Audio Jane’s sound has been described as dreamy fuzz rock, due to their blend of grunge and shoegaze – 1990s touchstones that may be the influence of the bands Audio Jane grew up on and still love, like Mazzy Star and the Cranberries, Audioslave and Jane’s Addiction, though Audio Jane sound like none of them.

They’re entirely original, running a gamut of aural feels, from mediative whispers to energetic snarls, a sound they say “carves out beauty in the wreckage.”

Alex Dueben caught up with lead vocalist and guitarist Sarah Pech and drummer Mike Ciunci to learn more about Audio Jane’s approach to songwriting, how they let the music shine, and what they hope listeners gain from their tunes.

Alex Dueben: Sarah, how do you write songs? Has that changed over time?

Sarah Pech: I used to write some chords and then come up with the music in Garage Band: I’d do a full demo and build it out with my shitty lead guitar and add the lyrics later. Lately, I’ve been writing the lyrics first and then coming up with chords. I’ve also realized that the biggest key for me is to let myself write the worst song ever; then I rewrite it and rewrite it and rewrite it, until I don’t cringe.

AD: You then bring it to the band and the band as a whole works out the sound?

SP: The most recent song that I wrote was called “Easy Out.” Mike came up with this awesome drum part on the chorus that was really different from anything I would have done. I have a hard time sometimes visualizing how the song will sound with the rest of the band. “Easy Out” came together in a really cool way that was different from what I had imagined, but it was still the vibe. I always know generally the feeling that I want, but there are different ways that can manifest.

AD: Mike, what do you do when Sarah brings the band a song? What’s your process? 

Mike Ciunci: There’s only been one song where I first came up with a drum part and everything came off of that, but generally, Sarah will send me a demo or play something. I will not play; I let the band play a few times through. I want to be intuitive to where the song is going, as opposed to feeling like I need to write a part. I will sit out until I start feeling something. That’s part of my creative process. I never want to be called out for that one drum part. I don’t ever want to be the forefront of the band. My job is to support the song, not for somebody to be like, “Oh my god, that drummer’s amazing.”

AD: You operate similar to Sarah: trying to serve the song’s feel.

MC: That’s the other thing that comes through with that process. It is “feel” oriented, it allows the songs to be more open, and more open to emotion. We’re serving the emotional integrity of the song, not the technical chops.

AD: Sarah, you front this loud rock band but sing very introspective, introverted lyrics.

SP: I’m extremely introverted. I’m not the person up there going, “Hey New Haven, how are you feeling tonight? Tip your bartender!” That’s not me. I let the music speak for itself. I’ve gotten more comfortable being a front person. I’m just concerned with delivering an emotionally authentic performance – and not messing up the chords!

AD: You’re in the middle of recording a new album. How has this process changed over time? How is this album a little different than previous ones?

SP: We always recorded everything at home, and then either mixed it ourselves or brought it to a studio to mix. This time we are doing everything in the studio. Mike and I just did the tracks for the first six songs and I’m going to write a few more. I’m taking time off of work to write these songs. I am contemplating trying to do some of the lead guitar parts. Usually, I just do rhythm guitar. This album in particular is about a really difficult year. I lost my mother and my stepfather this year. This album has been a great way to just process all of it. I’m hoping that by processing through songs, somebody else will be able to relate to it and maybe find some solace.

Audio Jane’s Favorite Local Venues:

Cafe Nine, New Haven

The Jungle, Somerville, MA

Dudleytown Brewing Company, Windsor,

The Big E, West Springfield