New Jersey Rockers KANAK Are Unapologetically Outsiders On New Single “Outside”

January 29, 2024 Eugene Tierney

”OUTSIDE” is a slice of vital and immediately infectious Alt-rock that needs to be heard right now!!” – Matt Pinfield

Contents

New Jersey Rockers
KANAK
Are Unapologetically Outsiders
On New Single “Outside”

Upcoming EP On The Outside Out March 22nd
Produced by Ed Stasium (Ramones, Talking Heads, The Smithereens)

JANUARY 19, 2024 (Asbury Park, NJ) — “I think a lot of people feel like they don’t fit in, and that has always been true for me. I have never quite felt like I belong,” says lead singer/songwriter Tom Kanach of New Jersey-based rock band KANAK, about their newest single and video for “Outside” which is out today. This feeling of detachment from society has fueled not only the creation of this new track but also their upcoming EP, On The Outside which will be released on March 22, 2024 via Pop clique music/The Orchard.

**Kanak**
Photo credit: **Stephanie Kanach**

“’Outside’ has a message that is so personal for me, yet also universal. Does anyone ever truly feel like they belong? I love the snarl and anger of it. I am singing that I feel like I should fit in through clenched teeth.”

The emotional single is a taste of what’s to come off of the band’s upcoming new EP, reflecting upon loss and isolation impacted by the pandemic. “Coming out of the global pandemic and losing my father to COVID really made me realize how fleeting time is and how lonely life can be,” Tom explains.

Taking some of the tracks from their previous EP Demolition which essentially were rough demos, the band transforms them in the studio, giving them a new and vibrant flair.

Culling performance footage across their home state of New Jersey, their new video for “Outside” carries the energy and power from their live shows.

“We pulled footage from The Saint in Asbury, Crossroads in Garwood, Tierney’s in Montclair, The Wonderbar in Asbury, and Pino’s in Highland Park. Because we have only been playing together for a short time, we decided only to play local gigs while working on and honing the songs.”

Outside - KANAK [Official Video]

Watch this video on YouTube

Kanak “Outside”

Hoping to record with legendary producer and mixer Ed Stasium (The Ramones, Talking Heads, Motörhead) who had previously worked with guitarist Johnny Rao on a different project, the band was floored when he said ‘yes.’ “Having three guitar players is a challenge and we thought Ed would be the perfect fit for us,” Tom explains. “So, Johnny called Ed. Ed agreed to listen to the songs. He loved them and we flew out to San Diego to record them.”

Big supporter and friend of the band, legendary musical pundit Matt Pinfield (MTV, MTV2) lauds, “There is a clear reason why legendary producer/mixer Ed Stasium who was at the controls for the Ramones, Talking Heads, Smithereens, Motörhead and The Replacements, is putting his talents behind the exciting and promising New jersey band Kanak. Their new killer single ‘Outside’ is a slice of vital and immediately infectious Alt-rock that needs to be heard right now!!”

Preparing to release their upcoming EP, Tom is looking forward to reconstructing Kanak with a fresh start in 2024. The driving “Not Right Now” kicks the EP into high gear with its high-octane rock with a punk delivery, worthy of Bad Religion or The Smithereens. The power-pop of of the shimmery and chiming “Without A Clue” highlights the betrayal of love, and uncertainty about a relationship’s future.

The propulsive “Crash” dives deep into the addiction and the control it has. “A good friend of mine was going through some addiction issues,” Tom says. “In his line of work, he is constantly around temptation; music, drugs, and alcohol. His discipline inspired the song, prompting me to empathize with his struggle. I am very happy with the way I think the music captures the stagger of someone reeling with indecision and that delicate dance around profound choices.”

A veteran of the ever-thriving New Jersey rock scene that borne bands like Gaslight Anthem, The Smithereens, Dramarama, among many others, Tom Kanach has built a formidable reputation and strong friendships with that traversed genres from Lords of the New Church to even Stiv Bators of the Dead Boys. Centralizing all of his focus and energy now into Kanak, he’s ready to push out far beyond and jump headfirst into the mainstream. “There are two voices in your head,” he concludes. “One saying, ‘You need to fit in and be like everyone else’ and the other voice saying ‘Being different and unique is what separates us and makes us beautiful’.” Thankfully for us, he’s chosen the latter.

Kanak is Tom Kanach (vocals, guitars), guitarists Johnny Rao (David Johansen Band / Sylvain Sylvain), Peter Wood (Dramarama), bassist Joe Rowley and drummer Steve Brown. The new single and video for “Outside” is out today, January 19, 2024 and is available on all streaming platforms HERE. Their upcoming EP On The Outside is due out March 22, 2024 via Pop clique music/ The Orchard.