Acorn

Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: Arts and Leisure

Media Credit: Paul Aufiero Pete Rudolph ('08) on bass, Eric Yowaiski ('08) on lead vocals and guitar, Andrew Prolow (CLA '07) on lead guitar and Matt Langner ('08) on drums rock out in Langner's basement in Maplewood, N.J.

Standing in this suburban basement in Maplewood, N.J., I cannot tell if the sun has just set or is about to rise. Paneled with wood tiles and Kurt Cobain posters, this basement sends one message-welcome to Anywhere, N.J. I stand in this dim room as witness to one of the first practices of Hello Midnight, a band that already accomplished great strides in its two-month existence. Coffee and tea fuel the practice session. Their energy is contagious and their demeanors are unabashedly positive.

Comprised of Drew University students Matt Langner ('08) on drums, Andrew Prolow (CLA '07) on lead guitar, Pete Rudolph ('08) on bass and backing vocals and Eric Yowaiski ('08) on lead vocals and guitar, Hello Midnight offers up the straight rock and roll of a band that knows its roots but is not afraid to add levels of personality.

Tomorrow, the band debuts its songs to the Drew community at The Other End at 10 p.m., where they will play both original material and covers. As the band practices for that debut, there is an sense of excitement and determination that touches everything in the room, not least the instruments held steady in the hands of its members.

I sat down with Hello Midnight at Bunny's, a pub in Maplewood, N.J.



Acorn: Can I ask you about your band name?

E.Y.: My uncle came up with it. It's based on that vibe of excitement, the one you get from the night only beginning at midnight. It's "Hello Midnight, let's party and have a good time."

A.P.: Yeah, and I feel that it fits us really well.

M.L.: Really though, the name doesn't matter. Every band needs a name, but it's the songs that make the band.

A: So, how did this whole thing start?

M.L.: I had just come off of a really disappointing experience with a band in New York City. I started playing seriously with these guys and I know that these are the guys I want to be famous with...This band was an epiphany, like, if I do this I'm going to finally do it right.

Continued...

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