Rock n Roll with Lightheaded.

In the spirit of Local Summer and rock 'n' roll, we’re excited to highlight Lightheaded, a New Jersey-based pop group who covered The Velvet Underground's "Rock & Roll" for our Local Summer Cover Compilation.

Lightheaded’s music is full of melody, harmony, and bittersweet charm. Sara Abdelbarry’s punchy Gretsch lead blends perfectly with Stephen Stec’s Rickenbacker chime, while Cynthia Rittenbach’s Hofner Violin bass grounds their sound with warmth. Together, their songwriting channels influences like Big Star and The Aislers Set, mixing jangling guitars with timeless pop hooks.

Cynthia and Stephen have a knack for writing timeless pop songs, drawing from a deep well of musical inspiration. Cynthia, often seen in her Gene Clark tee, is an admirer of Dusty Springfield, The Aislers Set, and Joan Jett. Stephen, on the other hand, finds his muse in bands like Big Star, The Clientele, and The Go-Betweens. Together, their sound channels the best of pop and rock history, weaving in the magic of bands like The Aislers Set and Belle & Sebastian.

When asked why they chose to cover "Rock & Roll," the band responded with their signature quirky humor:
"We love the music that rocks and rolls, and we love rocking and rolling ourselves. It’s all about having fun, like playing Rock Band with friends!"

Originally released in 1970 on Loaded, The Velvet Underground’s "Rock & Roll" was written by Lou Reed as a tribute to the life-changing power of music. The song tells the story of a young girl whose life is transformed by rock 'n' roll, reflecting Reed’s own connection to music as a source of freedom.

Lightheaded’s version honors the track’s legacy while adding their own fresh twist. With their infectious energy and knack for melody, they breathe new life into this classic anthem. Keep an eye on Lightheaded – they’re a band to watch!

Stream the Album now! Grab a t-shirt or cassette tape from our shop and LEARN more about Garden State Equality

Learn more about Lightheaded !