As much as you think it might be an easy task, it’s not always that simple to showcase new, up-and-coming artists. Usually when it comes to these sorts of things, if you aren’t familiar with the band’s name, what’s going to make you click our story versus the 999 Best Gaming Hacks For Super Mario Party? Yeah, not always that simple.
However, putting all doubts aside, we’re going to keep highlighting emerging bands we believe in. Bands that stand out against the tiring monotony of our music scene. You know, bands like Minneapolis noisemakers niiice.
Harkening back to the Fest/DIY scene of the early-to-mid 2010′s – think You Blew It!, Jank, Hard Girls, etc. – the top-notch trio provide tunes perfect for a six-pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon plus miserable memories of your ex. With witty song titles like “shlonkey kong,” “free earl” and “2 hi” but lyrics about anxiety, self-improvement and divorce, niiice. make for the ideal feel-good cry you’ve been waiting to have for months.
Now, in order to get to know a little more about the up-and-coming alt-emo act, we reached out to vocalist/guitarist Roddie Gadeberg to hear all about his band, personal influences, as well as niiice.’s brand new album Internet Friends which hits stores September 25th. To check out our chat and discover your newest obsession, be sure to look below. Afterward, for more from the band, head here.
Where did you grow up? And was there a music scene where you grew up?
Roddie Gadeberg: Colstrip, Montana! And not really, there was only like 1,500 people in the whole town. I was in a band from time to time but we never really played cause there was nowhere to play.
What were you and/or your bandmates doing before your band formed? Jobs? School?
We all met while in our first year of college! Sage is also from Montana so we kind of knew of each other in high school but we didn’t meet until we both moved to Minnesota. Abe was one of the first people Sage met when they moved and I met Abe when I wandered in while him and Sage were jamming and was like “damn your tone is sick.”
Who or what influenced you to start playing music?
Green Day!!! I heard Dookie and I remember being like so stoked that I begged my step dad to teach me guitar.
If you could collaborate with any artist of your choice who would it be?
Honestly, in like a completely unattainable context, Chief Keef. But in an IRL, for real context, I’d really like to make a record with Will Yip.
What’s the best live performance you’ve ever seen?
I saw Mitski open for the Pixies when I used to work at a venue in St. Paul and it was incredible! The Pixies sucked but Mitski was phenomenal. Also there’s a band from Connecticut called The Most that was absolutely incredible. I saw them in a coffee shop while on tour with another band and I was floored.
Are there any recent releases or performances that have inspired you?
Any time I watch some old Dinosaur Jr. sets it always makes me want to go play guitar, so probably stuff along those lines.
If you could have one of your songs be on a TV show or movie of your choice what would it be?
It’s not a movie or TV show, it’s still sick as hell, but Tony Hawk’s Underground.
Three bands or artists that would be your dream to tour with?
Green Day, Metallica, Slipknot.
What would you like to be remembered for? Musically or not.
Being chill and not being a gatekeeper. When I first got into DIY there was a lot of people who made me feel unwelcome or that I hadn’t earned a spot there and I really don’t want to be that for other people.
Best piece of advice anyone has given you?
Chill out.
What have you learned since being in the music industry?
That not everybody is as cool as you want them to be. And that it’s much more rewarding to succeed with the people who you’ve been with since day one than it is to work with suits.
The best thing currently on the internet is?
My friends! Obviously since the pandemic I haven’t been able to see any of my friends in different places, so it’s nice to be able to log on and see what they’re up to.
