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Space Jump Live
If you are looking for a progressive
rock band with a punk edge you
should look no further than Astoria’s
own Space Jump Live.
With influences ranging from Joy
Division and Pink Floyd to The Kinks,
Space Jump Live creates textured and
angst-fueled songs.
The band’s frontman and lyricist Justin
Finley describes their sound as “psychedelic
power pop” and to hear them,
one would think the British Invasion happened
in Queens.
The lineup ranges from five to seven
members depending on the show’s instrumentation.
John Keegan (lead guitarist)
provides daring riffs that help create
the psychedelic-infused rock.
“I had enjoyed writing songs for quite
some time and I was out to find a songwriting
partner and I saw John play and
started working with him,” Finley explained.
“We have been through many
incarnations. Right now it is Keith Malonis
on drums, Ali Derie on bass, John
Keegan on guitar, and myself as the
lyricist and singer.”
Although the band has a strong, cohesive
sound, it varies a great deal from
song to song.
“We want to be authentic and innate,”
Finley said. “When we have an idea,
we go with our gut. No one song really
sounds the same in our cabinet. We are
just trying to write a better song and
continue to evolve musically.”
Finley was part of the Astoria music
scene from the very beginning.
“I’m from the neighborhood,” he said.
“When I started the (now-defunct) band
Bliminal in 2005, I was disappointed by
the lack of venues in my neighborhood.”
In 2008, Finley and collaborators
founded Astoria Music & Arts, which organized
seven local music festivals in Astoria
Park. Bliminal was one of the bands
that performed there.
His first band also
started playing at local venues: “I went
to the Shillelagh Tavern when they
were having a punk night and I knew that
the neighborhood should have this and
I started booking at the Shillelagh then.
The Shillelagh Tavern are pioneers of the
Astoria music scene.”
Although Space Jump Live loves to
play at classic venues around Queens,
they are also interested in trying newer
venues.
Photo: Christo Casey
“We are looking to forward to playing at
the LIC Beer Project, Joe’s Garage and newer
venues that pop up around the neighborhood,”
Finley said.
Finley’s approach to music mirrors his
approach to life.
“I try to make everything unique and different
every time to keep things interesting.”
Space Jump Live lives up to that goal,
playing music that reaches your body and
intellect.
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