Up and coming alternative band, Malibu, recently released their new single, “Nineteen,” earlier this past March. Shortly after, they entered a ‘Rock to the Top’ competition and played their first show at the legendary Asbury Park venue, The Stone Pony. The band managed to advance to the next round of the competition, which will be taking place on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at the Stone Pony. Malibu definitely brings a refreshing, new sound to the local music scene in New Jersey and rocks like, The Arctic Monkeys, while keeping it a little more on the upbeat side of things like bands like, Coin. Their future is looking bright, already having made it on a featured Alternative Press playlist and hopefully having a new EP out within the next couple of months. With that being said, here is a little interview I did with the band as they talked about, “Nineteen,” and what is to come in their future!
1.) So you guys recently released a new single called, “Nineteen.” How has the response to the single been?
The response has been incredible. The song has almost been out for a full month and has 1,800 streams on Spotify already. People have said that this is their favorite song by us and this is one of our favorites to play live.
2.) What is, “Nineteen,” about? What was the inspiration behind it?
Nineteen is about a toxic relationship where the girl in the story is seducing the boy and basically playing with his mind, even though the girl has a boyfriend, the boy can’t seem to get enough. The main inspiration behind it was “Kiwi” by Harry Styles and “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High” by the Arctic Monkeys. The song has the rhythm and tone of, “Kiwi,” but the lyricism and vibe of the Arctic Monkeys.
3.) Where did guys you record the single? What was that recording process like?
We recorded the single at Retro Media in Red Bank. The process was fun but exhausting. We recorded this track during our ten hour session. This was ten straight hours of just recording different songs so it was tiring but very fun.
4.) I see you guys also released another single titled, “Holly,” not too long ago as well. Is it safe to say that there may be an album, or EP released from Malibu in the future?
Yes, there is an EP coming soon actually. We put together a concept EP behind the track, “Brighter Blue,” about this story of a boy and girl and their relationship. We plan on releasing a new single of the EP each month so it will fully be out soon.
5.) By the way, HUGE CONGRATS on advancing in the Rock to the Top competition held at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park! What was that experience like? Are you guys excited for the next round? (ps, best of luck!)
Thank you!!! And it was amazing. Ray and Scott both played on stage before with their old bands but to play together with Malibu was incredible. The crowd was amazing and energized which helped us play our best music. We are extremely excited for the next round and are changing up our normal setlist and adding two new songs that we haven’t played live before.
5.) Out of all the shows you guys have played so far, which venue was your favorite to play? How come?
The House of Independents will always have a special place in our hearts because it was our first plugged in show but our favorite show was at Dingbatz in Clifton. We were nervous going into it because it was a pop-punk show and our genre didn’t really fit the bill. We couldn’t have been more wrong because the response from the crowd was incredible. Everyone was dancing and having a good time which made us dance around on stage and interact with everyone.
6.) Do you guys have any venues you would like to play in the future? If so, which venues?
Starland Ballroom is at the top of our list right now. The venue hosts some of the world’s best musicians so to play on a stage like that would be incredible and an honor.
7.) If you guys could open up for any band in the world, who would it be and why?
The Arctic Monkeys because they are one of our biggest inspirations. Their music and lyrics are incredible and are really just fun to listen to. To open up for a band like them would be an honor and honestly a dream. Also Ray strives to be like Alex Turner so that would be cool too.
8.) Would you guys like to give a shout out to any other local bands, or artists who have supported you guys?
Huge shout outs to FV, Skyeline, and Drive, Kid. These bands have supported us by either helping book us shows, coming to our gigs and supporting us, or helping us find out sound. These three are amazing bands and definitely deserve a listen.
9.) Where can everyone find your music?
We are on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music, and Google Play all under the name Malibu! Thank you for interviewing us 🙂
Myze Music 