Local Band Alert: New Wave Crave

Local Band Alert: ThisisReno takes a closer look at local bands in this series of 5-minute interviews. This week we chat with New Wave Crave.

ThisisReno: How did you get started and who are your fans?

New Wave Crave: Last winter, guitarist/singer Justin Doerr sat down at the bar in Studio On 4th during one of their New Wave Dance Nights put on there by Carcrash Productions. He turned to the guy next to him and said, “Man, you look like a musician.” Bassist/singer Damian Janssen looked over the rim of his ’80s-style glasses and confirmed that he was right, and was delighted to learn that they shared not only a passion for ’80s new wave music, but also a history of performing it in their respective home towns on the South coast. Craigslist auditions resulted in their capturing Silas Bunce, the drummer/singer who also relocated to Reno from South Carolina with the experience and groove that is very hard to find. He’s the guy wearing the “Devo” hat that looks like an upside-down jello mold. If you like the band and don’t know why, you like Silas.

The band draws a diverse and fun crowd since the music is nostalgic for some, and “retro” for others. Fun ’80s era costumes are common on the dance floor, including leg warmers, skinny ties, checkered patterns, Swatch watches, and big, big shoulder pads.

TIR: How would you describe your sound and style?

New Wave Crave: It’s dance music the way it originally sounded when MTV was king, with rad songs by Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, Echo And The Bunnymen, David Bowie, Billy Idol, and beyond. With lead and backup singing shared by the three band members, Justin is the sensitive crooner featured on tunes by the likes of The Cure. “This song is for all the girls who are sad,” he jokes. Growler Damian sneers out songs like “Pretty In Pink” by The Psychedelic Furs, while Silas ascends to the high notes in “Send Me An Angel.” There is a dedication to accuracy with slightly hidden pre-recorded synthesizer tracks so nobody has to look at a “key-tar” player wearing a mullet, and resulting in a sound coming from this trio that is very large indeed. The band is always in themed costumes including wigs, makeup, and silly props that jokingly suggest the night’s show was brought to you by the ’80s Sony Walkman or Chia Pet. Retro celebrity movie impressions, spinning projections, and lots of on-stage dancing make for a contagious cocktail that tastes a lot better than a Zima.

TIR: Where can people listen to your music when you aren’t playing live?

New Wave Crave: Song list, video, performance dates, and three totally-tubular cover songs await you at: https://www.newwavecraveband.com/80-s-song-list

TIR: Where do you see the band in 5 years?

New Wave Crave: The band has a genuine interest in performing regularly at private engagements and corporate events in which the company sees the value of a dazzling show. Recently, the band has sponsored dance instructor/choreographer John Wade who has been teaching audition classes at World Dance Collective in downtown Reno on Monday nights at 5:30 p.m. Those who join the class for a $7 weekly fee are considered for costumed performances with the band live on stage. The ultimate goal is that of a themed show-band that is already established once this ’80s craze hits its peak. Imagine a giant, inflatable Rubik’s cube rolling off the stage and over the audience. 

TIR: How can people get ahold of you?

New Wave Crave: Call them on your huge, outdated brick cell phone at 775-750-2060 or simply fill out the info request form at www.NewWaveCraveBand.com or Facebook.com/NewWaveCrave

This just in: The band will be performing in concert for a “Cinco De ’80s” event on Saturday, May 5 at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W King St, Carson City, NV 89703.  Tickets and details coming soon.