An Interview with Goof Juice
Goof Juice is an alt-rock band based out of Cincinnati, Ohio currently comprised of Chris Aldi (Guitar/Vocals), Michael Dorst (Guitar), Dylan Etienne (Drums/Vocals), and Lee Sullivan (Bass). Goof Juice formed as an idea between Aldi and a former college roommate, earning their name from a late-night discussion about creating the vibes of hypothetical bands, in 2018 but officially started playing in 2020.
With only one Cincinnati native in the group (Dorst), the group all met through friends, other projects, or taking classes together at the University of Cincinnati’s college conservatory of music. Since Goof Juice formed while in undergrad, they struggled to figure out how to operate under the constraints of their education. While in school, they began playing shows off campus in the community’s house show scene where they began to explore their style and build their audience.
The quartet play a mix of originals and covers, like “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes and “Speeding 72” by Momma, mentioning that they enjoy playing a good mix of crowd pleasers and deep cuts alike. They are still working on building their catalogue of originals and currently have two singles released across streaming platforms, “Apologize” and “Basement Song.” Aldi writes many of Goof Juice’s songs, frequently bringing them to the others partially completed for them to finish together. Although, Aldi and Etienne have been collaborating more which has improved their songwriting process as Aldi finds the accountability and feedback of collaboration helps to complete new songs quicker. Both Aldi and Etienne prefer writing lyrics before adding in the instrumentals and hope that they can evoke the same feeling they feel when they listen to a great song by one of their favorite artists.
Goof Juice loves performing live and has tightened up their performance style significantly in recent years. As the quartet all have grown to know each other well, they can anticipate each other’s next move and play off one another. They have a contagious energy that hooks audiences which allows both the band and the audience to continually build off each other throughout a show.
Goof Juice hopes to book more shows, in Cincinnati and also expand to the greater Midwest market, and further define their audience as they build their catalogue in hopes of eventually releasing an EP. They play a free show, accompanied by Saving Escape and a solo set by their drummer Dylan Etienne, at MOTR Pub THURSDAY, September 7 at 9:30 PM. Follow Goof Juice on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/goofjuiceband/
Sarah Sheffer is a student majoring in public relations at the University of Cincinnati and an intern at MOTR Pub and the Woodward Theater. She is president of the Public Relations Student Society of America on campus and hopes to have a career in entertainment post-graduation.
