I’ve been checking out Jupiter Queen. They recently played a show with The Erotics in May, and have another great gig coming up with Jockeyfest at Empire Underground June 13th. Catch them with The Grandstand Jockeys, Ginger Geezus and more for a day filled with great music. Speaking with Mike, I also learned that he is responsible for putting together the Punk Rock Flea Market, happening June 7th at Empire Live. It is a great mix of eclectic people and interests – there’s a little something for everyone. It’s free to attend, and you can grab a drink and wander around the oddities, freaks and weirdos… AKA your fellow WABY friends.
Who is the best band or artist you’ve seen ?
For the last three years, it’s been the Melvins. My favorite lineup over the past few years was Ministry, Melvins, and C.O.C. — that was an incredible show.
I was on Bandcamp listening to your LP Just a Taste – and it struck me that if Velvet Revolver and Type O Negative had a baby, it would sound a lot like Jupiter Queen. What kind of bands and sounds influences you guys?
I listen to a huge range of music. My vinyl collection has everything from the Superfly soundtrack to the first Queens of the Stone Age record — actually, I own the first three. Zeppelin, Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Sabbath, Kyuss, Charles Mingus, early Tool, Quicksand, Nirvana, early QOTSA, Ministry, Bad Brains… just to name a few influences Eric Braymer and I connect over.
How long has Jupiter Queen been around and how did it all get started?
A few years ago, I started a band called Black Bell Jones, and somehow, I convinced Eric to join. After a lot of lineup changes and a shift in sound — which still seems to be evolving — we eventually changed the name to Jupiter Queen.
You have a huge show coming up at Empire Live with Jockey Fest. We’re really looking forward to June 13 at Empire Live for Jockey Fest. The show is going to be packed with friends - both the bands playing and a lot of familiar faces in the crowd. You run the Punk Rock Flea Market. How did you get that started and for people who haven't been, what can they expect?
The first Punk Rock Flea Market was December 5, 2021. The whole idea started because I was a vendor at various markets like the Trenton punk rock flea market. I have a side thing I do called Odds, Sweet Things, and Dead Ends. It just started getting expensive to go out there - paying for hotels if you wanted to stay - and of course Covid had hit during that time, so the markets were pretty much shut down. Then in 2021, I had an idea: “I should start my own market.” I approached a couple of folks, including Radio Radio X and Mike Valente at Empire Live, and the rest was pretty much history. We’ve been doing about four times a year since then. This is actually our sixth year and it’s a great market. It’s really gives a chance for vendors/small business/artist to sell their goods at a well-attended event at an affordable price, and it’s free to get in.
What else have you guys got planned for the Spring and Summer?
We just finished shooting a new video for our song “Not Ready.” It was shot, edited, and directed by Maxiem Taccardi. The mission for May is to keep recording. We already have two songs finished, and hopefully we can get a few more done so we can start shopping the material around. We’re especially excited to release music with our new drummer, Arther Scott Verner, who’s also been recording with us.
Thanks again.
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