A band without a cause, The Can Utility took their name from an early ’70s Genesis song, and they have been playing together for almost four years. They formed in Richmond, Va., and their focus is loud rock without the metal distortion. Like the Foo Fighters minus the pop. Noelle Schintzius (bass/vocals), Billy D. (guitar/vocals), Chris Salmon (guitar), and Sammy P. (drums) create an aggressive musical assault. Last year they released the independent release Afternoon Shave. They will play at Uncle Joe’s in Jersey City on April 4.
We recently caught up with Schintzius.
EM – Who are your influences?
NS – Cat Power, While They Slept, and bands we’ve played with.
EM – What are the last three CDs you bought?
NS – Blonde Redhead, Black Sabbath, and Brazil.
EM – Why did you become a musician?
NS – We all joined this band to get laid. And we are all seeking artistic expression, and wish to make a mark on the world. We feel that we have to play music; it’s not an option not to.
EM – Where have you performed?
NS – We have toured the East Coast extensively for the past three years with a focus on Virginia, New Jersey, New York and Georgia. We released an album called Afternoon Shave ourselves.
EM – How would you describe your music?
NS – Our music is somewhat indescribable, which I feel is a good thing. We are a rock band with sounds of indie, punk, prog, metal, grunge, and emo without feeling the trappings of any one scene or style. You can expect to hear a lot of dynamics. We all come from different backgrounds, and like different things, but in our van no one complains about Fugazi, Avail, and the Pixies.
EM – Are you looking for mainstream exposure?
NS – We are not looking for mainstream exposure. We are looking for an
independent label, and a loyal group of fans who love good music, not that
follow the latest fad or get caught up in an exclusionary scene. If we achieved mainstream success without sacrificing our integrity or our style, that would be cool but it’s not our goal.
EM – What professional plans do you have for the future?
NS – Our plans for the near future are to find an indie label to help us record our new songs, of which were really proud. Then quit our jobs, tour as much as possible, and start doing Pepsi commercials.
EM – What is the best part about being in a band?
NS – The best part is traveling and meeting all those people out there that are doing the same things as us and the exchange of ideas, art, and overall vibe is incredible. Also the release you get from playing is great, even at smaller shows.
Uncle Joe’s is at 154 First St. in Jersey City on April 4 at 9 p.m. The Can Utility will perform with the Swimmies, Boys Star Library and X-Dewey Defeated. Tickets are $5. For information call (201) 659-6999 or visit www.thecanutility.com. q