IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sonic Blume

Formed in 2015 and currently based in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Sonic Blume is surely growing among the indie-rock scene. The band consists of Max Connery (lead vocals, guitar, synth), Danny Murray (drums), and Noah Sullivan (guitar, vocals), who are joined by live musicians James Waltsak (bass) and Gabe Carvalho (synth). They put out their debut self-titled EP in 2017, followed by Beach Karma in 2018. These led up to the release of their first full-length record, We’re Drifting Further Apart, Aren’t We? on August 13, 2021 (via Shore Point Records), featuring singles such as “Aubrey,” “Pink Boots,” and “Happy.” Sonic Blume have been featured on numerous radio stations local to New Jersey, along with college, national, and international (in Brazil and Germany). Aside from performing at venues such as Starland Ballroom and Asbury Lanes, they have also shared the stage with notable artists such as Tor Miller, The Happy Fits, and Joe P. They have additionally opened for Work in Progress, Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things)’s band.

They recently wrapped up a regional East Coast tour, playing two shows in their home state of New Jersey along with stopping in Providence at Fête Lounge as well as Boston at O’Brien’s Pub. Their shows continued in NYC (5/24) and Philly at Philamoca (5/27). Sonic Blume will also be heading down to North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia at the end of June. Taking a brief pause while on the road, the band shared some time to chat about their beginnings, where in Boston and Asbury Park they like to eat, along with their favorite scene of Stranger Things ahead of the much-anticipated Season 4 premiere.

How did Sonic Blume form?

We formed my freshman year of high school, which was 2015. Our drummer, Danny, and I met at this music program at a local theater and became friends. We realized that we shared a lot of the same favorite bands, notably MGMT, Tame Impala, The Smiths, and Joy Division. From there, we decided that we should start our own band. At first, we were just doing different covers and playing shows in the back room of our local pizzeria or high school Battle of the Bands. Eventually, we started writing our own music and started playing cooler shows. Our current guitarist, Noah, joined the band about a year ago, but we have been really good friends since high school as well.

What was the first instrument you learned and/or played?

I started taking piano lessons in the first grade. After a year or two, I began to find it boring because all we would do in my lessons was learn super simple songs out of this beginner book. In fourth grade, my mom got me this Coldplay piano book, and that changed everything for me. Coldplay was my favorite band at the time, and once I realized I could play music that I liked, I was immediately hooked!

Which song are you most proud of?

I would definitely have to say either “Aubrey” or “Happy.” We wrote Aubrey as a joke at first, as it was an ode to actress Aubrey Plaza, whom I was a big fan of at the time. It ended up turning out really cool and is now our biggest song. It’s always a fan favorite at shows, so I’m definitely really proud of that one. (We hope that Aubrey Plaza will give the song a listen and/or check out this interview lol.) “Happy” is one that I’m just super proud of from a compositional standpoint. Really proud of the lyrics and melodies in that one.

You released your first full-length record, We’re Drifting Further Apart, Aren’t We? in 2021. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing it?

The writing process on that album was definitely super interesting because there are some songs that were two years old at the time of recording, and some songs that were two months old. We loosely broke up the songs in the track list, mostly the newer songs on the first half of the album, and most of the older ones on the back half. We wrote the newer ones early in the crazy 2020 pandemic lockdown. I think the album came out pretty neat because there’s definitely some diversity in style among the songs. The older ones tend to sound more reminiscent of the music we had previously released, way more in the “dream-pop” world, and the newer ones were definitely more raw, and put more emphasis on the songwriting and vocals. We got to record the album in the latter part of 2020 (once we were able to get together safely and work in the studio) and we got to work with an amazing producer, Erik Kase Romero (The Front Bottoms, Lorde, Gaslight Anthem), who has become a really great mentor and friend of ours. He’s worked on everything we’ve ever done and we’re thankful for that.

While on the road, what are some of your essential tour items?

Well, to be honest, this is actually sort of our first time really being on the road. We were supposed to start this tour back in March 2020, but then the pandemic lockdown happened and we had to cancel a bunch of shows. So, I guess we’ll be finding out what our essential tour items are, but I’d imagine that would include hacky sacks and lots of seltzer, coffee and Red Bull! Oh, and a great playlist that I’m actually putting together now. I told each of the guys in the band to send me 2 songs every day prior, so this should be interesting!

What is your favorite food and/or restaurant in Boston? Any places back home in Asbury Park?

I’ve only been to Boston a few times, and only ever gone with my parents. I remember really enjoying Joe’s on Newbury! I think I got this black bean taco that was delicious! Our friend who’s playing keys with us on this tour actually went to school at Berklee in Boston, so I’m looking forward to him showing me some of the cool spots.

My favorite place in town used to be this restaurant called Brickwall, and we used to go there all the time. Unfortunately, they closed down during the pandemic. I still love Serpico’s Pizza and Mogo, this Korean Taco place, is a huge spot!

I read online that you shared the stage with Gaten Matarazzo in February 2018. How was the show? If you watch Stranger Things, what is your favorite scene or moment in the show?

The show we played with Gaten Matarazzo was honestly pretty insane. We were juniors in high school at the time, and I think the biggest show we had ever played until then was probably in front of 100 people. So, when we opened for Gaten’s band and was in front of 2,000 people, it was definitely nerve-racking but euphoric. I was also a huge fan of the show at the time, so it was really cool to meet him and hang backstage with him and his band. He was super down-to-earth and such a nice kid!

If I had to pick a favorite moment in the show, I’d probably pick the scene where Billy knocks on Mrs. Wheeler’s door to see if his sister Max is at her house. Billy’s smooth talking on top of the Donna Summer song playing in the background is perfect. That’s a great scene.

Which artists are currently on your music radar?

I’ve been listening to a bunch of different stuff recently. Even though they’re not a newer band, I’ve been getting into Yo La Tengo for the first time. I’m surprised that I’d never listened to them before because they’re probably one of the most important indie rock acts from New Jersey. I also think the new Big Thief and Christian Lee Hutson albums are incredible. I’ve also been really digging the new Soccer Mommy singles too.

If there were a drink with the name “Sonic Blume,” what would it be?

I’d say some sort of energy drink, mixed with coffee. Maybe like a Red Bull/coffee/Rolling Rock combo would be ideal. 

What’s a question you have wanted to get asked in an interview, and what’s the response to it?

Nobody ever asks me about my dog, but right before the pandemic, my family and I got a corgi. My dog got her name after we asked our fans on Instagram for suggestions, and everyone said “Aubrey.” It also fits with our song titled “Aubrey.” She’s the most amazing pup. We want to get her another puppy companion soon, probably a golden retriever.

(Again, we hope that Aubrey Plaza reads this article lol.)

A huge thank you to Sonic Blume for their time and thought for responding to the questions! Stay tuned to updates on Twitter (@sonicblumeband) and Instagram (@sonicblumeband), as well as Facebook (/sonicblumeband)!