Start At The End is back again this month at NYC’s oldest rock club The Bitter End in New York City on May 25. The bands chosen to play are local ones that deserve a chance at creating more buzz and getting their names out there. This month’s lineup is made up of Wyland, Experiment 34, Rob Jennings, Above The Moon, and Jared Dylan.
We recently caught up with Rob Jennings to talk about his background, sound, latest release, and more! Check it out below:
How long have you been performing and how did you get started?
I started playing the guitar when I was in sixth grade, but I never had any interest in singing when I was younger. I was in a funk band with my two brothers all through high school and they made me the frontman, so I was kind of forced into singing. Once I was comfortable with my voice, I started performing out at cafes by myself.
How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you before?
My music isn’t anywhere close, but I’d say it’s more in line with the aesthetic of stuff like The Beatles or Big Star. I’m definitely influenced by those groups because of their strong melodies. Brian Wilson as well. I’d say it’s pop music in that sense and a bit of rock ‘n’ roll.
What was your latest release of music and can you talk about that a bit?
I did an EP called The Boulevard Gone a year ago at Showplace Studios in Dover. I used to live on the Boulevard in Pompton Plains and I found this cool picture of my house from the 1940s, so I made that the cover. It’s five tracks and I’m really proud of how it came out. Ben and Jack over at Showplace made it sound really great.
What is your recording process like?
When I’m not in a studio, I record a lot at home using Pro Tools. I always record the guitar first with drums, then bass. Any keyboard or little sonic bits come after that and then I do the vocals once the whole track is done. Recording at home is great because you can really take your time with each part and do it exactly how you imagined it.
What are current projects you are working on? (Tour plans? New music?)
I’m working on a full-length album right now and then I plan on touring the East Coast once it’s finished.
What are your thoughts about this Start At The End event?
I think it’s great that the Aquarian is giving NJ bands a chance to be heard at such an established place like The Bitter End. NYC is one of the best places for up-and-coming bands to start out and we should all take advantage of living so close.
Have you played with any of the other acts before that are part of this lineup (Wyland, Experiment 34, etc.)?
I haven’t, but I’m looking forward to meeting them and watching their sets.
What are your goals for the future?
I want to get a steady band together to tour with and I’d like my first full-length album to be well received when it comes out. I think it’s unrealistic to expect it to be successful right out of the gate since there are so many bands doing the same thing I do, but if I work hard enough and get to a point where I have a similar type of fan base that most of the bigger indie bands now have, I’d be happy.
Rob Jennings will be appearing at this month’s Start At The End showcase in New York City on May 25. For more on Rob, go to facebook.com/robjenningsmusic, and for more on the event, go to facebook.com/startattheend.
