From the Garden State to the Sunset Strip: RAHWAY Take Aim at The Whisky
From the Garden State to the Sunset Strip: RAHWAY Take Aim at The Whisky
New Jersey hard rockers Rahway are set to return to the legendary Whisky A Go Go on November 14, bringing their signature blend of blue-collar grit, high-octane energy, and unapologetically raw rock and roll to the Sunset Strip. Originally named after the New Jersey town where the band first rehearsed, Rahway has spent more than a decade forging its identity through relentless touring, memorable support slots, and a work ethic rooted in working-class determination. In this interview, the band reflects on their history, the changing New Jersey music scene, the significance of performing at the Whisky, and the songs that continue to connect with audiences.
Please introduce yourselves, tell me what each of you does in Rahway, and share a little about how the band first came together and how long you’ve been rocking together.
Nick: My name is Nick Hade and I am the front man of Rahway. I auditioned for the band over a decade ago when they had a spot open and made the cut, been with them ever since.
Chigger: My name is Chigger and I’m the bass player, Tour Manager, Booking Agent, Fluffer and Chinese Food Delivery Boy for the band Rahway. I joined the band when their original bass player and pool boy, Bobby left the band for Florida with his family. My band used to play a lot of shows with Rahway back in the day and DC was always trying to find a way to bring me into the band. I’ve been their bass player since 2015.
DC: David “DC” Cardenas, Guitarist for Rahway. Chigger and I have always been friends from the local scene in different bands and have always wanted to play together…the opportunity came up, and we decided to pull the trigger. with no turning back and here we are ten yrs later doing what we love and having the time of our lives.
Steve: Steven Isidore Cardenas, I’m the drummer, s we all grew up differently.
Steve: The band wongwriter, comic relief…lol.
Where is Rahway based out of, and what is the local music scene like there? Has your hometown had an impact on the band’s sound or work ethic?
Chigger: Rahway is based out New Jersey, hence our nickname, The Slumlords of New Jersey. The local music here has been dead for quite a few years. All of the great venues have closed their doors and the only great ones left are Dingbatz in Clifton, Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck, Starland Ballroom in Slayerville, and the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. Otherwise, there are no places to play anymore leading to a dead music scene. Our sound is definitely very Jersey rock sounding. I don’t think the band realizes it, but there is a Jersey sound and we have it. Our work ethic is like our day jobs. We’re a working-class band!
DC: We are pretty much spread throughout the state. The local scene is pretty stale for lack of a better word unless you’re a jukebox band and we ain’t that. The only impact I believe from my hometown would be that everyone loved rock music of all styles which I’m grateful for. Work ethic pretty much comes from a place of, tell me I can’t…”I’ll show you“… Iol
Nick: Originally our Steve and DC rehearsed in a loft in Rahway, so that is essentially where the name came from but all of us are from all over New Jersey. I think all of our hometowns had a part in shaping our identities in one way or another althoughas originally based out of Rahway/Linden NJ area. The music scene in that part of Jersey is kind of dead. I would say the area has definitely made a impact on our sound and work ethics. Rahway and Linden NJ are blue collar, industrial towns. When we were growing up the feeling was work hard and get out.
You’re set to perform at the legendary Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip. What does it mean to you to play such an iconic venue, and what are you looking forward to most about that experience?
Steve: It’s hard to express what it feels like to play such a place. I mean every great ever has played on that stage and I get to play there, wow, just wow. And at the same time, it just feels like home.
Chigger: Well, this is our second time playing there, but the first time we played there, I think I might have kissed the stage floor when I got there. I grew up dreaming about playing the Whisky as a rabid Motley Crue fan. I always wanted to play in LA. Unfortunately, we’re playing here in the wrong era. It’s just not the same, but still cool to play on the same stage as Motley, Van Halen, The Doors, Kiss, Poison, etc. We were received very well the last time we played there, so we can’t wait to get back! Plus, I can’t wait to see the Killer Dwarves!
DC: Playing the Whisky is definitely a rite of passage. To be able to play, let alone, stand on the ground my heroes did, is an honor!! Looking forward to a cheeseburger at the Rainbow…hahaha
Nick: I typically feel honored to perform in front of anyone anywhere and even more so this iconic venue. I am also just grateful to have lived long enough to see what I am now seeing as I’ve had quite a few close calls in this life. I am looking forward to going wild on stage and standing out as the one voice type you normally never hear.
Select two songs that fans may hear during your set and tell us about the inspiration behind each track. What stories or emotions were you hoping to convey through the lyrics?
Chigger: The song “Drowning”, from our self-titled debut from Pavement Entertainment. That song is about being fake and living a fake life like those people who pretend to travel around the world taking selfies with these fake backgrounds, when in reality, they are in their one-bedroom apartment. Our music video doesn’t exhibit that story at all! We filmed it in a haunted house because it was cool! Hahaha! Another song is “Rocketship.” DC can tell you what that song is about. It’s just a really cool song and I love ending our set with it.
