Guitarist Brian Dickerson is finally finding success with his band Liquifyed.
By: Matt Smith
If a tree falls in the forest, does a record company executive hear the sound?
For a struggling young band trying to land a much-coveted major-label deal, it’s nearly impossible to get your CD an honest listen at one of the music giants.
Guitarist Brian Dickerson spent the 1990s moving in and out of a number of North Jersey bands, each one clamoring for fame and glory. He’s had modest successes, including a never-aired VH1 commercial with his last band, Swim, but the doors at the big labels have been shut in his face time and time again.
The 29-year-old Madison resident tried the same route with his current group, the instrumental funk outfit Liquifyed, but with similar success.
"Right after we recorded (our demo), we sent it to a couple record companies," Mr. Dickerson says. "It turns out we were wasting our time.
"It’s all numbers and image. You have to come to them with a complete package. You have to be selling out every show at a place like Irving Plaza (in New York City)."
The tight six-member ensemble combines elements of blues, rock, reggae and jazz to create party music that sounds like a cross between the ’70s R&B of The Commodores and jam-oriented bands such as Galactic and Medeski, Martin and Wood.
Liquifyed averages seven to 10 gigs per month in North Jersey but is hoping a southward shift will help their crusade to land a recording contract. The group makes its first major Central Jersey appearance Feb. 19 at the five-month-old Conduit club in Trenton, which has launched the "Independent Music Tuesdays" series to help unsigned bands get exposure.
"We’re looking to play places like Conduit and Triumph (Brewing Co.) in Princeton," says Mr. Dickerson, who handles "99 percent" of Liquifyed’s booking and press, as well as working full time and taking college classes. "We’re focusing more on expanding our fan base and hoping people will come to us."
The strategy is working, he says.
"Half the time we play, managers will come and approach us," Mr. Dickerson says. "But we’re definitely not rushing into anything. We want to make sure everything is square before we jump in feet first."
Guy Smiley Blues Exchange, Liquifyed, The Medicine Project and Jon Francis play Conduit, 439 S. Broad St., Trenton, Feb. 19, 8 p.m. Tickets cost $6. For information, call (609) 656-1199. On the Web: www.conduitmusic.com. Liquifyed on the Web: www.liquifyed.com