When I first sat down with the members of Reality Suite at Angry Papa Entertainment in Wallington, I could tell right away this was going to be a fun conversation. They’re the kind of band that embodies everything great about New Jersey — gritty, real, and relentless. What started for them as an idea scribbled on a napkin at a traffic light has turned into a decade-long journey that’s taken them from local dives to stages with major acts like Nickelback.
Reality Suite officially got rolling in 2014 when drummer Brian King and guitarist Joe Padula teamed up with powerhouse vocalist Kimmii Heart. Over time, bassist Jeff Luke joined the lineup, helping the band sharpen a sound they describe as “modern vintage” — a mix of big classic rock energy with a fresh, contemporary twist.
“Our writing is like a metamorphosis,” Kimmii told me. “Everyone puts their touch on it, and it becomes something totally Reality Suite-ified.”
The band’s influences range from the guitar fireworks of Van Halen to the slick beats of The Killers and Franz Ferdinand. That blend of styles shows up in everything they do — from their studio tracks to their unforgettable live shows.
What really impressed me is how far Reality Suite’s reach has gone. Even before they started landing bigger gigs around New Jersey, they had built a passionate following overseas — with fans in Japan, Brazil, Colombia, New Zealand, and beyond. Hearing them talk about fans across the world posting pictures with their albums or singing along to their songs, you could tell how much those moments meant to them.
Locally, Reality Suite has become a force in the Jersey rock scene. Before the pandemic, they were on a roll, playing bigger theaters and festivals. COVID might have slowed things down, but it didn’t stop them — highlights like opening for Nickelback helped reignite their momentum.
Now, they’re gearing up for another huge moment: the release of their brand new single, “These Fears,” dropping April 29. Perfect timing too — they’ll be closing out Jersey Fest 2024 at White Eagle Hall on May 17, and based on our conversation, they’re planning to be the loudest, wildest band of the night.
When I asked them how they define success, it wasn’t about charts or streaming numbers. It was about connection — with each other, with fans, and with the music.
“I would do this no matter what,” Kimmii said. “It’s therapy. It’s what keeps me sane.”
Reality Suite isn’t just making music. They’re building something real — the Jersey way.
Catch Reality Suite live:
🗓️ May 17, 2024 | White Eagle Hall, Jersey City, NJ
🎟️ Tickets at radiogardenstate.com/jerseyfest
Connect with Reality Suite:
- Website: realitysuite.com
- Instagram: @realitysuite
- YouTube: Reality Suite
Mike Ham is the voice behind the popular podcast, "Greetings From the Garden State". Traveling up and down New Jersey, Mike brings his listeners the stories of the people and places shaping the Garden State. Not only is he a Jersey diehard, he is also a respected member of the podcast community and has spoken at several podcasting conferences. As he continues to amplify the voices of New Jersey, Mike Ham remains a passionate advocate for the diverse narratives woven into the fabric of the Garden State.