Reilly Rocks the RAC
Saturday May 3 marked "Spring Blaze" at Rutgers Athletic Center. Radio station Star 99.1 FM hosted a concert with several Christian rock groups along with keynote speaker Greg Schiano. Playing at the event was the alternative-rock band Reilly.
Headed by Rutgers graduate John Reilly (Class of 2000), Reilly (the band) is a five-piece group that played a set of original music before headline act Switchfoot took the stage.
John recently answered some questions from ChopChamps.com about his musical start On the Banks, his love for Rutgers sports, and how Rutgers football has "transformed campus life."
John Reilly (center) heads the band Reilly.
John, tell us about your Rutgers ties.
I graduated from Rutgers in May of 2000, Livingston Campus. I majored in communication and have a minor in music. My sister and now brother-in-law also attended to Rutgers during the same time. I have a lot of fond RU memories. Interestingly, I began writing music during my junior year in the South Tower of Livingston's campus.
How much of a Scarlet Knight fan R U? Do you get a chance to get to Rutgers Stadium or the RAC (other than for your recent show)?
I love RU football and have made it out to a game or two during the season. It's amazing how the program has transformed campus life...there's so much more school spirit now...it's great to absorb it and to experience it.
Tell us about your band and music. What drives you?
Our music is acoustic driven, alt-rock with a symphonic element. We love the idea of communicating through our music - of saying something meaningful in a way that moves our listeners.
Your show was solid rock and roll ... but few rock bands have the strings (violin) that Reilly has. How did you come to include that element in your music and band?
I had been doing the “singer-songwriter” thing for about a year before the band came along. As we began collaborating more and more together, we found a lot of joy crafting songs that had not only great lyrics and melodies, but also interesting counter melodies with the violins, and guitars. We wanted to go beyond what you hear on the radio. Since we’re
the ones playing these songs over and over, we wanted to keep ourselves excited and allow our listeners to experience something unique.
If you could say anything to the Rutgers fans out there, what would it be?
Go R U!
Check out Reilly's music, including their recent album release "Let June Decide" including the song "Limited Time," at one of these Web sites:
www.REILLYtheband.com
www.myspace.com/REILLYtheband
www.sonicbids.com/REILLYmusic
John Reilly started writing songs while a student at Rutgers.
