Rock n’ Roll isn’t dead, and Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son are here to remind you why. With a sound deeply rooted in their home state of New Jersey and a desire to bring the magic of their live show to as many people as possible, it’s no wonder why the band has already had an insane 2018 so far. On top of the release of their self-titled album in March, the band also had the chance to open for Bon Jovi in April and are planning on bringing their live show on the road before the year is up.
Bobby Mahoney and the Seventh Son’s new album is out now – listen to it in full and read more about the band and their whirlwind of a year now below.
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves for any readers who might be hearing you for the first time?
We are an energetic, alt-rock band from East Brunswick, NJ! I’ve been playing around the NJ music scene since around 2010, and in the last few years we have started to play out of state more. A recent highlight was opening for Bon Jovi at the Prudential Center in April.
Do you feel that the music scene in New Jersey has affected the kind of music you guys have been writing or shaped the musicians that you are today? What’s your favorite thing about your scene?
Absolutely. Jersey music is in our blood. From legends like Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Gaslight Anthem/Brian Fallon, Bouncing Souls, Sinatra to local bands like Deal Casino, Modern Chemistry, ManDancing, Hodera, The Vaughns, Will Wood, A Boy Named John, so many more— we love the music that NJ pumps out. I love that it pushes us to be better every night, and to write better songs, and to push harder and be hungrier. There is something in the water in NJ.
You guys celebrated the release of your self-titled album back in March! Now that you’ve had a little time to reflect on it, what are some of your favorite things about the album?
I love how the sound came out, and I like the fact that its a mix of new songs, and reworked older ones, and a few live tracks. Its a bit of a grab bag, which is different for us, and I think it is going to keep people interested. I’m really proud of these songs, and it feels like a fresh start for us.
Did you have any major goals in mind when you stepped into the studio to work on the album?
I wanted to “update our resume” and really let people know what we sound like in 2018. I wanted it to take us to another step professionally, and sonically. We had a great experience working with Frank at North End in Clifton, NJ.
Just seeing it all come full circle— an example: from starting writing the lyrics of “Empty Passenger Seats” almost 2 years ago while driving home all night from a gig in VA, to rehearsing the song in a hotel room in PA, to recording it in an awesome studio, to performing it for 20,000 people at the Prudential Center. It has been exciting.
What would you like listeners to take away from the album or your live performances?
Rock n roll is not dead, and that it can be new and relevant in 2018. Theres so much amazing music out there today, but for me, I still love the magic of a live show, with a live band and crowd. There’s an energy there that I haven’t experienced elsewhere, and I just want to recreate that experience for other people. Songs and performances matter and get people through the rough patches in their lives.
With your new album out now, do you have any shows coming up or tour dates in the works?
Our next shows are 6.14 at House of Independents in Asbury Park, and July 13th at Pianos in NYC. We will be hitting the road this fall, dates TBA!
Do you have any other big plans or goals for 2018?
We want to keep playing to as many people as we can! Playing the arenas (Prudential Center w Seventh Son, MSG with Williams Honor— I play guitar in their band) this past month has definitely made me hungrier to do more shows like that. 20,000 was awesome but I think I’d like 80,000 even more. But ultimately, I just want to play my songs for people, and let people have a good time.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for the opportunity! Live music is far from dead! Go see shows!
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