Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Oddly Casual. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Oddly, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

As a band, the first dollars Oddly Casual earned were not actually brought home.

In early 2020, members of Oddly Casual lost a close friend: Justin “Norb” Kolbek. Along with being a close friend to us, he was a kind, mellow, and non-judgmental person, who’s highest passion was music and the arts, using it to connect with everyone around him.

In memory of Justin, Oddly Casual organized and held two music and arts festivals during the summer of 2021. “Norbfest” featured 13 musical acts across the two dates, multiple artist vendors and showcases, bringing in hundreds of fans, friends, and family. These events brought in thousands of dollars, all profits from which went to charity in the name of Justin.

While these festivals held an opportunity for Oddly Casual to debut their music in front of friends, family, and other local acts, they also served as a form of closure and celebration for Oddly Casual and our friend Justin. We never forget our first dollars brought in, as we were able to try and make a meaningful impact in the name of a close friend.

Oddly, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hailing from the Garden State, Oddly Casual seeks to reach new heights in the footsteps of previous great NJ bands. Oddly Casual has become a regular at NJ’s legendary Stone Pony while maintaining a rapidly expanding fan-base focused in central NJ, playing notable venues such as the Stanhope House and Crossroads in Garwood. In August 2022, Oddly Casual’s music video for the lead-off track of their most recent release, “(Better Than) The Dog”, was featured as 95.9 The RAT’s Jersey Rock Video of the Week.

The alternative folk rock band is composed of 4 members, most of which have close ties going back 10+ years. Joey Regan (Lead Vocals and Keys), Sol Mohamed (Bass Guitar) and Aaron Triolo (Drums) welcomed Jonah Kleitsch (Guitar) in late 2022, bringing a new energy to the quartet. They’re a quirky group, and the same rings true for their music. Their influences range from Red Hot Chili Peppers to The Avett Brothers to Green Day and beyond.

They’ll tell you “It’s all about the music” but with a name like Oddly Casual some might think they’re in it for the fashion.

Oddly Casual will be returning to Spice House Sound in Philadelphia, PA early May to record their latest material, planning for a Summer release. Until then please enjoy their most recent release, The Good, The Plaid, The Ugly EP.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In late 2022, Oddly Casual welcomed Jonah Kleitsch as their new guitarist.

Oddly Casual spent years building their sound, influenced by each individual band members’ varying musical preferences and backgrounds. Previously, Oddly Casual featured Hayden Blaetz, and then Steve Raucci as the Oddly Casual guitarists. Both Hayden and Steve encountered life circumstances that led to them to amicably exit the band. Each time Oddly Casual began working with a new guitarist was a pivot event. With each new guitarist, different influences, different styles, and different ways of being were introduced. Throughout, the band worked hard to stay true to their roots, keeping their core unique sound, all the while evolving and improving.

With Jonah, the band has pivoted once again, keeping their core sound and feeling, while working hard to bring a new fresh and engaging energy to our fans. With more material on the way soon, they can’t wait to debut the evolution of their sound in their next release, scheduled for the Summer.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal of Oddly Casual is simple: create music that they enjoy and enjoy playing. The most important ideal to Oddly Casual is to write and perform music that they personally enjoy, rather than what might be the most popular. It’s important to the band to write engaging and lively material.

Oddly Casual, like many other bands, started as a way for friends to meet, have fun, and unwind. After continuing this over time, the band has evolved into a truly unique source of music, driven by each member’s desire to play and hear what they enjoy. Luckily their varying tastes and styles interact in a way that creates a sound that is difficult to compare to.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oddly-casual.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oddly_casual/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oddlycasual
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@oddly_casual
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oddly_casual

Image Credits
Jeff Crespi Jon Wolf