By Danny Coleman
originally published: 09/07/2017
When you're a 12 year old boy and you think that you're accompanying your musically inclined parents to a recording session and then suddenly you're the one turning heads, that's a dream come true; or is it fate?
Now 13, the artist who goes by, "Buggy" has a debut album, a band, a growing fan base and a future that's looking very bright. "It seems like I've been listening to P.O.D and metal all of my life; I kind of was pulled into rap. I have a musical family. My mom is a singer, my brother plays both guitar and bass guitar and one day I was in the recording studio while my parents were there and there was a seasoned singer there. I started singing along, I knew all of the words and this singer saw me and thought that I had the ability to do something with my voice. I sang and I started rapping and it just happened from there."
Born in Crystal Minnesota but relocated to a very small town west of Minneapolis, Buggy got his stage/nick name through music as well. "My parents were making an album," he explained with a chuckle, "And they always had me around music from the time I was born so I was at the recording studio. My mom would push me in a buggy, carriage or whatever one wants to call it and my dad would say, "Here comes Buggy" and that's it. I wish it was a better story but that's how it came about (laughs)."
Due to his home town location and a now hectic schedule, Buggy readily admits that he doesn't pay much attention to his local music scene but he is not entirely to blame for that. "I'm 13, I can't go to bars," he said with a laugh. "I don't focus on any music other than my own. I live in a rural area so I'm really into doing my own thing because of where I am, things are kind of spread out."
"Alarm For War" is his, "Own thing" and he loves every minute of this new undertaking. "Yeah, the name of the band comes from 4:19 in "The Book of Jeremiah." "He was trying to warn people about war, an alarm to alert them and God pretty much said let them be if they don't listen, so we're trying to get people to listen and hopefully they will this time."
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
Being a teen celebrity isn't easy and we've all heard the horror stories that can go along with it but Buggy says his band mates, who are older than him are ideal. "These guys are awesome," he said with great enthusiasm. "There is no problem working with them, we get on each other, we get along great and work together well. They leave comments on our Facebook page and I always say, "Hey! where else are you going to find another 13 year old front man (laughs)?"
Their debut album, "Enemies of the State," has opened eyes as it crosses through multiple genres such as hardcore, metal, rap, rapcore and rock. Radio singles, "Love Not Hate" and "Day Turned To Night" have been the first two releases from this six song disc which is a collaborative effort. "Me and all of the rest of the band write the music and the lyrics. If I had to define our sound, I'd say it's like Rage Against The Machine on steroids (laughs). I was 12 years old when we recorded the first half of the album and 13 when we recorded the second half. I had never done anything like this before and at first I didn't know what to expect but by the time we finished the first song I was saying; "Hey what's next?" "I was excited to keep going and it was a great learning experience."
A debut album, a performance schedule and more are all part of his routine; so when is there time for school and normal teen aged stuff? Well according to Buggy he is enjoying things just as they are at the moment. "I'm home schooled so school is never a problem, I do my homework on the bus because I get to travel a lot. We are looking at bands to jump on tour with at the moment. I've never been on a full out tour but I've no doubt that it will be awesome! The band and I are close, we're close to finalizing something and then we'll be going out on the road, it's going to be great!"
To discover more about Alarm For War, "Enemies of the State" or Buggy himself, please go to www.alarmforwar.com.
