With what started simply as a do-it-yourself project,
Soroka’s appreciation for underground and independent music began with help from friends involved in the local music scene. He would soon be attending shows and listening to alternative and indie classics such as the Smiths, At the Drive-In, Cursive and Bright Eyes.
This newly found love and appreciation for such artists led to the release of his first self-titled album at 16 years old. Getting a little help from friends during his performances, Soroka soon felt “weird” playing under his own name. After meeting Castellucci in a music business and macroeconomics class, the duo discovered their mutual passion for performing. They eventually began playing music together and settled under the title of the Exotic Aquatic.
What can best be described as a concoction of the greatest elements of indie, folk and punk, mixed with a delivery reminiscent of garage rock, the Exotic Aquatic gives pure grit and emotionally unstable yet poetic lyrics. However, it’s the imperfect quality of Soroka’s vocals and album finishing that make it most genuine. So genuine, in fact, the band was listed number 16 on NJ Underground’s list of the “top 20 bands to conquer
“I'm not really a fan of perfection… I enjoy slight mistakes, imperfections, voice cracks, and the quiet sounds you hear as a song is ringing out,” Soroka said.
“I'm a kid from the suburban sprawl of
According to Soroka, the process of creating their debut album Where I Used to Sleep, was emotionally draining. Following the principles of pure DIY, he had to learn the methods of recording, mixing, engineering and producing an album. Some of these techniques, he admits, he is still learning.
Castellucci added insight that in today’s technology-driven culture, record labels are no longer necessary to make a successful career in music. Most importantly, with being a part of DIY culture, an artist has the ability to “choose their own destiny.”
“In my eyes, it makes a more responsible musician. You take the wheel, decide where you want to go, and it’s on you to get yourself where ever you want to go. No pointing fingers, no excuses. If you want to be the best, you get yourself there, and I feel that’s something more people can respect,” he said.
The Exotic Aquatic will be touring the tri-state area starting in February. So, what is there to expect during a typical performance? According to Castellucci, everything stems from fun.
“It’s not about playing the same when it comes to live, it’s about living in the moment. If it’s time to go nuts and you feel it, you rip the song apart,” he said.
“The main objective in every show is to have a good time. That’s why we listen to music and it’s why some play music. You have to love it or else why do it in the first place?”
What’s most enlightening about the band’s view on performing is that their live energy focuses on the importance of being genuine. What also sets them apart from many “indie” acts in the mainstream music world is their focus on creating a community within their musical world.
“My favorite part of playing shows is having our friends and fans sing back with us,” Soroka said.
“It's a feeling I can't describe. I think it adds a sense of camaraderie to the live experience. While our music is far from hardcore (music), I'd like to think we take from their ideas and attitudes as being one with our friends and fans.”
Their truthful take on music and their passionate views on performing create the perfect foundation for a promising run in the music scene, proving that they are one of the top bands to look out for coming out of
Where I Used to Sleep and Soroka’s self-titled solo album are available on iTunes. For information on tour dates and updates from the guys, check out www.myspace.com/theexoticaquatic.
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