S.L.R. Magazine

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First North American New Rock City International Music Festival presented by Sonar Presents

At The Crossroads in Garwood, New Jersey on March 1st, 2026 Funny thing. If you are British you know more about New Rock City than if you live stateside. My good friend Stephen Moss has been producing punk music festivals across UK for five years. Finally, it made home. The first ever International New Rock…

andyj76
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At The Crossroads in Garwood, New Jersey on March 1st, 2026

Funny thing. If you are British you know more about New Rock City than if you live stateside. My good friend Stephen Moss has been producing punk music festivals across UK for five years. Finally, it made home. The first ever International New Rock City Music Festival took place in our home state of New Jersey at the great host venue The Crrossroads.

Written by Andris Jansons

Promotional poster for 'New Rock City' music festival featuring an illustrated character on a horse, date and location details, ticket prices, and names of performing bands from various countries.

One British city at the time Stephen is conquering UK. His festivals have take place in Bristol, London and Birmingham amongst the host cities. Every time supporting local music scene, local DIY bands and venues. Many bands expressed their gratitude for all the hard work Stephen has done over the years and excitement for the first show in states. (Heck, The Lousekateers have even written the song about Stephen called Posh Punk. Nobody has written the song about me … ever … well, maybe my dog did and called it The Wanker )

Please, follow the links below and support the effort !

New Rock City links

A man with a beard passionately speaking into a microphone while wearing a t-shirt that features a controversial graphic and text.
A man with a tall, spiked hairstyle speaks into a microphone while wearing a graphic t-shirt and plaid pants, on a brightly lit stage.
A male singer with a tall, colorful mohawk hairstyle passionately performing on stage. He is wearing a black t-shirt with the text 'ICE IS'. Another band member is seen in the background, focused on their instrument under vibrant stage lighting.
A man with a mohawk hairstyle is performing energetically on stage, wearing a black t-shirt with a controversial message, amid a colorful backdrop.
Two musicians embrace on stage during a performance, showing camaraderie and connection. One has a mohawk hairstyle and a t-shirt with bold graphics, while the other wears a cap and a dark hoodie.

This show was supported by British upstart company Sonar Presents. In their own words : “We are Sonar Presents, the digital music platform that is changing the narrative for independent artists from the ground up.” Yes, that perfectly sums it up, they are creating the space for all independent and DIY bands to receive recognition and following that big name apps deny. If you are aspiring musician you should contact them asap.

Sonar Presents links

https://linktr.ee/sonarpresents

Their artist submission form here

A man holding a drink stands on stage with a microphone, smiling at the audience. He is wearing a black t-shirt with 'Sonar' printed on it, with a red curtain in the background.
A man with short hair speaking into a microphone while holding a cup of beer, with a vibrant red curtain in the background.
A man speaking on stage, holding a drink, with a microphone in front of him and a red curtain backdrop.
A man speaking passionately into a microphone while holding a cup of beer, with red curtains in the background.

The evening started at 2pm. It included ten bands with each given half an hour to perform. I missed the beginning. Some great bands – Dig A Revel, Sex Doll, Burntmill Ghosts, Memorial Field, The Squanches and For Lack of a Term rocked the crowd. There were four bands from home state of New Jersey and one from neighboring Pennsylvania and New York.

I arrived just in time for the first international band. They are pop punk band from Aibonito, Puerto Rico and are called Hoping Forever. They left a good impression on me. I liked their enthusiasm and music. I am sure that they gained a lot of new fans here and will be back the next time.

Hoping Forever links

https://hopingforever.bandcamp.com

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hoping-forever/1175861457

See images from Hoping Forever performance below. Photo all rights reserved by Andris Jansons.

https://linktr.ee/andrisjansons

A live band performance featuring three musicians on stage. One guitarist is playing a white electric guitar, another is on bass guitar, and the lead singer is holding a microphone, engaging with the audience.
A musician playing an electric guitar on stage with a colorful background and soft lighting.
A live music performance featuring a vocalist holding a microphone and passionately singing, flanked by musicians on a bass guitar and electric guitar. The background is illuminated with vibrant red lighting.
A musician playing a black bass guitar on stage, wearing a maroon hoodie with a colorful graphic design.
A drummer performing on stage, wearing a cap and focused on playing the drums, with colorful stage lighting in the background.
A musician passionately singing into a microphone on stage, wearing a black cap and hoodie, with colorful stage lighting in the background.
A musician playing an electric guitar on stage, with a drummer visible in the background. The setting features colorful lighting and a backdrop featuring a cityscape and an artistic design.
A band performing live on stage with a colorful backdrop, featuring a vocalist passionately singing into a microphone and guitar players accompanying him.
A musician playing an electric guitar on stage, wearing a dark t-shirt and a baseball cap, with a microphone in front and brightly lit curtain backdrop.
A musician playing a black bass guitar on stage, wearing a purple hoodie with a colorful design. The background features a vibrant stage setting with lighting.
A live music performance featuring several band members on stage, with one singer holding a microphone and singing passionately. The backdrop includes a banner advertising 'New Rock City' and there are various instruments visible, including guitars and drums.
A male singer performs on stage, holding a microphone and wearing a black hoodie and cap. The background features colorful curtains, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the performance.

