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Arts & Entertainment

Spotlight on Toms River Music: Seaside Caves

This region is known for churning out successful musicians and hosting a bustling scene of avid music fans, so we wanted to introduce a few of the area's hard-working groups to you every week

Seaside Caves isn't trying to make a big splash or become the "next big thing," what they do is create music, plain and simple. Their ambient-synthesized sound is unique and memorable. Incorporting heavy bass lines and few vocals, the sound is relaxing yet powerful.

Check out our Q&A with member Todd Gustav, who is also a local music promoter in the Seaside Heights area.

Q: What is the current line-up of your band and when did you form?

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A: Todd Gustav Wacha- effected bass guitar, tape loops, synths, vocals, Paul Scavuzzo- drums, lights, smoke machine, Craig Escalante- off/on guitarist.Paul and I have been playing together for years. I have been messing around with effects and drum machines for a while and playing the songs on guitar. We got together one night to play and the ideas sounded much better on the bass with lots of effects. We did a few shows as a two piece and then added a guitar doing sonic noise and texturing. So now we do shows as a two piece and a three piece. Craig lives in Brooklyn, so he kind of does shows when it's convenient for him, and we are totally cool with that.

Q:What genre would you describe your music as/what bands have you been compared to?

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A: We have been called a dark-wave band and compared to Joy Division, Echo And The Bunnymen, Velvet Underground and Depeche Mode.

Q: What is your favorite place to perform at on the Jersey Shore?

A: My bedroom which is in a dark basement.

Q: Any recent news from the group--new music, big shows, upcoming tours?

A: We are in a slow process of recording a lo-fi record up in Brooklyn
with our friend Eric Lau.

Q: The Toms River region and surrounding areas of Asbury Park, Long Branch and Red Bank play host to one of the greatest independent music scenes on the East Coast . Why do you think this is?

A: I would say it's due to the easy access of the whole tri-state
area. And it is much cheaper than the "city". I was living
in the Lower East Side . . .  but that place is in "tatters", so I got
out of that place.  Asbury Park is close to us and has a diverse fresh
scene of blooming artist and is an iconic rock 'n' roll haven as well.

Q: What are some of your biggest musical influences?

A: The Cure, Spiritualized, The Jesus And Mary Chain, Mogwai, Sonic
Youth, streets and the raging ocean . . . that's a question I find
difficult to answer. I mean because at 6 a.m. I might put on some Robert Johnson, if you know what I mean.

Q: What does your Fall show calendar look like?

A: We are just experimenting with sounds and stage settings. We love
to play in smoke and colored lighting. We would like to finish recording before the holidays and get it out there and play some shows. Possibly do a small tour down south where it's warmer.

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