It is their friendship that has always guided Adam McDonough and John Miller of 7 Mornings, a indie-pop-rock band based in Jersey City, to write and perform music.
McDonough and Miller practically grew up brothers in their hometown of Cape May, NJ, but they did not always play together.
After graduating high school, McDonough pursued his passion for songwriting and attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, while Miller went on study psychology at Wesley College in Dover, DE.
McDonough and Miller initially played in different bands, but eventually formed 7 Mornings to pursue the dream of making it in the industry.
McDonough, 27, said, “We have always sounded great together, and I think our similar struggles as artists brought us even closer.”
Embracing the positive
Appropriately named 7 Mornings, the band’s name was inspired by Damien Marley’s song “Beautiful.” In the song, Marley sings about a girl who washes his ‘locks’ every morning, and this love and positivism is the message in their music.
“It’s about bringing a positive attitude to your life and always looking forward,” Miller, 27, said.
McDonough said, “We want our audience to feel the song and be able to relate it to their lives. We want to show perseverance and to take life day by day.”
The music is a combination of indie folk and pop, with the influences of John Mayer, Bryan Adams and Elliot Smith.
“When I’m songwriting, I keep Elliot Smith in mind, and I can ultimately see his music in my songs,” Miller said.
Living in Jersey City Heights has given them a fair share of life’s realities, which is captured in the music. Recently, Miller’s guitar was stolen after a cab driver drove away with it in his car; moreover, it was not too long ago when their apartment was robbed, losing some of their most valuable possessions.
Nonetheless, Miller and McDonough say that living in the Jersey City-Hoboken area has given them something to write about, and they say it has given them a community of friends that support their music.
“Living here is both good and hard. We are surrounded by people who do what we do, and there is a feeling that you aren’t judged all the time. At the same time, living here has beaten us up, but inspiration comes to us every day,” McDonough said.
The right combination
The pair has been working together for six years and their different personalities help bring diverse elements to their songwriting. Miller’s laid-back humor and relaxed presence balance McDonough’s passion.
Miller said McDonough is very strong in bringing structure to songs, while he can give them direction. When it comes to songwriting, they are each other’s critic first and best friend second.
“We usually come up with ideas separately, and then we come together with pieces of an idea and build off of that. Sometimes it’s hard to be objective with each other, but it has always worked for us,” Miller said.
They are currently completing their first album, which they hope will land them a record deal. For a little over a year now, they recorded tracks in New York City and collaborated with some renowned producers, including a former drummer for Paul McCartney and Elton John. They hope to release a few of the new tracks this fall through their MySpace page.
In an ideal world, they would like to make a living with their songs and perform for people who care about their music.
“To be respected by the people whose music I respect is the ultimate feeling of success. When Rob Thomas and Elliot Smith can say ‘I think your music is great,’ I think would be the greatest accomplishment for me,” Miller said.
At a recent show
However, 7 Mornings said that the most rewarding experience is having a supportive audience.
“You can never take for granted what the audience said. There are two different types of criticism – ones from people in the music industry and then the fans. You need both to succeed,” Miller said.
McDonough said, “The best criticism is when I see someone at a show who I’ve never seen before, and then they start to come see us regularly.”
7 Mornings performs regularly at the Dubliner in Hoboken, where the pair has been performing for almost a year. On a recent Wednesday night, they crowd mixed with locals and others responded to the music.
Helena Murphy, who met McDonough at The Dubliner one night, became a regular audience of 7 Mornings.
“I’m not from the United States, and it was refreshing to hear their music,” Murphy said. “It’s different when you hear music that’s recorded in a studio than when you hear it live. I love their vibe.”
Throughout the night, 7 Mornings played covers, including Dave Matthews and Crowded House and some of their original music.
“I like their covers, but I love their original music even more,” Kevin O’Toole, a fan from Hoboken, said.
McDonough and Miller have been writing songs for every soundtrack of their lives, and as they continue to overcome challenges as an emerging music band, this is a song they will always be writing about.
“If you’re comfortable with whom you are, then things will happen. Other artists have had struggles, but we’re persevering and finding a light at the end of that tunnel,” McDonough said.
7 Mornings play at The Dubliner, located at 96 River St. in Hoboken, every other Wednesday night at 9:30 p.m. and they also play every other Tuesday night at ONieal’s. They will play an upcoming show on Thursday, Sept. 18 at Mexicali Live in Teaneck. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/7Mornings.
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