Get ready to join the revolution! Chemical-X, a dynamic punk-rock outfit from Bergen County, New Jersey, is making waves with their electrifying sound and unapologetic attitude. Drawing from influences like the Ramones and Descendents, Chemical-X infuses their signature punk-rock style with elements of melodic hardcore, creating fast, aggressive, and undeniably catchy tracks. The band’s formation was a culmination of years of musical exploration and collaboration. Brothers Scott and Jaden Mangino, on drums and guitar respectively, had been honing their craft together for over a decade before the vision for Chemical-X began to take shape. Vocalist Adam Avila was brought into the fold with vivid descriptions of concepts and choruses, while bassist J.C. Baltodano earned his spot through an audition process. Their debut full-length, “The Complete Collection,” showcases their evolution as a band, featuring standout tracks like “Hard For Cash” and “R.A.I.D.” In their exclusive interview with InMusic, the band dive into their origins, creative process, and more!
How would you define your music?
We try to write songs that make us rediscover our collective love for the genre. It’s fast, aggressive, catchy, and to the point. It’s meant for anyone who’s just trying to have a good time and forget about everyday stresses. Leave your worries and attitudes at the door.
How did Chemical-X come together as a band, and what inspired its formation?
The ideas that initially brought Chemical-X together have been brewing since around 2019/2020. Scott (the drummer) and Jaden Mangino (the guitarist) are brothers and have been writing together consistently for over a decade. The band was formed to be the band that none of us have ever seen before, something that makes us want to continue going out and striving for greatness. It’s entirely meant to be an homage to the forefathers of the punk rock genre and who we idolized as teenagers. Vocalist Adam Avila was asked to be a part of the group only by having concepts and choruses described to him. Bassist J.C. Baltodano was originally a classmate of Scott’s and went through an audition process of 15 other musicians. We think we found our formula very early on, and love experimenting with it to try and write the best songs we possibly can.
Why did you choose Chemical-X as your stage name and what does this name mean to you?
The name “Chemical-X” was ripped straight out of a cartoon network show. Everyone has dealt with or seen Chemical-X at least once in their life, whether they know it or not. It’s powerful, and can quite literally give you the ability to achieve the impossible. So do that while listening to some of our tunes.
Which bands have been the biggest influences on Chemical-X’s music?
We take heavy inspiration from bands like the Ramones, Descendents, Circle Jerks, Black Flag, Zero Boys, TSOL, Alice Cooper and KISS.
How do you approach the creative process as a band?
We try to iron out ideas for songs, merchandise, and graphics in a way that always keeps the fresh thoughts flowing. We try to write about our own personal experiences, and to keep the lyrics broad and relatable to listeners of any age or demographic. We are constantly trying to improve our collective image moving forward, and try to pay attention to every detail going in (no matter the size).
Can you tell us about your new album “The Complete Collection”?
“The Complete Collection” is our very first full length LP, as well as the first time we’ve published music in a physical format. The title explains it all, our first three EP’s followed up by three brand new songs that have not-yet been released digitally. These songs have gotten countless New Jersey clubs moving frantically and feverishly, with packed-audiences singing the words to (almost) every song. We hope the record can help show our growth as a group, as well as reel in new listeners. It’s a tribute to the listeners, after all; the old and the new. We’re all extremely honored to be working with our friends in Philly-based Phameless Records, who helped us make this dream a reality.
The album comprises 17 tracks. According to each of you, which one is the best?
If we had to narrow each of these 17 tracks down to two, the collective choices would have to be “Hard For Cash”, or “R.A.I.D.” These are songs that the four of us can relate to the very best. Feeling like you’re worth less than dirt because you don’t have enough money to eat, and bottling that rage up to use it in a destructive manner is something that we’re all familiar with, especially as former-teenagers. These songs are our personal anthems, for the not-so misguided youth of today and tomorrow.
Can you share any memorable experiences or stories from your journey as a band so far?
We’ve played at our fair-share of dingy basements, bars and back-alleys to a multitude of different types of people. From Massachusetts to Florida and back, again. Meeting those people has had quite the impact on each of our personal lives. This won’t make for an interesting story, though. While we were driving south for what became out first tour, we found ourselves one night crossing state lines between South Carolina and Georgia. Everyone was in high-spirits, as the show we’d initially been booked to play was slated and, by the grace of God, managed to have another show booked at the Commie House in Columbia, South Carolina. It was around 2:30AM when we passed the “Welcome to Georgia” sign, and were almost simultaneously struck by a stray tire that had managed to find its’ way off of a wide-load boat-hauler. Jaden, who was driving, tried his best to flag down the driver (and flip him a couple choice-birds) to no avail. It was then we decided that we’d no longer be driving at night.
Looking ahead, what are Chemical-X’s aspirations and goals for the future?
All we’d like to do as a group is to continue to strive to be the band we’ve never seen before. We’d like to release our first full length album at some point, 14/15 tracks of entirely new material. We’re also in the process of booking another east-coast tour that’d be kicking off in mid-August. If we keep busy, maybe more people will start turning their heads our way?
What is a message you would like to give through your music and why?
If we had to give any readers one message to take from this, it’d be that the songs can mean whatever you want them to mean. Yes, they have over-arching themes of petty crime and doing anything other than what you’re told, but they are meant to be an experience for those who want to listen. We want you to forget about who you are and where you come from, who-is-who and what’s happening on instagram. Get angry, dance, and enjoy yourselves. You are your own person and you shouldn’t ever think twice about anything. Live your life the way you feel you should be.
Write here something you want to let people know.
We’d like to let everyone know that, without question, we’ll be in a town near you soon: and whenever that may be, you’s should come out and help us spread the good word. Help support our roadtrip endeavors and buy some merch if you’d feel so inclined. Thank you.
You can listen to Chemical-X‘s ”Hard For Cash” on our Spotify playlist!
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