Behind the Music: Connor Bracken’s Rise in the Indie Scene

Behind the Music: Connor Bracken’s Rise in the Indie Scene

Mike Ham


This week’s episode with Connor Bracken is one of those moments where I step back and think, “Man, this is why I do what I do.” You’ve got great beer, great conversation, and a local Jersey musician who’s carving out his path in the industry—it doesn’t get much better than that.

When we arrived at Twin Lights, the vibe was just right. Now, Connor joked about having tried every beer on tap before I got there, but trust me, we kept it responsible! Still, the real magic started when we dove into the conversation. Connor isn’t just your average musician. He’s one of those guys who truly lives the DIY lifestyle—hustling day in and day out to make his dreams a reality.

One of the things that struck me was how his collaboration with Twin Lights Brewing came about. They brew an Irish Red Ale with his band’s branding on it, and all the proceeds go to The Project Matters, which supports kids in Asbury Park by providing them with instruments. Talk about a perfect example of cross-pollination: his music and a local brewery coming together for something bigger than both of them. It’s this kind of creative collaboration that really fires me up.

We also talked about how Connor’s journey hasn’t been a straight shot to success—far from it. He shared stories about scraping by on tour, breaking even (which, by the way, is a major win in the music industry), and the grind it takes to make it. From playing shows in dingy basements to rocking out at festivals and iconic venues like House of Independents, the guy’s been through it all. And even though it’s been almost 20 years since he first picked up a guitar, his passion is still there. It’s palpable.

What really resonated with me was his DIY approach. Connor and his band don’t just sit around waiting for opportunities. They make things happen. Whether it’s booking their own tours, finding creative ways to promote their music, or simply putting in the hours to get better at their craft—they’re doing it themselves, and they’re doing it right. In a lot of ways, it mirrors what we’re doing with Greetings From The Garden State and Radio Garden State: building something from the ground up, brick by brick, with the support of local communities.

As the episode went on, we got into how important it is to surround yourself with the right people—folks who are willing to grind just as hard as you are. Connor’s bandmates, like him, are in it for the long haul, and it shows. He’s found that perfect balance between having fun and treating this like the serious business it is. Whether it’s about nailing that perfect live sound or grinding out the next tour date, you can tell they’re all pushing in the same direction.

It’s always refreshing to sit down with someone like Connor, who embodies the spirit of New Jersey’s local music scene. He’s proof that with the right attitude, creativity, and a bit of hustle, you can make things happen. This episode captures that energy, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.

So, grab yourself a Mother Leeds Irish Red Ale from Twin Lights, kick back, and listen to the latest episode of Greetings From The Garden State. You’ll get to hear firsthand how Connor Bracken is keeping New Jersey loud, one gig at a time.