Quincy Mumford And The Reason Why have been active in the local music scene for quite a while. After five years, countless shows, Asbury Music Awards and a new album on the way, I think it’s safe to say that they are well on their way. With a unique blend of reggae, rock, funk and other elements, they put on a show that gets everyone on their feet.
Quincy is set to release his fifth studio album, It’s Only Change, which he recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 30. Check out my conversation with Quincy below, as we talk about all of his accomplishments on the wild ride that he calls life!
Quincy, thanks for taking the time to chat with us. It’s been an amazingly successful past five years for you. How has the ride been so far?
This ride has been amazing. So many memories, so much growing, and so much learning.
Upon first playing a show and recording, did you think your career would be going at the pace it has been?
I don’t think I expected anything. When I first started recording, I said I just wanted to record something to get documentation that I wrote these kinds of songs. It has been a beautiful right thus far, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Knowing where you are now, could you give your younger self some advice on what you have learned about the business thus far?
Keep good records and practice, practice, practice!
Would you change anything?
No regrets. Learn from your mistakes and keep on keeping on.
I know you are set to release your fifth album, It’s Only Change, this summer. Could you tell us a little bit about it?
We have a local release, July 6, for our CD release party at Urban Nest in Asbury Park. Our national release is July 30. It was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, with producer Ken Coomer, and had some pretty awesome musicians on it like David LaBruyere, Ken Coomer and Aubrey Freed. I am very proud of this album and I can’t wait for the world to hear it!
Tell us a little about the writing process for each album. Does your inspiration change a lot? Do you ever get writer’s block or run out of ideas?
In the past, I have written an album over the course of months or years, and compiled all of my songs into one list to choose from. Most of the songs had nothing to do with each other. For the first time, I really feel like this is a complete album. The songs all relate to each other in some way, and they all come back to the idea of “change.”
I do get writer’s block from time to time, but I usually know better to just put down my guitar, try not to get frustrated and wait for the inspiration to rise again.
How much material doesn’t make the record?
Usually a couple songs, around four or five.
The live DVD you released from The Saint last year really captured who you are as an artist, and was something really different for you. Do you think you would ever do something like that again in the future?
I would love to do another live album. I think about it all the time! Especially because I think we have grown so much since then and could do it even better this time around. Look out for it in the future!
I like that you guys are always playing shows, especially expanding out of this area as of late. How do you decide where you are going to tour?
We try new markets all the time and revisit the ones we feel had the best response. Our normal routes are down to Florida and back, and all over the northeast from Vermont to NYC. Lately we have been expanding towards the Midwest, such as Ohio and Michigan.
Any particular areas or venues that you have played thus far that stick out the most in memory?
Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC with Slightly Stoopid! That place was huge! High, beautiful ceilings, the room sounded amazing!
We are all excited to see you at the Jersey Shore Music Festival at FirstEnergy Park on July 20. Are there any surprises planned that fans can expect?
You’re just going have to wait and find out!
Is there one particular band you’re looking forward to watching at this show?
River City Extension!
Will you be taking the new album on the road this fall?
Of course! We are releasing it July 30, and then will be on the road all of August into September!
You’ve won some Asbury Park Music Awards. How does it feel to be at the stature of a household name in New Jersey now? Does that motivate you to keep moving on to bigger and better things?
I am just happy to get my music out there and know that people enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoy making it.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I would be working harder to blow up Lifted Apparel, a t-shirt company that my brother and I created.
Who are some artists that influence your sound?
John Legend, John Mayer, Paul Simon, G. Love, Soulive…
What is the ultimate goal for Quincy Mumford And The Reason Why? Record deal? National tour?
My goal as a musician and leader of this band is to get our music to reach the masses. Tour as much as we can to get it to different places.
Any advice for artists just starting out looking to make a name for themselves in the local music scene?
Work hard! It’s a long road filled with frustration, disappointment and stress, but it’s all worth it for that hour or two you get to spend on stage each time. There’s nothing like the power of music to cleanse your soul!
Quincy Mumford will be playing at Porta in Asbury Park on July 14 and the Jersey Shore Music Festival in Lakewood on July 20. For more information, go to quincymumford.com.
