When he is not in the studio arranging and engineering melodies for other bands, Chris "Gibby" Gibson leads the way for the modern punk rock group High Speed Chase.
Gibson is a veteran musician who has lived in Hoboken for almost two decades, and fronting High Speed is the most fun he has had making music since his days with his first group in the mid-’80s.
"I’ve seen many changes in Hoboken, but we have a strong current wave of original bands really making some noise," Gibson said.
To showcase the talented bands that relentlessly play the local circuit scene, Gibson will host a special event at Maxwell’s in Hoboken adequately titled Gibbypalooza.
In addition to High Speed, other bands playing the bill include Highfall, Diesel Theory, Hindsight, Eugene, Madjul, Our Marvelous Lives, and Downpore. Each band will perform for 20 minutes.
Their sounds range from post modern punk to screamo pop garage. The show is also a birthday party for Gibson.
"It’s very special that we’re doing the show at Maxwell’s. It’s a top venue in my hometown," he said.
Gibson first did Gibbypalooza at CBGBs in New York City one month after the Sept. 11 attacks. The show was a benefit and it raised more than $2,500 for several charities. The following year, Gibson put on the event again. Instead of a fundraiser, it was an indie music showcase and birthday party.
"After doing it in the city for two years, I wanted to bring it to Hoboken," Gibson said.
Hoboken state of mind
In the early ’80s, Gibson was a talented film student at New York University. When he was not filming a project for class, he would play with friends at cafés near the campus. Eventually listening to the Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Pretenders got to him, and he formed the progressive punk band The Directors. Their sound, he admits, was not good, yet he continued to write and perform music. One of his college buddies, legendary producer Rick Rubin, encouraged Gibson to pursue music and other creative outlets. After graduating, he joined several bands, and found a home on Washington Street in Hoboken.
The ’80s were a golden era for original music in the mile-square city, recalled Gibson. Maxwell’s was one of many venues that featured original acts. There were about five venues on Washington Street where bands could perform, he said.
"It was a real scene. Bands knew each other and we made sure we persevered," he said.
Some of the bands in that era included The Marys, The Gefkens, The Individuals, and Gibson’s band, Rulalenzka.
In the late-’80s and early-’90s, Gibson said the scene faded. Venues shut down, and bands moved away. He attributed the scene’s decline to the city’s aggressive redevelopment, which, he said, increased the rents for many people.
"Everywhere you turned, you either saw a building on fire or the construction of a new building. Venues turned into sports bars with cover bands," he said.
During this time, Gibson found employment behind the microphone and in the studio. He worked for Virgin and Radioactive Records for several years and produced and engineered many tracks for local up-and-coming Jersey acts. He still keeps a studio in his apartment, where he works full time.
Working with bands and producing tracks for other groups taught Gibson discipline. A few years ago he teamed up with three friends to form High Speed Chase, a band that he described as "intelligent sophisticated punk rock."
Their release Ruff Eight is an in-your-face mellow angst punk sound, which is very honest. Tracks like "Bliss’ and "Animal" are somewhat catchy, but they also offer some insight into the world Gibson comes from and has experienced. The album is dark at times, but full of hope.
Gibbypalooza is the culmination of years of hard work for Gibson. A walking Hoboken legend, he continues to promote the music scene without giving up.
"Success should be shared," he said. "Now it’s my turn to help young bands."
Gibbypalooza will take place at Maxwell’s at 1039 Washington St. in Hoboken on Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8. Some of the bands performing at the event will be Eugene, Our Marvelous Lives, Madjul, High Speed Chase, and Hindsight. For information call (201) 653-1703 or visit www.maxwellsnj.com. q