.png)
Alt/emo group Persei recently released their sophomore EP “Idle Moments.” Based out of Staten Island, NY, the band consists of Jonathan Cutrona (Vocals/Guitar), Nick Millus (Guitar), Mike Maldarelli (Vocals/Guitar), Andrew Maino (Bass), and Sergio Gorno (Vocals/Drums). We have been big fans of Persei since their first EP “117 Whatever Street”, and it’s highly evident that their music has not only maintained a unique style and energy, but also matured and improved in terms of production and attention to detail. Persei agreed to an interview with us so we could get to know a bit more about the members, their inspiration, and creative approach.
Speaking for the band through our interview questions, Jonathan began by telling a bit about how the band met and formed, stating, “We all met in marching band in high school. Although Mike was out of high school by the time Sergio and Nick joined marching band, Maino and I were still around and quickly became friends with the both of them...Maino, Mike, and myself were all in a pop punk band in high school known as When It Counts, and Nick and Sergio were in a band called A Major Choice. After these bands broke up...I did not want to stop pursuing music as a career and had years of songs that he wanted to do something with. I then started jamming with Maino on bass and Mike on drums. However, due to them both being busy with their personal lives, we never really progressed. While still sitting on this 117, I was ready to finally start Persei. At a house party, I asked Sergio to play drums on this EP. While it was just the two of us in the beginning, we quickly knew that we had to ask people to join as full time members. Sergio asked Nick to join the band and I asked Mike and Maino to join, thus began Persei as it is now known.” To give an idea about what kind of sound listeners can expect from Persei, Jonathan described what the band believes to be their current sound.
Jonathan not only described the band’s sound, but also recommend some songs for first time listeners, “I would describe it as early 2000s pop punk mixed with emo and post rock. I always loved listening to bands of that era so I think it shows in our music. I would recommend ‘After the Storm’ or ‘How Long’ of our new EP ‘Idle Moments’ because I believe ‘After the Storm”’is my favorite song I’ve ever written and ‘How Long’ is just a jam.” I definitely see where these older styles come into Persei’s music, which is something I really like about it. It feels familiar and nostalgic, while also bringing in a modern style.
Jonathan was also able to give some insight into the creative process behind the band’s music, stating, “So I write most of the songs and I usually demo the basic melody and instrumentals on Logic and send them to the band. From there we practice them, add leads, drums, and bass lines, and refine the sound. Mike came up with the idea for ‘I Collide’ and the rest of the band refined the song while I was on vacation. ‘Colder’ was a collaborative effort from Mike and myself that we revisited after a few years. After we practice them, whoever can come to my house will usually help write any lyrics or melodies that aren’t already written in the initial process. Recently, Mike and Nick will usually chill in my basement and we’ll show each other new ideas or send voice memos to the band. Fun fact, I usually come up with my songs in the shower or as I’m falling asleep, hence the lyrics behind ‘After the Storm’. From this description, it sounds like Persei’s creative process is very much both collaborative and supportive.
After this creative process and production of course comes the release of music. We asked Persei how their recent EP “Idle Moments” had been received so far. Jonathan stated, “The release of ‘Idle Moments’ has been received pretty well. We’ve been added to a number of different playlists and our numbers have been increasing daily. It seems to be pretty well received on social media through the interactions with fans that we’ve had so far.” Jonathan also spoke a bit to what the band hopes fans take from their music, “I hope that people are inspired by our music and it helps them in some way shape or form. I’ve been playing music since I was five and I’ve always turned to music when I’m stressed, depressed, or even happy. I want people to have the same feeling towards our music that I have to other music, and I hope that it helps them through tough times.” This is a really great message and purpose to spread through music. I think that this EP in particular has a variety of sounds and styles that can appeal to a lot of different moods and feelings.
To finish off our interview, Jonathan talked about what we can expect from Persei in the future, “You can expect new music and hopefully tours in the near future. We’re currently preparing for our release show and other shows that we have in the future.” If you are in the Staten Island area, be sure to check out Persei’s release show on May 31st!
Overall, I am very impressed with the way Persei has grown and improved since I first started listening to them about a year ago. Not only did they is their recent EP outstanding and unique, but they have also clearly improved as a band in terms of their style and production continuing to be refined each release. I have no doubt that this band will continue to pave their way through the music scene, build a bigger audience, and play even more shows in other cities.
Be sure to check out Persei on the social media links below, and stream their EP “Idle Moments” on Spotify. This EP is perfect if you are into heavier styles, or if you are looking for a new band that can also give you that nostalgic feel. The band also has some really sick merch for sale, which is also linked below. Thanks again to Persei for taking the time to answer our questions.
Follow Persei:
Stream "Idle Moments" on Spotify
Check out Persei merch here