DC: Yeah, for me, “Drowning” is about living like you’re there, but it’s just a dream kind of. Rocketship is about facing adversity, refusing to stay down, and finding the strength to rise above whatever life throws your way. It’s about that moment when you decide you’re done letting circumstances define you and you’re ready to take control of your own story. We hope people can hear themselves in the song, connect with the message, and feel that same drive to rise up and keep moving forward.
Nick: I would agree, “Drowning” and “Rocketship” are the songs I look forward to the most in our sets. “Drowning”, to me, comes from a place where many of us have been. Sometimes there’s a self-delusional hopeless place we hit where you wake up and realize maybe you were full of yourself. Maybe you were thinking you’re a star, but in reality, you were fooling yourself the entire time. You are just like everyone else at the end of the day. “Rocketship” on the other hand is more about the next stage, where you ask yourself what you’re going to do next after sifting through the pieces of your life once you woke up. “Drowning” is the call and “Rocketship” is the response.
Steve: I would have to say “Drowning” and “Cage the Animal”. “Drowning” was inspired by the idea that some people see themselves as much more than they really are, only to realize that, at the end of the day, you’re standing there alone. “Cage The Animal”, the minute you’re gaslighted by someone and all those evil thoughts you have about that person from that moment on, never letting it out, only thoughts on the inside.
Rahway has stayed active on the live circuit. Looking back on your recent shows, what were some of the biggest highlights, memorable moments, or unexpected surprises?
Steve: There have been times when I’ve looked out into the crowd and realized people were singing our songs right back at us, word for word. There’s honestly no feeling like it. Knowing that something we created means enough to someone that they’ve learned the words and are singing them back to us from the audience, that’s a pretty fucking incredible feeling.
Chigger: One of the biggest highlights was opening for Ace Frehley for his last ever show in NJ before he passed away. Ace was one of the most iconic guitar players in this business, and we got to have the direct support slot for his last appearance in New Jersey. That was sad, but memorable. We also played a sold-out show in Wilkes-Barre opening for Greta Van Fleet before they blew up. I remember coming back down to our dressing room after our set and their dressing room door was open and they applauded as we walked by. Those kids were super nice. Another time in Bethelhem, PA, we opened for Dorothy and after our set, there was a really long line at our merch table to meet us. That was really cool too!
DC: All of them, Every damn one. The journey is what I love…that’s it.
Nick: I honestly can’t speak on some of the unexpected surprises because they are much too wild for this interview, but I can say some of the recent memorable moments for me were just fooling around with other bands on tour and doing shows where people are screaming “Rahway” in the crowd. I don’t know what it is, but when you hear a room full of people screaming your band’s name it just makes you feel like you’re doing the right thing for once in life…haha. While everyone else is sipping their lattes with their reading glasses on while the Rogaine sets in you’re out there rippin and runnin through the states partying with random people and getting it. I had a choice between chasing money and chasing something else. I chose the pursuit of awesomeness.
You’ve shared the stage with legendary bands such as Sponge and Everclear. What was that experience like, and did you take away any lessons or inspiration from performing alongside artists you grew up listening to?
Nick: As far as those shows, I can say it was quite surprising that Rahway’s first mosh pit was at an Everclear show…haha. A bunch of teenagers were there just tearin it up, great vibe for sure. As far as lessons and inspiration from other bands, yea if you’re smart you pay attention when others are performing and learn from the best. Rahway did a big festival show with 5fdp/Megadeth/etc in upstate New York where they were crashing cars into each other while we jammed and at one point DC and I were backstage watching DJ of SixxAm solo. DC looked at me and pointed at towards the stage and said what’s the difference between them and us and how can we make it the same. That was when I realized, we must work harder. We need to evolve even more, and we need to stand out from others more. To do all that you need to learn more too, so I would say just about every single artist I come across inspires me.
Steve: It was an incredible experience, especially getting to share the stage with bands we grew up listening to. You definitely pay attention to how those guys conduct themselves, both on and off the stage. I learned a lot from their professionalism, their work ethic, and the way they approach what they do, and I’m genuinely grateful for the experience. It’s a reminder that no matter how far you go, there’s always something to learn from the bands who paved the way.
Chigger: Speaking for myself, I’ve worked in the music industry for quite some time in the radio business and as a journalist, so meeting these performers were just like meeting our peers. Having personal conversations with those band members of those bands was more like two friends talking but talking to a very cool friend. A lot of the time, these rock stars love talking about music, but they seem to like it more when you don’t treat them like celebrities, so I always try to keep that in mind. Plus, I’m so old, I worked for the radio station that actually broke Sponge and Everclear.
DC: It’s always a pleasure sharing the stage with great bands, and honestly, I feel honored every time we get the opportunity. Looking back, it really comes down to the journey—the people you meet, the bands you play with, and everything you learn along the way. Those experiences are a huge part of what makes this whole thing so rewarding.
If Rahway could open for any band or artist, past or present, who would it be and why? What do you think that pairing would bring to fans?
Chigger: So, although I feel they shouldn’t be touring anymore because they allegedly retired, I would love to open for Motley Crue. No matter what, I will always love that band and that would be a bucket list moment for us because their music and legacy really inspire us in what we do and who we are. Well, except for Nick Hade anyway.
