Credit goes to the baddest of the baddies, NAPNET’s own Catherine Zeta Bones [CZB] for introducing me to this week’s Under Exposed featured artist.
The story for Jersey based emo band, Afloat, began in the classroom as singer and guitarist Gabby presented her senior capstone project at Rowan University. While working to ace her course, Gabby, along with some talented friends, accidentally formed a very real, and very powerful emo band. Afloat’s songs are dark and moody, drawing listeners into the deepest reaches of the human experience. The band, like so many, are heavily community focused; but Afloat doesn’t just talk about community, they are actively building it. Gabby’s DYI production collective, Head Above Water, provides support, resources, and reach to up and coming artists in the Jersey area. While walking the walk, Afloat still manage to find time to record and offer fans a steady stream of bangers to keep their emo hearts fulfilled. Their latest single, Talking Slow, hit the streams just last week, and a full EP is promised by the end of the month.
Keep scrolling to check out my lightning round interview with Afloat; be sure to follow along on Instagram @afloatband and tune in to Spotify. Don’t forget to save the Under Exposed playlist on Spotify to listen to my favorites from Afloat and the rest of the Under Exposed lineup!
Interview
Cameron Conrad sits down with Gabby, Josh, and Andrew
What’s your dream venue, the place that will feel like you’ve “made it” once you've played there?
Union Transfer in Philly. I've seen so many of my favorite bands there.
The Sphere in LV. Every time I see the visuals from a band playing inside that place it looks amazing. I hear the acoustics and sound inside it are one of a kind.
The Bubble Bow
If you could pick any band or artist, past or present, to tour with, who would it be?
Mannequin Pussy
Fall Out Boy. I have been a huge fan of them since I was a teen. I would be over the moon if we landed a show with them
Delta Sleep
If each of you was a Disney character, who would you be?
Forky
Lightning McQueen
GNK Series Power Droid
What’s the craziest, cringiest thing you’ve done for the sake of your music?
Was a DJ for emo night, more so it was embarrassing because I was the only one on stage and I am awkward if I'm on a stage without a guitar.
Recording TikToks or videos always feels cringe in the moment. Especially if you're doing it in public. Most of the time when they're posted I don't feel so cringe but it is always there.
Trying (with Josh) to stop the car with all our gear in it from being towed away.
If we gave out high-school superlatives today, what would each of you win?
Most athletic
Craziest hair
Most likely to ponder this question for way too long trying to think of something funny
Any new music or upcoming tours we should know about? Anything brewing behind the scenes you can give a hint about?
We have our release show on Saturday June 6th at Warehouse3 in Swarthmore PA, then we are on tour from 6/7 - 6/14.