Interview | All Under Heaven
featuring Michael Cucci & Aaron Brenner
If you had to describe Freehold to someone who's never been to NJ, how would you sum up your stomping grounds?
MC: The smell of coffee in the air from the old nestle factory before it would rain. Farms and fields and highways and strip malls and old pretty houses. Great pizza and bagels too. I’d also like to shoutout the boss Bruce Springsteen. Legend
Does Central Jersey really exist? Or do you guys consider yourselves to be from the North or South?
MC: I am a central jersey truther 1000%
I recently read an article that (appropriately) referred to your sound as "atmosphere heavy." What sort of tricks/techniques do you use to get your guitars where you want them to be?
MC: As far as guitars go gotta give it up to the Roland Jazz Chorus
Is it challenging to recreate a similar sound as your studio recordings when you have to perform live?
AB: I would say playing the drum parts live is a fun challenge. Nick recorded most of the bands drum tracks, so when we perform I’m trying to channel that energy. Every show is like playing drums on the game rock band. There’s the meter of how well you play and I’m always aiming for 100%, which sometimes leads me to being too critical. Ultimately the audience is getting my own relationship with the music.
'Desperately Seeking Answers' is always the first song that comes to my mind when I see your name pop up. Is there a particular song that you feel encapsulates your sound the best?
MC: I feel like I would have to say “Don’t Suffer Alone” or “Right Here”. Those are two of my favorites to play live and I feel like they have a special energy to them.
AB: My favorite song from the band is Don’t Suffer Alone. There’s a dance beat that is not super common in the genre and I really enjoy playing it live.
I saw you guys break out the keytar at the Gleemer show over at The Constellation Room a couple nights ago. How did you guys get your hands on that bad boy and what do you hope to accomplish by adding a synth into the mix?
MC: We borrowed the keytar for this past tour from Nick’s dad. We wanted to mess around with adding synths on the LP in an effort to make the songs have a bit more depth and atmosphere. Love keys and the flavor they can add to a song, so i’m happy we chose to start incorporating them into our songwriting.
It seems like the band has gone through a few different eras between high school and the COVID/post-COVID years. How would you describe where you're at now and what do you hope is next for the band?
MC: I think I would say we’re at the perfect spot right now. I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to make music with my best friends and see different places all around the country. When we first started I really had no expectations, but we’ve done a lot of cool shit and done some things I never thought we would have the opportunity to do. Over the years I feel like the band has grown along with us as people and we’re just trying to be as real and honest with the music that we make together. It means the world to me that people really care about our songs and have been able to connect with them
As for the future, all I can say is that I hope we can do this band for as long as possible. Being in AUH has been one of the greatest and most fulfilling things i’ve ever had the pleasure of being involved with and that is never lost on me. Much love to all our homies and fans. We love you. Your continued support is always always appreciated. Also shoutout to Downward Mag for taking the time to talk with us and help spread the word! Peace
AB: I’m grateful for where the band is at now. Going on tour and meeting new people in different places is mad fun. We’ve had a lot of experiences and opportunities that I never would have guessed. For what’s next, I want to keep writing music that’s authentic and challenges us as musicians.
Photos: Luke Ivanovich
Originally published in Issue 6 - July 2025