Novae Productions, Pine Brook, NJ
It is challenging to find a truly ‘unique’ band these days in the Pop world. But digging into the musical influences of singer/keyboardist/songwriter Rich Genoval and guitarist/songwriter Mark Scandariato, the driving writing forces behind emerging 4-pc New Jersey based Pop, Rock and Soul band Novae, one finds a unique and special musical convergence.
Singer/Songwriter Rich Genoval grew up in the inner city idolizing the likes of Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, and BoyzIIMen, but admired and studied the precise, energetic abilities of front-men ‘Rock Gods” in Guns N Roses and Aerosmith as a child. All the while, a classically-trained pianist and vocalist, he landed performances with the NJ Symphony Orchestra, frequenting Newark Symphony Hall, and NJPAC all before becoming of ‘legal’ age. He quickly grew into his own, combining all he had learned and began developing his original music as a solo artist, which made its way on to both national and international television and radio. After scoring several domestic accomplishments including singing the National Anthem at sporting events at Madison Square Garden and The Prudential Center, he felt it was time to add an extra ‘edge’ to his original material.
Guitarist/Songwriter, Mark Scandariato - a business vet - has been a touring and studio musician for both Indie and Major Label artists. He has collaborated and toured with artists such as Bob Dylan, Kenny Aronoff, The Spin Doctors, Hootie and The Blowfish, Charlie Sexton, Lisa Loeb and many more. Upon his departure from Atlantic Records, he felt it was time to rekindle the flame. And he began his search for just the spark that would do it.
It was by a stroke of luck that the two linked up after becoming acquainted in a Musician’s internet social network. Rich’s silky and soulful vocals find an unexpected, yet perfect harmony with Mark’s more edgy alt-rock guitar work. Mark found himself gravitating toward Rich’s voice and songs. Rich instantly latched on to Mark’s driving guitar work and songwriting, and the two instantly realized that in combining the two almost opposite styles they had captured lightening in a bottle.
Rounding up their line-up with respected local musicians, drummer Kevin Hill and bassist Ricardo Rodriguez, Novae have been gigging frequently at NYC and Philly Hotspots such as The Bitter End, World Café Live and the Trocadero Theater as well as familiar NJ Haunts like Starland Ballroom and The Stone Pony.
Novae’s new six song EP Novae: One, produced by multi-platinum producer Anthony J. Resta (Elton John, Collective Soul, Duran Duran, Perry Ferrell Blondie, Megadeth, etc.) is an amalgamation of classic - and modern - musical and songwriting elements. Songs about personal crossroads and love’s uncertainties are beautifully captured by Resta and Grammy-Nominated Engineer Karyadi Sutedja, through a plethora of vintage recording gear, with contemporary and even orchestral arrangements at Resta’s Boston-based Bopnique Studio.
Novae’s music has been heard worldwide on Major TV Networks like MTv (Real World), E! (Kardashian shows), and Oxygen (Bad Girls Club, Love Games). They have been receiving frequent Radio Airplay both internationally (Australia, New Zealand) as well as here in the U.S. and are receiving rave reviews by station fans as well as DJ’s around the globe.
