The Outcrops
out·crop /ˈoutËŒkräp/ : an outstanding rock formation
​
Deep in the woods of Northern New Jersey, The Outcrops have emerged as a force to be reckoned with. This tight-knit group of musicians weaves together the soulful sounds of blues, the infectious rhythms of funk and soul, and the electrifying energy of rock'n'roll, creating a sonic experience that had them named "Band of the Year" (Aquarian, 2020).
​
At the core of The Outcrops are the dynamic duo of Bryan Schroeder and Cassidy Rain. Bryan, with his searing lead guitar, effortlessly weaves intricate melodies that fall somewhere between the soulful prowess of Derek Trucks and the transcendent vibes of Jerry Garcia. Cassidy brings real and raw powerhouse vocals that fans have compared to artists like Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, & Grace Potter, as well as her rhythmic guitar work that is in constant conversation with the band. ​
​
Max Adler, a Montclair University music graduate, found his home behind the drum kit, driving the band's infectious grooves. Qaasim Munoz holds it down on the bass guitar adding a unique flavor to the band's sonic tapestry.
​​​
The Outcrops' journey has been marked by milestones, such as sharing the stage with acts like The Outlaws, Three Dog Night, Alexis P. Suter, Kat Wright, and King Solomon Hicks, to gracing the lineups of festivals such as Rock, Ribs, & Ridges, the Anglesea Blues Festival, Musikfest, and Meeting of the Minds. Their performance earned them 1st place in the 2nd Annual SOPAC Blues Challenge back in 2017.
​​
CASSIDY RAIN - LEAD VOCALS / RHYTHM GUITAR
Cassidy’s musical journey began before she can remember - she was singing and memorizing songs when she started talking. At the age of 5, her parents got her a tape recorder that she used constantly to record songs she heard and sang. By the time she was 10 years old, she had already started writing her own songs. At 14, she picked up the acoustic guitar and it became her fondest companion; she took it everywhere with her - to school, to the beach, everywhere. Her guitars have their share of knicks and bruises from their adventures.
​​
​​​
BRYAN SCHROEDER - LEAD GUITAR / BACKUP VOCALS
Bryan’s journey in music began early as well, attending his Dad’s band’s shows from a very young age. There are photos of him and his cousin on stage with his Dad’s band, toy guitars in hand. However, Bryan’s first musical venture was in drumming, and he played drums for years before learning to play guitar. He began to really hone in on the guitar when he moved to California and was able to spend hours playing every day.
​​​
MAX ADLER - DRUMS / BACKUP VOCALS
Max rounds out The Outcrops rhythm section with a fluid groove that carries the band along like the ebbs and flows of a river. Like the great blues, soul and rock bands of the 60's and 70's, his style has a foundation in Jazz. Max was a student of the Jazz program at Montclair State University in New Jersey and he uses his knowledge and skills to add flavors and dynamics, imprinting his style on the band's sound.
​
QAASIM MUNOZ - BASS GUITAR
Qaasim, otherwise known as "Q", adds a uniquely funky & jazzy style of playing to The Outcrops. Besides playing music, Q is also a professional fine artist.
