Screeching sirens, blaring car horns, garbage men yelling over the din of smashing glass-- these could be considered the sounds of Hoboken. Meanwhile in the TouchTunes/"Play Now" era, where the inmates run the asylum, it's impossible to walk a block without hearing Journey's clichéd fist-pumper cranking out of some bar's jukebox. Of course none of this matters, since half the people sitting at the bar are listening to their iPods anyhow.

The music industry itself is nothing like it used to be, never mind the "music scene" in a tiny little bedroom whistle-stop like Hoboken. And yet a vibrant musical landscape does in fact exist in the midst of such clatter, giving an outlet to creativity while providing solace to those fickle fringe fanatics who want more from their entertainment than spoon-fed network television karaoke.

The Control Room
Anyone who has been around Hoboken long enough can tell you how it used to be (check out Stephen Bailey's "The 'Glory Days' of Hoboken Music" on page XX), and few have been around as long as Jim Mastro, owner of the city's premier music shop--the Guitar Bar (160 First Street). "People are always nostalgic for older days," he says, "but there are so many good players in town nowadays, probably hundreds." He would know, since not only does Mastro sell most of them their gear, but he also runs The Pigeon Club recording studios with co-owners Wayne Dorell and Daniel Schlett--one of several top-notch professional recording studios located right here in town.

Another example of which is Garden Street Music (1018 Washington Street), run by husband and wife team Dan and Annie McLoughlin. "The secret is that my wife is super organized and business savvy," says Dan. "We never could have done it without her."

Dan is a veteran musician and founding member of The Push Stars, having worked and lived in places like Woodstock, Boston, and Los Angeles. "I remember years before I even moved here, people kept telling me Hoboken was the place to be." One key element that inspired the McLoughlins to plant their roots in Hoboken was the relative communal nature of the music scene--even at the professional level. "I've worked with [other] producers in town; everyone has a place and we all have different things to offer." He adds, "Through solid hard work we've gotten a good rep. I built that by working my ass off, we've hung everything on that. True musicians are never gonna get a 'real job'--we're devoted to this, down to our last penny."

In addition to production work, Garden Street Music offers its own progressive brand of music school. "We were very fortunate to get good musicians," say McLoughlin, "then the kids say what makes them happy about music, and we try to find whatever works best for them. If they like the Beatles, we teach them the Beatles; and from there they learn to drive themselves."

In their experience, this town has proven to be a fertile ground for aspiring musicians. "Hoboken shows a respect for music," says McLoughlin. "This wouldn't work in many other towns--people feel it's important, and that it's important to be part of that music community."

Chris "Gibby” Gibson has been at the heart of the Hoboken music community for over twenty years. His Upstart Studios (300 Observer Highway) caters to predominantly local, original bands and singer/songwriters in genres ranging from Adult, Alternative Rock and Folk to Punk, Metal, and Hardcore. "I would say about a 65/35 ratio of Hoboken [based artists] versus general tri-state area artists," says Gibson. "I've had performers come from as far away as Canada and Sweden to work with me, but that's rare these days."

"I'm very glad to see that there is not only enough of us 'old school' musicians who've managed to stick it out while the economic and social scene has changed so drastically over the years, but a steady influx of new performers who bring a fresh perspective to a scene that is desperately trying to keep itself alive and stay relevant," says an obviously very passionate Gibson. "I'm proud to say there is still a sense of teamwork; we can still work together and try to achieve the artistic brilliance that will leave fans and fellow artists with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that they just couldn't get anywhere else in the world."

Meanwhile, performing both solo and with his band High Speed Chase keeps Gibson out and about on the frontlines. "We usually stick to local, Hoboken based venues like Maxwell's or if I do anything solo or acoustic, I'll usually hit Dave Entwistle's Open Mic at Northern Soul," he says.

The Stages
Some places try to attract musicians, while others have evolved into the attraction themselves. With little debate, Maxwell's (1039 Washington St.) is easily considered to be the hub of live music in Hoboken, if not all of northern New Jersey. With a turbulent history that spans four decades, Maxwell's has seen such acts as The Cowsills, Nick Lowe, Oasis, Beck, David Byrne, the White Stripes, and Nirvana. And while their chicken pot pie alone is worth the price of admission, according to owner Todd Abramson, several other factors make Maxwell's a MUST on the tour itineraries of so many great bands.

"Well, the meal certainly counts," he concedes, "but also the atmosphere is very conducive to great shows and great times. The sound is excellent and bands are treated very well. In conjunction with New York or Brooklyn plays, it also often means short travel between shows." (For more on the story behind Maxwell's, check out Stephen Bailey's "The 'Glory Days' of Hoboken Music" on page XX)

Meanwhile on the other end of town, the Whiskey Bar continues the musical tradition in a space that has long been one of the best in town to play. Manager Chad Tomlin says, "For original bands we look for a tight, polished sound with genres from contemporary to progressive rock, and everything in-between. For cover bands, we look for bands that can perform an extremely diverse selection of songs--from The Beatles to Lady Gaga, and beyond." He adds, "We look for bands that not only sound great, but that have the stage presence to entertain the masses."

A prime example of this stage presence can be seen with acts like Johnny Drama, who incorporate choreographed, synchronized video performances that create a unique feast of the senses for all in attendance. Meanwhile solid original acts like 7Mornings (see the Mar/Apr issue of hMAG for a complete review) keep the house packed with avid fans.

The Trenches
But for any sort of burgeoning music scene to maintain its presence, there has to be accessibility. Thanks to the effort and amibitions of Hoboken's tightly knit music community, both the fan and the artist have their chances to show a mutual appreciation.

Started about 10 years ago, The Peoples Open Mic is the longest running program of its kind in Hoboken, currently calling Northern Soul (557 First St.) its home. Tuesdays are open to singers, musicians, poets, and comedians, while Thursdays are for original singer-songwriters and small acoustic-based bands. Over its duration, singer-songwriter Dave Entwistle has, "created an open mic vibe that encourages a supportive attitude amongst its players. Many bands and artists get their "stage legs" by playing open mics," he says. "I continue to do it because I love watching people blossom into genuine artists from such humble beginnings."

Friday nights at Northern Soul are reserved for DJ Mike C, who enjoys the venue's "retro-futuristic mix."

"It's the only place I know of in town where every weekend a DJ plays new indie stuff like LCD Soundsystem and Ted Leo alongside classics ranging from Blondie and Bowie to The Clash and The Cure." Proving that a disc jockey in the Garden State doesn't have to fit a "reality" TV stereotype, DJ Mike C caters to, "people who want to hear something different than what they hear at every other bar--people who have awesome music on their iPods; people who like Iggy Pop, Chrissie Hynde, Dave Grohl, James Brown and Ray Davies."

Playing off that same, seemingly unique concept of giving people something different, you'll find Will O'Connor, Jenny Lyden and Jeff Sassaman--the core of what has come to be called "Music For Grownups."

According to O'Connor, "Music For Grownups” was born out of the need that many thirty-somethings in Hoboken feel for a more eclectic and adult pub experience." With O'Connor on guitar, Lyden on various forms of percussion and Sassaman on the upright bass, the concept delivers, "music that doesn't need to be loud to be enjoyed, songs that don't have to be in the Top 40 to be worth listening to, and nights where you don't feel out of place because you're not there to get $#!+faced."

Closing Act
With an exceptional sense of support at all levels of the community--from City Hall to the corner bar, Hoboken's music scene continues to flourish. The determined and passionate artists listed here are but a sample of what this city has to offer. Put down the remote, leave the earbuds at home and take it in while you can… before it's ALL too loud, and you're too old.