Nick: Speaking for myself here, I would like to perform with Chris Cornell or Chester Bennington but sadly that can’t happen. My other favorite singer is David Draiman of Disturbed, I would love to perform with Disturbed on a show, that would be epic as fuck!
DC: Oof, tough question. GnR. That would be outstanding. It would be a really great show, and we could make some new family fans.
Steve: I would have loved the chance to share the stage with Ozzy. RIP
Looking back on your earlier releases, Undefeated and Snitches Get Stitches, how do you view those albums today? Do you hear the foundation of who Rahway would become, or do they feel like snapshots of a different era for the band?
Nick: Those are all snapshots to me of an era long gone. This is an entirely different world, and music often reflects the times, our music is evolving to reflect the age we are currently living in. A world of instability and madness where every day can feel like a struggle just to survive. My aim is to give people a place where they can find solace and strength amongst others who feel the same hopelessness and find a way to overcome it.
Chigger: I think the music today is way better than those two records. I didn’t play on the Snitches record, but it was really good from what I remember. Undefeated was a labor of love for me because that was the first record that I was able to add my influence on the songs like the title track. That was more of a transition record for this lineup of the band.
Steve: Both the foundation and a snapshot of a different era. It’s hard to explain, but as long as it’s me and my brother Dave playing, it’s always going to have that sound.
DC: Yeah, apples and oranges. It is like two different bands, we’ve grown so much…on all facets, writing, maturity, life, etc…
How do you feel the band’s songwriting, musicianship, and overall vision have evolved since those early releases?
DC: We’ve evolved tenfold. It’s truly amazing how we are in tune with each other
Chigger: The songwriting has been more cohesive, and we’ve been working on simple chemistry. Something I’ve always had in every band I’ve played with. DC and Steve are amazing and experienced songrwriters, and they have a lot of faith in me like I do in them. Nick is such a talented singer and songwriter as well and he’s finally starting to ride that confidence train that he didn’t have before. Today, this band is running on all cylinders and seriously cannot be stopped.
Nick: We started traveling down every road, someone shed light on to test ideas since then and experimented with what works and doesn’t work with our current setup. My voice is entirely different from former singers as well as most other singers, so we had to find the best way to use it efficiently. As far as musicianship I would say our stage performance has improved, and our vision has become much clearer. I cannot speak for the other band members on their personal visions, but my vision is to travel the Earth partying and having fun with my bros for as long as my body will hold out. I don’t care about money or fame; I am living for the stories and pursuit of awesome as I have always lived.
Steve: I feel we are finally falling into something much more everlasting.
Is there any new Rahway music on the horizon? What can fans expect from the next chapter of the band?
Chigger: There is! We have an old Rahway song that we revamped called “Faith”. We’ve been playing it at our live shows. There’s another new upbeat song that doesn’t really have a name yet, but it is so good! And Nick wrote my new favorite Rahway song called “It All Started” and this song really rocks! I can’t wait to start playing these new songs live.
DC: Yessss!! We are writing as we speak. Amazing, amazing new songs. Love this part, it is the best.
Steve: I believe in my heart of hearts fans will be ecstatic over the new material.
Nick: We have evolved once again and already have a few tracks in the chamber. There is one in particular that I am very excited to release, and I think it will be what makes you finally stop doom scrolling and give us an honest chance. I believe it captures those inner thoughts that you don’t want to admit out loud and says it for you, but we will see as time moves forward.
For someone discovering Rahway for the very first time, which song would you recommend they start with, and why?
Steve: Oooh great question, that’s difficult to say. Everyone is so different. I always like to play it safe, so I would probably point them towards two songs, something kick ass and then something soothing. I will have to go with “Stone” and “Sugar”.
Nick: Personally, I would start with “Rocketship” or “Drowning” as they perfectly display the essence of Rahway. Only thing I would like to add is that we are an experience meant to be felt in person. We like to mess with people in the crowd and talk a lot of crazy nonsense on stage to each other on the fly. We’re literally a party battery and I don’t think even our recorded music captures that.
Chigger: I always tell people to listen to “Stone”, “Drowning”, “Carry You” or “Yesterday.” Those are the songs that best showcase how the band sounds live and gives the best vibe of the band for those who never heard us before.
DC: I suppose “Carry You“. Everyone has been in that type of situation, where you’re carrying the load.
Any final words for your fans and the readers of Highwire Daze? Perhaps a piece of wisdom you’ve learned on your journey as a band?
Chigger: There’s no way like the Raw F’N Way! Meaning the band will always be live and raw! We’ll never be fake and pre-taped.
DC: Go to RahwayBand.com and follow us on all of our social media pages @RahwayBand. Never Give up. Do what you love and let it kill you. Enjoy every bump, we only go around once, this ain’t about the money.
Nick: Give us a chance, we know you’ve listened to your …And Justice For All album for the 5000th time but c’mon, make some time to give us a shot! STOP BEING OLD!!! DON’T LOSE YOUR DINOSAUR!!! WE CAN DO KARATE IN THE GARAGE TOGETHER!!!
Steve: Simple! Think big, dream big and stay away from the nay sayers.
(Interview by Ken Morton)
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