-Interview- (7/6/25)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "Neighborhood Alien" come about and is there any meaning to it?
All of us started playing music at a young age because of our respective environments. Influenced and supported by close friends and family members to share our talents. Each member could play everyone else's instrument if needed. We have all been in various original, cover and tribute bands in the Carolinas that crossed paths over the years. The cosmic alignment brought us together ❤️ As far as the name goes, we all love the unexplained. We all believe that there is power out there greater than ourselves that is guiding us on this earthly 🌎 path. We are fascinated by conspiracy theories, cryptozoology, the supernatural and anything else that we can't quite wrap our heads around just yet. And we all know that the government knows a lot more than we do…no relation to the TV show, “Resident Alien”, despite both coming out around the same time - strange coincidence, or is it?
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
A good time, a way to process your emotions and a way to escape reality, even if it's only temporary. Our show is both visual and auditory, for a complete pleasurable experience.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Interstellar Space Rock because we know humans like labels. It helps them construct their mindsets and preconceived notions accordingly. In all honesty, it's just radio friendly hard rock. 4 big kids still playing out their fantasy of being Rockstars. We do it to release our emotions and make connections with our audience.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
All of them…we have a variety of influences that we would love to share the stage with but we do not discriminate. We feel that our music caters to a wide audience.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
BOO, it robs true artists of the creative process. And in hypocritical contrast, we love AI generated artwork because none of us are that good at doing it ourselves…to each his own.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Rock?
Rock will never die, despite the critics. All great music evolves over time and we are definitely experiencing a change, for better or worse, depending upon your view…we do not use backing tracks and thrive on a raw, live sound. Many artists choose to use them effectively, that's just not us. We feel that if you cannot reproduce it live with your band, then you should not include it in the recording…Rock will always have the basic elements of energy based on the blues and rhythm of our predecessors. 4 on the floor will never change nor will the emotion that shines through, despite how you package the product.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in North Carolina?
Lots of great bands in the scene with a large variety to pick from based on your tastes. As in many areas, there seems to be fewer places to play at but the ones that are around are doing a fantastic job at promoting the scene.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Don't get us started…obviously underpaid and artists are exploited, but on the positive side, it does allow for more exposure that used to be a lot harder to come by and no one should complain about that.
9. What’s next for Neighborhood Alien?
Currently recording new tunes to be released by the end of 2025 and shooting our first ever video for our latest release, “Control”.
10. Any shoutouts?
Our team at Creative Music Management under the direction of Missy Wood who also represents Rock Rage Radio of the Carolinas. Endorsements with SJC Custom Drums thanks to Mike Ciprari, and Torry Butler of Xcel Drumsticks.
