We here at Eat Sleep Breathe Music have been a fan of Action Item since we saw them in the Break Finals in 2009. The Bergen County, the quintet is comprised of Brian Cag (vocals/guitar), Anthony Li (guitar/cello), Mark Shami (piano), David Buczkowski (bass), and Dan Brozek (drums).
“Action Item is a band about moments.” These are the first words you will read in the band’s recent announcement of their documentary screenings of Until It’s Over. You can ask any of their undying fans and they will tell you, Action Item is unlike any other band. From their creativity, to their passion, to their never ending hard work, these New Jersey natives plan on breaking the mold.
Action Item has been touring the last two years in support of their first EP, The Stronger The Love, an album that has sold over 22,000 copies independently. In that time these early twenty-somethings have been direct support for Hot Chelle Rae, Andy Grammer, & Allstar Weekend. Along with having support slots for Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez & Boys Like Girls under their belt. On top of that, the band has had 3 singles in Radio Disney’s Top 30 Countdown including “Learn To Fly” a track produced by Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers. “Working with Nick was incredibly surreal because when someone of that stature has faith in you,” bassist, David Buczkowski describes “It reaffirms that you’re on the right path.”
This past summer the band gave fans a taste of some new music with their single, “Last Day of Summer.” The song is a breathe of excitement. It explodes with some excitable hooks and melodies. “No matter how old you are, you can’t help but have flashbacks of the summer days that you want to relive over & over,” drummer Dan Brozek proclaims with a smile.
This month in honor of their latest album release, Resolution, ESBMusic is featuring the NJ band and caught up with vocalist Brian Cag to talk about how the band came together, the new album, and their resolutions for the 2013.
ESBMusic: How did you all come together?
BG: We were all friends before anything musically came together. I knew Dave since Kindergarten, and I went to school with Dan’s brother. I met Anthony and Mark while I was in High School through mutual friends.
ESBMusic: Has living in NJ inspired your music?
BG: Of course, to some degree. I think wherever our relationships take us, and wherever our energy is focused at certain points in our live… Those points are definitely inspiring. So of course, being from this area helped us be who we are.
ESBMusic: What drove you make a documentary?
BG: We wanted to give back to our fans and get on a super personal level with them. What better way to tell your story than through a documentary? It was an honest and freeing experience.
ESBMusic: What can your fans expect from your upcoming album release?
BG: Obviously in our opinion, the best stuff yet. Definitely have grown as musicians and experienced a lot in our lives. It’ll reflect on this record.
ESBMusic: Where are your plans for your next tour?
BG: All I can say is that it will be a full US and Canada run.
ESBMusic: Your album is dropping on New Year’s Day, do you have any resolutions for 2013?
BG: Yeah, to stop stressing ourselves out and to make ourselves happy above all.
For more information on Action Item check out their official website.