It’s hard to believe I’ve been living in Brooklyn for two years now. I still remember the first time I came to Park Slope as if it was yesterday. I was celebrating a friend’s birthday and as we were walking to our cars to head back to Jersey two guys walked out of a local restaurant on Fifth Avenue and I did a double take. Dressed all in black with tattoos on their arms I turned to my friend (and now roommate Monica) and said, “Those guys are definitely in a band.” As I got a closer look I realized they were two of the guys from Gaslight Anthem! Naturally, I blogged about it (see below).
Last Friday, Monica, Wendy and I headed into Brooklyn to celebrate friend and fellow music journalist Emily’s birthday. After an artery clogging meal at Chip Shop, frozen hot chocolate to die for, an impromptu stop at Southpaw and a few packed vintage stores later, we headed back to the car. Coming out of a restaurant with takeout bags in their hands were two guys that HAD to be in a band. After getting a closer look I realized they were from Gaslight Anthem, Jersey’s very own up-and-coming rock stars, and a group I’ve been trying to interview for nearly two years now.
I wish I could say I didn’t act like a stalker and casually continued to the car, but I HAD to say hi! I approached the guys and asked rather eagerly if they were Gaslight Anthem to which they said yes and we chatted for a few minutes. Monica and I told lead singer Brian Fallon that we used to work with drummer Benny Horowitz in college at Rutgers’ newspaper, The Daily Targum. He told us about moving to Brooklyn, missing Jersey and their current tour schedule. Meanwhile, I tried to maintain my composure without sounding like a crazy fan because they’re all I listen to at full blast while driving around Jersey. Apparently, I’m the first person that’s recognized them on the street, although bassist Alex Levine told me they’ve been mistaken for Depeche Mode.
As we were saying our goodbyes, they told me to reach out to their publicist about setting up an interview. Hopefully, this time around it’ll actually happen. I’ll keep you posted!
Over two years later I’m glad to report I finally did get that interview! Sometimes being patient is everything.
For the past two years I’ve lived with Farrah and Monica and it’s hard to imagine living with anyone else. The Beastie Boys’ “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” was our soundtrack to the summer two years ago when the three of us were apartment shopping all over Brooklyn. An exhausting job, we came across some great places (way out of our budget) and some awful spots.
Next week at this time Farrah will be headed to Israel and although I don’t think it’s hit either of us yet the apartment will be a lot quieter without her. Over the years she’s introduced me to so many bands which I’ve featured on this blog (one of our favorites Whale Belly who’s playing Mercury Lounge next Tuesday!) and I hope I’ve done the same for her. Farrah, this ones for you.