Modern technology can do wonders for friends living 600 miles apart who want to play music together. The story of Hello Jersey is not a traditional one. But Hello Jersey is not a traditional band.Drew Conner (bass/programming) and Brent Closser (guitar) live in Westland, MI. Joe Wilson (guitar/vocals) lives in Ridgefield Park, NJ. Yet through modern recording software, e-mailing mp3’s, web-cam jam sessions, instant messenger, and weekend trips they manage to write and record songs on a regular basis. Their work ethic and love for music is what fuels their desire to make this arrangement work.
Conner and Closser’s last musical endeavor disbanded shortly after it began releasing only 1 EP. They knew they wanted to continue playing music together, but this time it would be on different terms.
Wilson has been performing in bands for over 10 years. He’s been through band break-ups and make-ups, national tours and albums in stores. But more importantly he believes that the music that you make is only as good as the people you make it with. A 30 minute, in-your-face set may be impressive, but if the members behind the instruments are not true friends, then the songs are as pointless as the band itself. This common thread is what brought these 3 friends together to form Hello Jersey.
There are bands that form for all the wrong reasons. Money, fame, and getting a record deal before their first tour is not on the drawing board for Hello Jersey. The only thing they are concerned with right now is writing and recording the music they create.