I heard a lot about The Lousekateers from Stephen. They have participated in many of New Rock City Festivals before. Their performance hit me like the freight train. Full of relentless energy. Some true punk rock. They hail from Westchester, NY. As I mentioned they performed the song written about Stephen called Posh Punk and for finale performed together with british band Chasing The Fall bassist. You can also see in galleries that bands sported each others merch. Great way to support each other. Punk Rock fans, please, do the same, follow them and purchase their merch and music. I really liked them for their unparalleled energy and attitude.

The Lousekateers links

https://thelousekateers.bandcamp.com

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-lousekateers/1440420916

See images from The Lousekateers performance below. Photo all rights reserved by Andris Jansons.

https://linktr.ee/andrisjansons

A female rock singer passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone with intense energy, while a male guitarist plays an electric guitar in the background. The stage is decorated with vibrant red curtains.
A musician passionately playing an electric guitar on stage, with colorful lighting in the background.
A musician playing the bass guitar on stage at a music festival, with a colorful backdrop featuring event banners.
A singer performing on stage, wearing a black t-shirt with 'Chasing the Fall' printed on it, passionately holding a microphone.
A woman passionately singing into a microphone on stage, wearing a black t-shirt with graphics. She has curly hair and is expressing emotion while performing, with a band in the background.
A passionate female vocalist performing on stage, leaning forward with a microphone in hand, expressing intense emotion while singing, with a blurred band member playing bass in the background.
A rock band performing live on stage, featuring a female vocalist playing a white electric guitar, and two male musicians on bass and electric guitar, with a colorful backdrop and drums in the background.
Female musician performing on stage, playing a decorated electric guitar while singing into a microphone, with vibrant red curtains in the background.
A guitarist performing energetically on stage, with long hair flowing and wearing a graphic t-shirt covered in band stickers, holding a decorated electric guitar.
A musician passionately playing an electric guitar on stage, with vibrant lighting and a colorful backdrop.
A drummer performing on stage, pointing with one hand while holding drumsticks in the other, wearing a graphic t-shirt. The backdrop features a sign for 'Garwood, N.'
A singer with long hair passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone and an electric guitar covered in stickers, with a bassist playing in the background. The stage is illuminated with colorful lights and features a banner that reads 'New Rock City' in the backdrop.
A musician passionately playing an electric guitar on stage, with long hair obscuring their face. The background features colorful stage lights and other band members, including a drummer. The environment reflects a lively music performance atmosphere.
A musician with long, curly hair passionately singing into a microphone while playing a guitar on stage, surrounded by colorful stage lights and a drum set in the background.
A female musician passionately performing on stage while singing into a microphone, wearing a black t-shirt and playing a decorated electric guitar covered in stickers.
A musician with long, curly hair performing on stage, speaking into a microphone, with a colorful and vibrant backdrop.
A musician with long curly hair passionately playing an electric guitar on stage, wearing a graphic t-shirt with floral designs, microphone close to his mouth.
Two musicians performing on stage, with one playing an electric guitar and the other holding a guitar in a rock concert setting, illuminated by vibrant stage lights.
A shirtless drummer wearing a chicken hat raises drumsticks while performing on stage, with a colorful backdrop featuring a banner and decorations.
A band performing on stage with a dynamic interaction between the singers, one holding a microphone while the other plays guitar. The background features a colorful backdrop and audience members enjoying the show.
A shirtless drummer wearing a playful chicken hat performs energetically on stage, surrounded by colorful lighting and musical instruments.

Second international band for the night came from Crewe, England called Catching The Fall. Also, no strangers to the New Rock City scene. As I am no expert in pop punk, I will not delve in their music, but in general I really liked their show. Very well put together and professional. They were really happy to be in states and making a lot of new friends and fans.

