The Brooklyn-based Indie rock band, Common Kicks, decided to participate in a Livestream benefit concert to support a New York concert venue, Arlene’s Grocery. The Knockturnal spoke with Common Kicks about the music scene in NYC and the impact of COVID-19.
The Knockturnal: In what ways has the music scene progressed in NY?
Quinn Marshall, Drummer: The music scene has done what we all do during unpredictable times: we adapt or die.
With venues being shut down, the music scene has gone virtual with live streams. There have been full-streamed concerts, performances for virtual festivals, even live streams from people’s houses.
The music scene continues to evolve and adapt in New York as it always has. It’s been a much more drastic learning curve over the last year, but it keeps going. I hope when we survive COVID, the venues and music scene will be there stronger than ever.
The Knockturnal: What feelings and emotions do the Common Kicks band members feel when they first hit the stage? Would you all agree that music is therapeutic? If so, what new sounds have you discovered?
Grau, Bass Guitarist: Nothing beats the excitement of stepping on stage. Especially during a time that it’s harder to get onstage, that excitement, touch of anxiety but sheer joy, is hard to replicate.
Music is very therapeutic, not only for the listener but for the player. It’s kept me, personally, very safe during the pandemic. I’ve definitely discovered and re-discovered myself as a player.
Alec White, Guitarist: During the pandemic Common Kicks was a personal therapeutic source. As we have written songs — some even about the pandemic — and will start live streaming, we hope to share our emotional catharsis with the world.
The Knockturnal: How can the public be of support to Common Kicks?
Answer from the whole band: You can find us at @comminkicksband on Instagram. Right now that’s the best place to connect with us and be up to date. You can also find us on Facebook under “Common Kicks.”
The Knockturnal: What impact has Common kicks band brought to the community of New York?
Answer from the whole band: We’re big supporters of other Brooklyn indie bands.
The Knockturnal: Where do you plan on taking the band in the years to come?
Nick Andrews, Lead Singer: The sky’s the limit. I firmly believe in my bandmates’ abilities and creativity when it comes to making creative music. We all have that special chemistry and relationship needed to make amazing songs as well.
We also know how to change it up when it comes to making new music which makes it feel brand new every time, so we’re never bored!
I definitely see us doing more live streams, outdoor and indoor gigs when they become readily available.
The Knockturnal: How will Common Kick’s sound and entertainment get others to participate in Arlene’s benefit concert?
Grau, Bass Guitarist: We’re hoping that our sound will bring people to check out our live stream and our entertainment value to bring in some extra dollars to Arlenes. Our ticket sales have a portion going to Arlene’s — you can donate on top of the ticket price, and we’re hoping that anyone who checks us out comes back to check other bands to support them too.
The Knockturnal: What impact has Arlene’s brought to the community of New York?
Grau, Bass Guitarist: Arlenes is about as iconic as it gets within the music scene in NYC. With the closing of so many other venues, keeping the legacy of venues that are great to play and progress the music scene are integral.