NJ hardcore band Gel just released their killer new EP Persona last week. It’s their best record yet (read our review), and it fully captures the energy that Gel bring to their live show, where they’ve always shined. To celebrate the EP’s release, guitarist Maddi Nave told us about 10 bands whose live show inspired them, along with their favorite song by each band. It’s a very cool list that ranges from emo veterans to current hardcore bands and you can check it out below.
Persona is out now via Blue Grape Music, and you can pick up our exclusive violet vinyl variant in the BV shop.
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10 Bands Whose Live Performances Have Inspired Me (by Gel’s Maddi Nave)
Yes, most of these are bands Gel has played with. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share the stage with some truly amazing musicians. Here are some of the bands in no particular order whose live performances have inspired me.
Thursday
Song of choice: “Understanding in a Car Crash”
Getting to play with Thursday was great. Every night they put on an amazing show full of emotion. We got to talk about performance and they reminded us that no matter what is happening in the crowd, what matters is what’s happening on stage. I feel the best when I am locked in and having fun with my friends.
American Nightmare
Song of choice: “Love American”
I have seen AN a handful of times, and I have mentioned them on what feels like every list. They are the band that got me into hardcore and always will hold a special place in my heart. Their performance always feels so raw and full of emotion. They put everything into what they do.
Life’s Question
Song of choice: “Cracks In the Floor of Heaven”
I think the first time I got to see Life’s Question was in 2019 at a This Is Hardcore pre-show. I was just starting to play heavier music and I remember seeing Abby rock on guitar. She looked so cool and collected, locked in to her playing. It gave me confidence with being a femme person playing heavier guitar music especially on an intimate scale.
Have Heart
Song of choice: “Armed With a Mind”
A Have Heart set is worship. I am in the church of hardcore when I am in that crowd. Everyone is singing along, clawing their way to the stage. They have created something so impactful in the world of music. When you see a video of Have Heart, you want to be in that crowd, you want to be there with everyone, being part of that moment.
Paramore
Song of choice: “Ain’t It Fun”
I mean. It’s Hayley Williams. She is dancing, she is belting to the drums, to the guitar, all of it! How can I not be inspired?
Drug Church
Song of choice: “Myopic”
Every time I get to see Drug Church I feel fueled. Everything about their performances are inspiring. There is an urgency to move. The energy they give off is pumped into every second of the set. I think it is palpable no matter where you are watching from.
Code Orange
Song of choice: “Bleeding In The Blur”
I saw Code Orange around the time I started playing guitar. I was just playing my acoustic guitar, singing songs, I had never really thought about playing hardcore at the time. Reba is another person who has inspired me to pursue heavier music. She was screaming and playing so precisely, I was just awe inspired.
Speed
Song of choice: “DON’T NEED”
Speed… This massive, influential band from Australia is everything I love about hardcore. They have it all. They work hard, they play hard… SPEED!
Jawbreaker
Song of choice: “Million”
Jawbreaker is one of my favorite bands, I never thought I would have the chance to see them live. It was a surreal experience to be at Riot Fest in 2017 in a sea of people singing along to their songs. I love that Jawbreaker has always been true to themselves no matter what.
Cap’n Jazz
Song of choice: “Oh Messy Life”
If it weren’t for the Jawbreaker reunion at Riot Fest 2017, the Cap’n Jazz set would have been my favorite. It was sort of… unhinged? Though amidst the chaos the band rolled through their set and really just made standing out in the sun all day so much fun.
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Gel also just played a Rough Trade NYC in-store on Friday (8/16), and you can see pics from that show below. Their headlining fall tour brings them back to NYC for a bigger show at Bowery Ballroom on October 19 with MSPAINT and Destiny Bond. All dates:
Gel — 2024 Tour Dates
9/10 Washington DC @ Atlantis *
9/11 Buffalo, NY @ Rec Room *
9/12 Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground *
9/14 St. Louis, MO @ Blueberry Hill Duck Room +
9/15 Iowa City, IA @ Gabe’s +
9/16 Omaha, NE @ Reverb Lounge +
9/18 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry +
9/19 Cudahy, WI @ X Ray Arcade +
9/20-9/22 Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest
9/24 Detroit, MI @ Edgemen Printing +
9/25 Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups +
9/27 Louisville, KY @ Louder than Life
9/28 Little Rock, AR @ Banging In The Rock
9/29 Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall Upstairs +
9/30 Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room +
10/2 Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge
10/03 Las Vegas, NV @ Eagle Aerie Hall +
10/4 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey +
10/5 San Francisco, CA @ Brick & Mortar +
10/7 Seattle, WA, @ Madame Lou’s +
10/8 Portland, OR @ Mission Theater
10/10 Sacramento, CA- Aftershock
10/12 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court +
10/13 Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater +
10/15 Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck +
10/17 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop +
10/18 Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church +
10/19 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom +
10/21 Boston, MA @ The Sinclair *
11/02 San Diego, CA @ Dia De Los Deftones
+ w/ MSPAINT, Destiny Bond, The Mall
* w/ MSPAINT, Destiny Bond