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
This week's event listings
The Alchemist and Barrister28 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-5555
Wed. 10 p.m. Paul Plumeri Blues Band
Bill's Olde Tavern2694 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-0192
Thurs. 9 p.m. Trivia
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke Contest (Cash prizes)
Ages 21+
Blend Bar & Bistro911 Highway 33 Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Jam
Wed. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Shaun Ruymen
Bowman's Tavern1600 River Road New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2972
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Gary Reed & Arturo
Fri. 8 p.m. Bob Egan
Sat. 7:30 p.m. Larry Tamanini Trio
Sun. 6 p.m. Lorenzo
Mon. 6 p.m. Andy Prescott
Tues. 6 p.m. Lovey Williams
Wed. 6 p.m. Soul Custody Duo
Brickwall Tavern & Dining Room19 E. Union Street Burlington
(609) 733-3562
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Shorty Rock
Sat. 9 p.m. Pinstripe Loveseat
Sun. 5 p.m. Troy Kaiser
Candlelight Lounge 24 Passaic Street Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Mike Bond. $10 (cover charge/$10 Minimum includes buffet)
Tues. 6 p.m. "Tuesday Jazz Jam" Open Session feat. James Stewart / Tom Littwin Trios. $5 (Lite appetizers)
Chickie's & Pete's183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Quizzo Trivia
City Streets 510 Highway 130 South East Windsor
(609) 426-9400
Fri. 9 p.m. Kindred Spirit
Mon. 9 p.m. "Malibu Mondays" w/ DJ Brett Gash
Tues. 9 p.m. Trivia w/ Jessie and Chelsea
Wed. 6:30 p.m. "Wine Down Wednesdays" w/ Rich Genoval
COARadio.com Main Street Hightstown
(609) 241-7103
Check web site for upcoming events
Cream Ridge Winery145 Route 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 259-9797
Sun. 1 p.m. John & Maggs
Dadz Bar & Grill744 Main Street Lumberton
(609) 267-4344
Thurs. 10 p.m. "Pong Tournament"
Fri. 10 p.m. The Polish Nannies
Sat. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Byrd
Sun. 4 p.m. Aaron Hehl & John Dutton
Wed. 9 p.m. Karaoke w/ Superstar Entertainment
Dog & Bull Brew House810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Dane Rosenfeld
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. Joe Robinson (9 p.m.) Brian Bortnick
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch" feat. Michael Leggerie (9 p.m.) Cara cartney
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Keli Vale (4 p.m.) John Rodden
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night hosted by Dana Collins
Wed. 8 p.m. Jay Regan
Fran's Pub116 South Main Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-5539
Fri. 8 p.m. Kim Yarson Band ("Rise" CD Release Party)
Sat. 8 p.m. On Axis
Freddies Tavern12 Railroad Avenue Ewing
(609) 882-0978
Fri. 8 p.m. The Blue Moons
Sat. 8 p.m. JB Rocks
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Joe Vadala
Grover's Mill Coffee HousePrinceton-Hightstown Road Princeton Junction
(609) 716-8771
Thurs. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Anker
Havana New Hope105 S. Main Street New Hope, PA.
(215) 862-9897
Fri. 7 p.m. Newtown School of Rock presents: "Woodstock" (9:30 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (4 p.m.) Newtown School of Rock presents: "Woodstock" (8 p.m.) Steal Your Peach (Allman Bros/Grateful Dead Tribute). Doors at 7 p.m., $15 (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Mon. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Wed. 8 p.m. "Local Original Music" Hosted by Pat Foran
Hopewell Valley Bistro & Inn15 East Broad Street Hopewell
(609) 466-9889
Fri. 8 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Iron Plow Vineyards26750 Mount Pleasant Road Columbus
(732) 306-9111
Fri. 6 p.m. Ronnie Brandt
Sat. 1 p.m. Deb & Mike
Sun. 1 p.m. Keith Franklin Jazz Duo
Ivy Tavern 3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Fri. 9 p.m. Papa D'Lux
Sat. 9 p.m. Smoked Ice
All shows 21+
John & Peter's 96 S. Main Street New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Cosmo Iacavazzi
Fri. 9 p.m. Chris Aquayo Band
Sat. (3 p.m.) Desoto Rust (9 p.m.) Wineskin
Sun. (3 p.m.) Eagle Road (9 p.m.) TBA
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic.
Tues. 9 p.m. Whiskey Dick / James Hunnicut
Wed. 9 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
Killarney's Publick House1644 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road Hamilton
(609) 586-1166
Sat. 9 p.m. Out Of The Red
Laurita Winery85 Archertown Road New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Sat. 1 p.m. Rick Winow
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Pound and Pour on the Lawn" (1 p.m.) Jersey Corn
Wed. 6 p.m. Girls Night Out "Fall Cupcake Class"
Mamma Rosa's 572 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 588-5454
Thurs. 6 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Richard Schneider
McGuinn's Place1781 Brunswick Avenue Lawrence
(609) 392-0599
Tues. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Ages 21+
McStews Irish Sports Pub5316 New Falls Road Levittown, PA
(215) 949-9570
Thurs. 10:30 p.m."Beer Pong" w/ DJ RV & MC Slim
Fri. 10 p.m. "Frisky Fridays" Christmas In July feat. DJ Favs. Ages 21+
Tues. 7 p.m. Quizzo hosted by Mike
