel lobby, with main cast in attendance. As far as recurring cast goes, maybe we have some kind of Georgina / Carter Baizen (what a name) plot unfolding. I feel like our songs could be the backdrop to the drama that may ensue on a night like that.
Since that show was 12 years before we started Rebounder, we’ll have to focus our efforts on getting a song on the new show. Thank you, and vote Rebounder.
A tremendous thank you for Dylan and Rebounder for their time and thought to chat! Be sure to keep up with updates by following them on Twitter (@reboundernyc) and Instagram (@reboundernyc), as well as liking them on Facebook (/reboundernyc)!