On this episode of Greetings From the Garden State, powered by the New Jersey Lottery, Mike Ham heads to Angry Papa Entertainment in Wallington, NJ to sit down with the powerhouse rock band Reality Suite — Kimmii Heart, Brian King, Joe Padula, and Jeff Luke.
They dive into the band's Jersey roots, their evolution over the past decade, and how their sound has grown through lineup changes and shared influences. From their early days jamming in 2008 to headlining venues and opening for major acts like Nickelback, the Reality Suite journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and relentless creativity.
The band also shares the story behind their name (hint: it involves a Howard Stern episode and a crumpled napkin) and reveals what drives them to keep making music. Plus, they give a sneak peek at their brand new single, "These Fears," dropping the same day this episode airs!
And of course, they're gearing up to bring the loudest set of the night at Jersey Fest on May 17 at White Eagle Hall.
Topics Covered:
- How Reality Suite formed and found their identity
- Blending classic rock roots with modern influences
- Joining the band and putting a personal stamp on the sound
- Their defining moments of success (pre- and post-pandemic)
- Collaborating on a track for WWE Superstar Liv Morgan
- The importance of evolving without losing authenticity
- New single "These Fears" release announcement
- What fans can expect at Jersey Fest 2024
Key Quotes:
🎸 "We call our writing a metamorphosis — everyone puts their touch on it and it transforms into something totally Reality Suite-ified." – Kimmii Heart
🎤 "We all bring our influences, but at the end of the day, we serve the song." – Jeff Luke
🔥 "When we rock, it sounds authentic. It kicks ass — that's who we are." – Brian King
🌎 "Our biggest love sometimes came from places halfway around the world — and that's when we realized, this really means something." – Joe Padula
Featured Guest(s):
- Kimmii Heart – Lead Vocals
- Brian King – Drums
- Joe Padula – Guitar
- Jeff Luke – Bass Guitar & Background Vocals
Connect with Reality Suite:
🔗 Website
📸 Instagram
📹 YouTube
🔍 Search "Reality Suite" on Facebook and YouTube!
(Reminder: it's "Suite" — like a hotel suite — not "Sweet.")
Upcoming Event:
🎟️ See Reality Suite LIVE at Jersey Fest
🗓️ May 17, 2024 | White Eagle Hall, Jersey City, NJ
🎫 Tickets: radiogardenstate.com/jerseyfest
Sponsor:
This episode is powered by the New Jersey Lottery – Anything Can Happen in Jersey!
Also brought to you by the Mayo Performing Arts Center — the heart of arts and entertainment in Morristown, NJ. Visit mayoarts.org for upcoming shows.
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