Rocktoberfest2009

“We’ve shared everything from church pews and recording booths to women and pain,” says Neil Baloga, a.k.a. NorthStar, of fellow crewmember Issues. The pair met while working at Angelico’s Restaurant. One night during a casual cigarette break, they forged a common bond through rhyming and NuLife was born. Together, Issues and NorthStar began laying down tracks in their free time. “There’s nothing more refreshing than beating the blues through making and sharing music about the experience,” NorthStar says.

NuLife love gigging around the state, but they wanted to do something more. “We wanted everyone to come together and enjoy music, food, friendship, and life,” NorthStar explains. “We wanted to give local musicians a platform to shine on. By blending rock and hip hop, we wanted to breathe ‘new life’ into Connecticut’s music scene.” With the support of sponsors like Imperial Caribbean in Cromwell, The Dog House in Hartford, and the Airport Road Café, Rocktoberfest slowly came together.

The 15-band lineup includes a wide range of sounds, from the grungy guitar of Look West to the harmonies of Fate Kills the Hero. “There are some phenomenal performers on the bill,” NorthStar adds. “I’m very grateful to have met them through this project.” In addition to music, the event boasts live graffiti, break dancing, tattooing, free beer, games, and prizes from 2 pm until midnight.

After Rocktoberfest, NuLife doesn’t show any signs of stopping. Issue and NorthStar recently teamed up for their side project, Northern Issues. The resulting album, Come and See How Good We Look, hits stores December 15. In the meantime, they’re working on solo EPs, recruiting new crew members, and planning their upcoming Christmas Extravagaza at the Warehouse. Don’t be fooled by their elaborate plans; NuLife dream big, but they never lose sight of what’s important. For NorthStar, it’s all about the rhyming. “I try to get as many of my feelings conveyed to the listener in as short a time as possible,” he insists. “I rhyme because it feels right.”

Rocktoberfest takes place Saturday, October 10, from 2 pm-midnight at the Airport Road Café (330 Ledyard Rd, Hartford, CT.). Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. For more information, call 860.296.1122.