Chasing The Fall links

https://chasingthefall.com

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/chasing-the-fall/1708393971

See images from Chasing The Fall performance below. Photo all rights reserved by Andris Jansons.

https://linktr.ee/andrisjansons

A male performer in a black hoodie with 'VANS' printed on it is singing passionately on stage, with a microphone in hand and his arm outstretched. The background features colorful drapes and musical equipment.
A female musician playing an electric bass guitar on stage, wearing a black t-shirt with graphics, with colorful stage lighting in the background. A drummer can be seen in the blurry background.
A female bassist playing an electric bass guitar on stage, wearing a black t-shirt with a graphic design, with a blurry background of musical instruments and colorful lighting.
A musician passionately playing a guitar on stage, wearing a hoodie and cap, with a colorful curtain backdrop.
A female musician passionately singing and playing a black bass guitar on stage, wearing a band t-shirt, with a colorful background featuring stage lights and instruments.
A female bassist performing on stage with long hair covering her face, wearing a black t-shirt. In the background, a drummer is visible, and colorful banners adorn the stage.
A performer singing on stage, wearing a black hoodie with the Vans logo, with vibrant red curtains in the background. Another band member with a guitar is visible behind him.
A musician playing electric guitar on stage, wearing a hoodie and baseball cap, with a focused expression. The background features colorful stage lights and banners.
A male singer passionately performing into a microphone on stage, wearing a black cap and hoodie, with colorful stage lights in the background.
A male singer passionately performing on stage, wearing a black hoodie and a cap, with a microphone in hand and one hand raised in the air.
A smiling drummer passionately playing the drums on stage, wearing a cap and a sleeveless shirt, with colorful stage lights in the background.
A male singer performing on stage while wearing a black hoodie with 'VANS' printed on it, holding a microphone. In the background, a female musician is playing guitar, and colorful stage lights create a lively atmosphere.
A female guitarist performing on stage with a microphone, passionately singing. Behind her, a colorful backdrop for the New Rock City music festival.
A drummer focused on their performance, wearing a black sleeveless shirt and a cap, with drums and cymbals in the foreground and colorful lighting in the background.
A musician playing electric guitar on stage with a microphone stand in front, featuring a drummer in the background. The stage is decorated with a banner that reads 'Crossroads, Garwood, NJ,' and the lighting adds a colorful ambiance.
A drummer energetically playing on stage, passionately hitting the drums with drumsticks while exhibiting an intense expression.
A female musician passionately performing on stage with a guitar at a music festival, with a colorful backdrop featuring the event's logo and illustrations.
A live music performance featuring a female bassist singing into a microphone, a male vocalist engaging the audience, and a drummer playing in the background. Colorful banners for the 'New Rock City International Music Festival' are visible behind the band.

The nights headlining honors went to New Jersey band from East Rutherford called Just Happy To Be Here (doing pop punk Heismann pose). Very high energy with charismatic vocalist, destined to catch everyone’s attention. Very well put together melodic kick-ass songs.

Just Happy To Be Here links

https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/just-happy-to-be-here/1622185381

See images from Just Happy To Be Here performance below. Photo all rights reserved by Andris Jansons.

https://linktr.ee/andrisjansons

A singer with blue hair energetically performs on stage, holding a microphone, while a guitarist and drummer play in the background. The setting features vibrant lighting and a backdrop with a New Jersey state outline.
A singer with blue hair passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone and wearing a black t-shirt with a white design, surrounded by colorful stage lights and a backdrop featuring the word 'CROSSROADS'.
A musician with blue hair smiles while performing on stage, with a band member playing the bass guitar in the background.
A musician singing into a microphone while playing an electric guitar on stage, with colorful lighting in the background.
A drummer wearing a black hat and sunglasses passionately playing drums on stage, with a backdrop featuring the text 'Garwood, N.J.'
A musician playing an electric guitar on stage, wearing a white t-shirt and a cap, with a microphone in front and colorful stage curtains in the background.
Two musicians performing on stage with instruments at a music festival, with a vibrant backdrop featuring banners and lights.
A drummer playing on stage with long hair and a hat, surrounded by drum kit and percussion instruments, with a blurred view of a bass guitar in the foreground.
A performer with long hair jumps in mid-air, capturing a dynamic moment on stage. They are wearing a black shirt and blue jeans, with a colorful backdrop behind them.
A musician with a beard playing a black bass guitar on stage, wearing a black t-shirt, with a microphone in front of him.
A singer with blue hair passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone and singing into it, while a bassist stands nearby. In the background, a drummer can be seen and colorful stage lights illuminate the scene.
Singer with vibrant blue hair performing on stage with a microphone, while another musician smiles in the background.
A singer-songwriter performing on stage with a microphone and electric guitar, wearing a casual t-shirt and a baseball cap, with red velvet curtains in the background.
A man with a beard performs on stage, holding a bass guitar and singing into a microphone, with a red curtain backdrop.
Musician performing on stage, holding a microphone and harmonica, dressed in a black t-shirt and cap, with tattoos visible on arms and an electric guitar in front.
A vocalist with blue hair performing on stage, wearing a black t-shirt and jeans, with a microphone in hand and an expressive stance. The background features a shiny, red curtain.

PLEASE, SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MUSIC, YOUR LOCAL BANDS, DO IT YOURSELF BANDS, YOUR LOCAL VENUES AND EVERYONE PASSIONATE ABOUT MUSIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!

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