What Model Citizens

Junior's Cave Music Interview with What Model Citizens
Fall (August/September 2011) Edition 
Music Now Spotlight

by Isaac Davis Junior, BGS, MBA 
What Model Citizens 
Photo by Desiree Mervau 

This publication presents another delightful story about an astounding indie band. Meet What Model Citizens as the band works to promote their music to the masses. With an exciting and innovative new sound, music lovers will enjoy what the band has to offer. Check out the full spotlight in this ultra-cool spotlight.

Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you enjoy the most about being an indie performer?

What Model Citizens: Well, it's a great time to be a DIY artist but it's also a pretty hard world to compete in. I suppose the best thing about being an indie performer is the freedom, for better or worse, to make music the way I want to. The only person I'm required to please is myself. This can easily turn around and bite me in the ass, but at least I can take comfort in the fact that I like the music.

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 built up over the years about you in the process?

What Model Citizens: As great as it is to be an independent artist, the biggest problem you face in that position is that everybody else is an independent artist too. There are so many voices shouting out to be heard you can easily get lost in the noise. Certainly, one advantage to signing to a label would be the megaphone they'd offer to allow this music to be heard. It's a tough call. I suppose I'll have to cross that bridge if the contract arrives in the mail.

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?

What Model Citizens: I'd like to think with the fusion of styles that makes What Model Citizens' music the "it" factor is the unique sound. Of course, everyone thinks they have a unique sound so time will tell on that answer. Could be my on stage peacock strut.

Isaac: Why should music fans listen to your music? Describe what they are going to get when they listen to your music?

What Model Citizens: I think What Model Citizens' is both challenging and easy to listen to. There is a strong pop foundation that is easily accessible to everybody while at the same time you're confronted with the dissonant tones of the noise guitar. It's both pleasing and abrasive at the same time.
 
What Model Citizens
Photo by Desiree Mervau 

Isaac: Briefly describe your humble beginnings that led you to where you are at musically now.

What Model Citizens: The project began towards the end of 2009 after the noise-punk band I was leading broke up. I decided to explore a more synthesiser and electronic based musical path and began What Model Citizens under the name Spiro Agnew. I put out the first album, OH What Model Citizens We Be, and played regularly before putting out a second album, You've Been Set Up, and relocated the project to New York.

Isaac: You have some strong iconic influences. Of these influences, which artist/band do you relate to the most and why?

What Model Citizens: I don't know; it's tough to say. It probably depends on what kind of mood I'm in.

Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?

What Model Citizens: Of course it does. "Indie" is a genre category now on music. Arcade Fire, a once "Indie" band took home a Grammy. What more could you ask for the genre which at one time wasn't a genre?

Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?

What Model Citizens: I would be famous in it.

Isaac: Do you think in the near future that DIY artists/bands will be the norm and big record companies will be very limited?

What Model Citizens: Pretty sure that future is now when was the last time Capitol Records meant anything in your life.

Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics? 



What Model Citizens: Reception to this music, both among critics and fans is incredibly mixed. It's kind of a “you love it or you hate it” kind of thing. Of course, I'd prefer everyone loved it, and me of course, but I'll save that for the alternate universe where I'm the ruler of the world.

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.

What Model Citizens: Of course I would. If I wasn't making music, what else would I do with my time?
 
What Model Citizens
Photo by Desiree Mervau 

Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?

What Model Citizens: When the punches come in, I have a firm policy of picking myself off the mat and making the next one better. Sure it stings when that bad review comes in for your album but you're never going to please everyone. Plus, maybe there are some deficiencies (loath though I may be to admit it) in the music that I can fix for the next one. So maybe I should thank them for pointing out the holes.

Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?

What Model Citizens: Hey if it weren't for family, friends, and lovers who else would be in the audience?
 
What Model Citizens
Photo by Desiree Mervau 

Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?

What Model Citizens:

www.whatmodelcitizens.com there are links there to anything else you could possibly desire.

Isaac: The floor is yours; final words…..

What Model Citizens: We recently performed in NYC on Friday September 16th at the National Underground. Otherwise, stay tuned for any future dates to come.

 

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