Modern Science
Junior's Cave Music Interview with Modern Science
April 2011 Edition
Music Now Spotlight by Isaac Davis Junior, BGS, MBA
Modern Science
Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you feel you contribute musically to the Indie Music Culture?
Modern Science: A DIY work ethic is at the foundation of what Modern Science is. We do everything...literally. Not always because we want to, but because if something needs to get done we're not going to sit around and wait for somebody else to do it; from the recording of the music to the marketing and distribution of it. I decided early on that influencing the music business is as important to me as influencing people with music so I am very fascinated with every part of the process. For me, music is a career, it pays my rent so I can't afford for something not go done.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to sign with a major label, would you sign now knowing you may have to give up some of what you have build up over the years about you in the process?
Modern Science: I've turned down major label opportunities both with Modern Science and as a solo artist. I'm in music for the long haul and don't need a major to create content so why give up ownership? Maybe if I was starving it might be a different story, but even if a label offered us 500k what good would that do really? It may be the last 500k we ever see, when I can instead make that same amount of money (probably more) over the next ten years and retain 100% ownership of everything increasing profits exponentially beyond the ten year mark. It's a different ball game and as long as you're not greedy there is plenty of room to thrive as an independent, but only if you have control and ownership so I take those two things very seriously.
Isaac: I remembered Simon Cowell from American Idol talking about the “it” Factor that makes a musician/band stand out. What do you think is your “it” factor that makes you stand out from others in the music business?
Modern Science: It factor? That sounds like a gimmick to me and anybody who bases their career on a gimmick is in for a short ride. This is what people like Simon Cowell are after, profiting off the gimmick of others and exploiting talent while long term development is ignored. In my experience, it doesn't matter if you have "it" factor or not if you can't deliver. But as long as you can build your own fanbase and delivery quality on a consistent basis to those fans then "it" factory is irrelevant.
Isaac: What is one of the important elements that will make you stand out from the rest of the musicians/artist in the music industry?
Modern Science: I'm a producer/writer for other people as well. I can create music in almost any style or genre, authentically and deliver material for any project. I'm only 25, but I've managed to work with Ozzy Osbourne, Bob Dylan, Shania Twain and more.
Isaac: Do you feel you have given it your best when pursuing your musical dreams so far? Why or why not?
Modern Science: Absolutely. Every day is an opportunity for investment in my craft. I'm always trying to figure out how to get better, improve efficiency and stay one step ahead of the next guy.
Isaac: Who do you look up to for your own influences and why?
Modern Science: My father (Kevin Churko) is by far the biggest influence on me. He's taught me everything I know and sets the bar when it comes to dedication to one's craft. I've never met anybody that works harder. Sometimes it's like he has no limits and I'm inspired by that daily.
Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?
Modern Science
Modern Science: Sometimes too much respect! I actually dislike the term "indie" - it's a badge I've never felt comfortable wearing. Why does there have to be any distinction between music made on a major and indie music? Can anybody even tell the difference? I love music man, indie, mainstream, whatever.
Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?
Modern Science: I'd love to see iTunes give independent artists more pricing flexibility and incentives. How comes iTunes gets 30% of my gross sales for not promoting me one bit? That's more than my cut when all is said and done!
Isaac: What has been one of your biggest setbacks and how did you overcome it? What lesson did you learn about yourself?
Modern Science: I was impersonated for three years early on in my career. Some punk kid on the other side of the country was plagiarizing my material as his own and causing me a lot of difficulties since I was at the beginning stage of launching myself as an artist. The kid eventually got arrested for other crimes and he eventually stopped. I learned the importance of artistic integrity and fighting the good fight.
Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?
Modern Science: An (unnamed) A&R at a major label once asked us if it's a bad thing that our debut album sounds like a greatest hits package. Although it wasn't meant as a compliment, I certainly took it as one.
Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.
Modern Science: I was born into a musical family. I don't know how to do anything else really. It's in my blood so I write songs to stay sane, not to seek fame.
Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?
Modern Science: Haven't really had to experience much negativity to be honest. For the most part our music makes people feel positive, so they only complainers are usually "indie" hipsters who don't like how it feels to smile. To that I say I'm sorry our album doesn't sound like it was recorded in a tunnel.
Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?
Modern Science: My father is my mentor. My best friend is Mike (the other half of Modern Science). Friends and family are crucial to the equation of what I do. Without either I would be living under a bridge talking to myself.
Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?
Modern Science: ModernScienceMusic.com
Isaac: The floor is yours; final words & wisdom of thoughts...
Modern Science: Dream big and don't let the haters get you down. Charlie Sheen has the right attitude. Stay confident, but always keep trying to one up yourself.
Posted by Isaac J Davis Junior at Friday, April 22, 2011 8:21 AM 
Categories: Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Tags: Modern Science Churko Kane Mike McHugh singer programming producer keys guitar bass
Categories: Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Tags: Modern Science Churko Kane Mike McHugh singer programming producer keys guitar bass
I feel so much happier now I udenrstand all this. Thanks!
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