Millhill Basement300 S. Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Tues. 10 p.m. "Local Artist" Hip Hop, Experimental EDM and Bass Music Showcase
New Hope Winery6123 Lower York Road New Hope, PA
(215) 794-2331
Sat. 8 p.m. "A Tribute To Carole King" feat. Home Again. Doors at 7 p.m., $25
Nook's PourHouse2043 Route 130 South Florence
(609) 447-0927
Tues. 8 p.m. Trivia Tuesday w/ Quizoholics
Nottingham Ballroom200 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 890-9834
Thurs. 7 p.m. "Mafalda's Dinner and Dancing" feat. The Meg Hanson group. $25 (Includes buffet)
Nottingham Tavern9 Mercer Street Hamilton Square
(609) 587-6623
Thurs. 7 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Super Dave
Wed. 5 p.m. "Weekend Warm-up" w/ DJ Chris Barlow
Ages 21+
Palermo's Of Hamilton310 Klockner Road Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21 +
Pete's Steak House523 Whitehorse Avenue Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. Running With Scissors
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Infinite Bandwidth
Plumsted Grill457 Route 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 758-5552
Sat. 9 p.m. B Street
Randy Now's Man Cave134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Sat. 8 p.m. "Honky Stomp & Rock-A-Billy Night" feat. The Junk Rumblers, Rob-A-Lou. $12
Salt Creek Grille1 Rockingham Row Princeton
(609) 419-4200
Fri. 8 p.m. Carol Selick
Sat. 8 p.m. Charles Clarke
Small World Coffee14 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-4377 x2
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Rainbow Fresh
Sun. 7 p.m. Princeton Bluegrass Jam
1867 Sanctuary 101 Scotch Road Ewing
(609) 392-6409
Fri. 8 p.m. Clipper Erickson. $20
Sat. 8 p.m. Luiz Simas. $20
Sun. (4 p.m.) "Scenes From Aida" feat. International Verdi Society. $20 (7:30 p.m.) BD Lenz Trio. $20
Tara's Tavern 1 Cookstown-New Egypt Road, Wrightstown
(609) 286-2300
Fri. 10 p.m. Blue Jay Slim & The Tone Blasters
Sat. 10 p.m. Roundabout
Tavern On The Lake101 Main Street Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. Hybrid
Sat. 9 p.m. Round Trip
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
Terhune Orchards330 Cold Soil Road Princeton
(609) 924-2310
Fri. 5 p.m. "Sips and Sounds Summer Music Series" w/ Laundry Men
The Cool Cricket216 Burlington Street Fieldsboro
(609) 291-9110
Fri. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Sat. 9 p.m. ArHouse
The HOB Tavern146 Second Street Bordentown
(609) 291-7020
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic. Night
Wed. 8 p.m. (TBA)
The Ivy Inn248 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Rockin' Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. El Ka Bong
Sat. 10 p.m. Essie & the Big Chill
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. 10 p.m. "Wednesday Wheel Night Spin To Win Karaoke" w/ DJ Rockn Ron
The Pines Tavern6217 North Radcliffe Street Bristol, PA
(215) 788-1659
Sun. 3 p.m. Open Mic. Hosted by Bill Monach Jr.
The Raven 385 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA
(215) 862-2081
Thurs. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert. (10 p.m.) All Male Revue
Fri. (9 p.m.) Michael Ferreri (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Sat. (5 p.m.) Russell Eiffert (10 p.m.) DJ Dance Party
Mon. 5 p.m. "New Feathers" Playwright Reading Series
Tues. 8 p.m. "Bearlesque In The Oak Room"
Wed. 7 p.m. Dena Underwood
The Record Collector358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Check web site for upcoming events
The Roost 181 Rte. 539 Cream Ridge
(609) 208-0050
Fri. 9 p.m. 80's Band
The Sticky Wicket 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Thurs. 9 p.m. "Throwback Thursday" w/ DJ Chillio
Sat. 9 p.m. Einstein Bridge
Tues. 7 p.m. Karaoke
The Sun National Bank Center 81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check website for upcoming events
Tir Na Nog 1324 Hamilton Avenue Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. David Falcone
Sat. 9 p.m. Mass Folk Commons
Tues. 9 p.m. Open Mic Hosted by Taylor Reed
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine Street Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Fri. 8 p.m. Live Band & Open Mic.
Trenton Social449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8 p.m. "Audio History of Funk and Soul" w/ Professor DJ Tangency
Mon. 9 p.m. Monday Night Karaoke w/ Benny P
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic. Night w/ Benny
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. Secret American / Tangerine Motors. $5 (cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Steady Flow. $5 (cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Stage Night (Sign ups at 6:30 p.m.)
All shows 21+
Triumph Brewing Company (Princeton, NJ Location)
138 Nassau Street Princeton
(609) 924-7855
Fri. 10 p.m. (TBA)
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn2572 Pennington Road Pennington
(609) 773-2392
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Ernie White
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
Mon. 9 p.m. "Moonshine Mondays" Trivia
Tues. 9 p.m. Ed Wilson
Ages 21+
Danny Coleman is a veteran musician and writer from central New Jersey. He hosts a weekly radio program entitled “Rock On Radio” airing Sunday evenings at 7:000pm EST on multiple internet radio outlets where he features indie/original bands and solo artists.
