The Power of East Coast Surf

Band Name: Captain Ahab & the Sea Crackens

Genre: Graveyard / Garage / Nautical / Chantey / Surf

Geographical Area: Staten Island NY

Interview by email with Rory Merola by email on 1/30/09

1. What is the current line-up of your band?

Rory Merola- Guitar

Sean Kuhl- Guitar

Chris Taillie- Keys

Matt Wilson - Bass

Jessica Manger - Drums
 

2. How and when did you get started with your band?
 

Back in the summer of 2007 Jess Manger and Rory Merola whilst traveling in the back of Jeep, discussing the possibilities of being a falconer, had another completely different conversation. Jess always wanted to start a surf band to which Rory replied I can play guitar. They got together to play without a bass. So they called a friend named Matt. Twenty minutes later he was in the band. As the week passed they were joined by Marissa Cianella who played rhythm guitar. They soon picked up Chris Taillie for keys. Marissa left the band a year later and in turn they picked up Sean Kuhl, a tall, local friend and accomplice.
 

3. What bands or music have influenced you most?

This is in no particular order: The Cramps, The Ghastly Ones, The Ventures, Los Bel-kings, The Challengers, Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet, Hall and Oates (mostly Hall), Pat Boone, Mozart, Iron Maiden, I guess Dick Dale (but that's kinda obvious) and Bonfiglio (the worlds number one classical harmonica player).
 

 

4. What is the break down of cover vs. original material in your live shows and/or recordings?
 

We mix it up. We have a set that is predominantly our own material and our own covers. I don't know anyone else who does a medley of Spanish Harlem and I Will Follow Him. We also cover some Iron Maiden and Kraftwerk. Standard covers are in our set some of the time, such as Shake and Stomp, Out of Limits, Penetration, Caravan.

 

5. What recording have you done?
 

We've only actually had one recording session. We recorded in beautiful Royersford, PA at the Legendary Welfareline Studios also known as El Shaddi Studios. We did the album, which is all originals, in one weekend and we should be releasing that material at the end of February this year.


 

6. What kind of gear do you use?
 

Fender, Yamaha, Nord, various other brands. Our drummer plays with sticks. 
 

 

7. What is your band’s favorite food/beverage?
 

We drink beer out of giant skulls and eat fish and chips. Except our drummer - she just enjoys beer and chips.


 

8. How do you get gigs?
 

Initially our friends, and then word of mouth. Since the first gig we've been a mainstay at Martini Red in Staten Island. Otherwise we pick up shows to play elsewhere here and there by pretty much the same method. 
 

9. What are the difficulties you find playing your kind of music in your area? 
 

Well there aren't a lot of venues for original anything on Staten Island. It's all cover bands and hair gel. However the North Shore of Staten Island seems to be going through some type of renaissance. So it's not all bad.


 

10. What positive attributes does your band have that sets you apart from other bands (of any genre)?
 

We dress like fisherman/sailors.

 

11. What have you found to be the single most effective promotional tool you’ve used to further your band’s musical path?

Dressing like fisherman/sailors and also drinking like them



12. What’s the most interesting performance experience you’ve had?
 

We played the largest, longest running beer festival in NYC, Brewtopia. That was a blast for us.

 

13. What do you hope to get out of being a NESMA member?
 

More gigs, more friends, more smiles.



14. Anything else?
 

YAARRRRR!!!!!