The Ridgewood Rebellion

I’ve heard about this local band from several friends in the neighborhood. So I decided to do some research, and was pleasantly surprised. This multi-faceted indie punk band also know as “VD” has been plaguing the masses with their unique, infectious tunes since 2007. Their debut EP “Quicksand” received rave reviews, and has gotten the attention of the LA, UK, and NYC Punk scenes. I recently touched base with VD’s frontwoman Chasidy Ryan, and got to the bottom of what VD is all about… 

Introduce yourself…

     Hey there I’m Chasidy Ryan Singer/Songwriter for Vividly Dim. I perform with three amazing musicians: Guitarist Jonni Stevens, Bassist Don Roman and the lovely Jayde is on Drums. 

Tell us briefly about your humble beginnings…

     Well VD originally started as an acoustic act, just Jonni and I. Then we had Don and Jayde join us. We all played together in a previous project “Pariyah”. So it just made sense. We’ve been gigging around the city for some time now, some known spots we played are: Don Hills, Sullivan Hall and Trash Bar in Brooklyn.  

What does rebellion mean to you? How do you rebel against the status quo?

     Rebellion to us is not about fashion or music, it’s a way of life. For us being true to ourselves, and not compromising our vision to fit a certain mold is the most rebellious thing you can do.

How has the Ridgewood scene influenced your art/career?

            Most of us live and were raised in Ridgewood, so a lot of who we are is because of the diverse neighborhood. Jayde and I remember Numbers Record Shop on Myrtle Ave. That was our second home lol, bought my first Ramone’s album there.

What recent contributions have you made to our local scene?

           We’ve recently started “Sordid Promotions”.  We help book shows, and promote other local bands. It’s a great way to network, and support the scene. Also, we have “Team Vividly Dim” our philanthropy group that supports several local charities including: AIDS Walk NY, Avon’s Breast Cancer Fund, and The National Epilepsy Foundation.

Where do you see the scene in five years? 

      We’re optimistic. We envision more unity among our fellow artists. The Ridgewood scene is growing strong every day, soon it’ll become a movement for the history books.

   What’s next for you? Any upcoming events, music releases, art projects etc.

       Our track “See Punk Run” will be on PoDunk Radio’s Punk Rock Vol. 1 compilation, it will be available for download Feb. 29^th.  Also we’re heading back to the studio to record our first LP “Wasteland Paradise”, a summer tour is in the works as well.

 How can we contact you? (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Website Etc.)

http://vividlydimmusic.wordpress.com/

Well I guess it’s safe to say this Ridgewood-based act has a lot going for them. We will be watching them closely, and updating you with the latest on VD. Their next show is Feb. 29th at Local 269 go check ‘em out, you won’t be disappointed!!!

Article by: Nails McKray theridgewoodrebel@gmail.com