SAGE Music Provides An Escape From Negativity!

When I first heard the song “RIDE” by New Jersey hard rock/metal band SAGE, I was immediately transported to a different reality.  This is an impact that music has on me, and I know I’m not the only one.  That’s one of the beautiful things about listening to music. When you’re feeling sad, lonely, depressed, anxious, angry, and so on, it can provide an escape from that reality, even if it’s only temporary. That is how I would describe the music of SAGE, and it’s actually something the band strives to incorporate in their beautiful music.

SAGE released their first single, “RIDE”, in August 2024, and a music video to go along with it. They’re both tremendous, and this band was off to a fantastic start right out of the gate.  Since then, they released more singles, leading to a six-song EP called Heartwired that dropped March 21st. There have also been videos for “Sleepless Enemy”, “HEAT”, and “Wasteland”, and they are all great.

The members of SAGE include:  Mike Rafter (Vocals); James Benedetto (Vocals/Guitar); Chris Coletti (Guitar); Nick Perrone and (Drums).  The band says they’re from “all over New Jersey”, though there is also a member from upstate New York.  James is from Northern New Jersey, and Mike and Nick are from South Jersey. Chris is actually from the Albany, New York area.

How did the band begin?  Well, the idea of SAGE started in 2022. James started writing some songs and found some like-minded musicians who were eager to create music from the soul. Nick and Mike joined soon after that and added the perfect dynamic. Chris was then added and was the cherry on top. With his musical skills and song-writing talent, the team was fully formed.

I asked the band about the name, SAGE. They explained that it’s based on the plant of the same name.  “SAGE is commonly used spiritually, typically to cleanse a space, person, or object of negative energy. Music is exactly that. We use music as an escape from the negatives in our lives. We write lyrics that are a window into our personal lives. Our goal from day one was to use this as an outlet to express ourselves and hopefully resonate with our listeners to help ‘SAGE’ their lives, Even if it's just for a few minutes!”

The song creation process for SAGE is always a collaborative effort by the whole band.  As they explained to me, “Someone will start an idea instrumentally and we kind of bounce off each other until the song feels right. When writing lyrics and melodies we usually sit in a room and play the song over and over again with the Notes app open, just typing away, coming up with different concepts. At first we let the instrumental help us feel an emotion and embrace it. For the lyrics, we lean towards storytelling, as we feel like it gives the listener an experience.”

SAGE has worked with producers Pete Zengerle and Tyler Drama on their first set of songs, and Aaron Chaparian has done mixing and mastering.  I asked the band about working with these gentlemen.  “We've sat in a room with all three producers and wrote songs. These three guys are truly some great friends, and we're lucky to have had them be a part of the creative process.” 

For the band’s music videos, they’ve worked with both Alex Kouvatsos of Blackwolf Imaging (“RIDE”, “HEAT”, “Wasteland”) and Eric DiCarlo of SquareUp Studios (“Sleepless Enemy”).  I asked the band about making the music videos. “We love Alex and Blackwolf Imaging!  He has been the backbone to this band. He always goes above and beyond and exceeds our expectations. We've also worked with Eric DiCarlo at SquareUp Studios for our single ‘Sleepless Enemy’, and he's incredible as well! The vibes on set were so much fun. Usually we bounce ideas around as a collective group and come up with a concept together. Honestly shooting the music videos has been a blast.”

As mentioned above, the first song I heard by SAGE was “RIDE”, and I was immediately hooked. This band knows how to put together some catchy guitar riffs and thunderous drum beats.  Mike does the hard vocals and James sings, but Mike also sings backing vocals on some tracks, and the combination is wonderful.  SAGE incorporates elements of hard rock, nu metal, and metalcore. They don’t fit into just one category, so anyone who loves heavy instrumentals, including my favorite element of metalcore, powerful breakdowns, with stellar clean vocals paired with impactful screams, will love this band’s music.

SAGE’s music is the kind you can just get lost in.  You’ll be listening to one of their songs, and all of a sudden you’re down in the rabbit hole listening to all of them in a row because it makes you so happy.  I’m also really impressed by the music videos SAGE has done so far. They’re all very creative and show the passion and energy the band has.  It’s definitely apparent how much they enjoy filming the videos together.

I asked what’s coming up next for SAGE. The band shared, “More writing! More music! Create, create, create and enjoy the process. Our first show is Sunday, April 13th at House of Independents in Asbury Park, New Jersey! It's our EP release show and we could not be more excited. We definitely plan on hitting the ground running playing shows as much as possible in support of our EP!”

The band added, “To anyone who listens, supports or resonates with our music—thank you. Every song, every lyric, every note is for you. Whether our songs lift you up, make you feel understood, or just give you something to vibe to, we’re grateful to be part of your world. Keep listening, keep feeling, and keep being you. Much love – SAGE.”

I am so glad I found SAGE and I will be following them and supporting them on their journey.  I am looking forward to what is to come for them!  You can follow SAGE on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, the band’s website, and YouTube. You can buy tickets for the April 13th show at The House Of Independents on the venue's website.