Smear-Campaing is playing hard to earn a following. Layering vocals and instrumentals in a hard rock forum, the band creates moody and innovative grooves without distortion. The Hudson County quintet recorded a four-track demo in 2001, and they are currently jamming on the tri-state club circuit.With Led Zeppelin, Tool and Jane's Addiction influences Maria Aggabao (vocals), Craig Franklin (bass), Danny Murphy (guitar), Steve Dorlen (drums) and Mike Ferguson (synthesizer) will perform on April 10 at Continental in New York City. We recently chatted with Aggabao.
EM - How would you describe your music?
MA - Dark rock with sensual groove.
EM - What are the last three CDs you bought?
MA - Evanescence, Queens of the Stone Age, A Tribe Called Quest.
EM - Where is the band from?
MA - Everyone resides in Jersey. Craig, Mike and I live in Jersey City. Steve is in Hoboken and Danny is in Union City.
EM - What is your favorite day of the week?
MA - It's gotta be Saturday. For the majority of us who are slaves to the grind, it's the night we can throw caution to the wind, knowing we've got at least a day to recuperate. That vibe goes well with hard rock.
EM - Why did you become a musician?
MA - You somehow subconsciously recognize what's inside you and gravitate to it. Instinctually, you find yourself putting a lot of time and energy into learning an instrument or improving your voice. Then when you begin to write your own stuff, that whole labor of love thing transcends into a creative drive to develop a personal style. So, I guess the answer is, you probably are a musician when you're born.
EM - Are you looking for mainstream exposure?
MA - First and foremost we want to be true to our own creative intentions. If the mainstream taps into it, that's icing on the cake. Most musicians who leave a lasting mark, follow the philosophy of fulfilling what's truly passionate to them. People get turned on by that passion. So far, we've been seducing audiences with our work. They seem to sense and appreciate that we have a genuine passion for our work.
EM - What are your immediate career plans?
MA - We definitely want our music to be heard on college and national radio. We want to get our act on the road and play at colleges and clubs all throughout the country and, at some point, travel worldwide.
EM - What is the best part about your job?
MA - It starts with the creative process of writing and the magic that happens when the group as a whole passionately hammers out a piece. That process can include moments of euphoria and occasional battles. Then, when it all comes together, the best part is connecting with an audience and affecting them. You leave them with an "experience" that they want to live again. One sound guy said to us after seeing a show: "You made the hairs on my arm stand on end." That's what we're after.
Smear-Campaign will perform at Continental at 25 Third Ave. in New York City on April 10. For information call (212) 529-6924 or visit www.smear-campaign.com. q
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