New York City’s rock band The Cringe has been rocking through the concrete jungle since 2004. The dynamic sound of slight pop intermixed with alternative rock with a dash of their own personal touch is what gives this band the upper hand. John Cusimano, lead vocalist of The Cringe, gave us the inside scoop as to how the band got together and what they believe makes them different from other bands out there. Check out what he had to say below, and check out your chance to win a signed LP from the band!
Members
John Cusimano – Vocals / Guitars / Keyboards
James “Roto” Rotondi – Lead Guitars / Vocals / Synthesizers
Jonny Blaze: Bass
Shawn Pelton: Drums
Current Single
“Deep Girl”
How did The Cringe Form?
I met Pelton a long time ago, just as I was about to record our first album, when I asked my engineer friend Steve Hardy, “who is the best drummer in NYC?” He replied, “Shawn Pelton.” I immediately sought Shawn out and coaxed him into the studio with promises of fame, fortune, and an ongoing quest to taste all the whiskies of the Islay region in Scotland.
I met Roto through Pelton, when our original guitarist (Rob Levin) departed NYC to get married and move to Boston. Roto swept into The Cringe like a thunder storm — simultaneously channeling the blinding guitar technique of Richie Blackmore, conjuring the black magic of Jimmie Page, and harnessing the theatricality of Jimi Hendrix.
Johnny (the “Doctor”) Blaze was introduced to us by former bassist, Matt Powers, when he went west to California with his family. Blaze saved us all with his righteous root bottom, anchoring The Cringe and providing its foundation and keeping us grounded in our musical roots.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of our career is any time we get to play with Billy Gibbons. He can take any song, in any setting, with any guitar, and instantaneously make it his own.
Why should people listen to The Cringe? What makes you different?
We are the distillation of classic rock by way of The Who, with the angst of classic Grunge by way of Alice in Chains, updated and prog-i-fied and designed to melt your face.
Check out The Cringe on all of their social media!
Website // Facebook // Twitter
Enter To Win A Signed LP from The Cringe!
The Rules:
1. Use the widget below to enter!
2. You must leave a comment on this blog post telling us your favorite underrated artist, and let us know you did so via the widget.
3. You can get extra entries by following & liking Highlight Magazine on Facebook and Twitter, as well as The Cringe.
4. Contest will end on February 13th at 12 AM, and we will contact the winner via the email within 48 hours of the contest ending.
