INTERVIEW: Model Stranger
Model Stranger
The Photo Ladies Interview - by Emily May
It's pretty rare these days to find a band that has not only been together for a decade, but one who has their original line-up. Chicago-based alternative rock band Model Stranger is that rare band. Friends since high school, vocalist/guitarist Stephen Francis and bassist Kevin James played in prog rock band together, with time eventually leading them to meet drummer Vincent Joseph. Initially a hired gun for two shows, Vincent soon became a permanent part of the band and Model Stranger was officially born. Dubbed "rock n' roll classicists" and "an eclectic synthesis of psychedelic grunge and classic rock", with variety of influences that range from Muse, Pearl Jam, David Bowie and Tom Petty, the sounds of Model Stranger have appealed to listeners across multiple genres. Upon releasing their debut album Dreams and Bones in 2010, the band spent the next 2 years playing 180 shows and have since showcased their strength as a live band. Their subsequent EP's, 2013's The Changing Score and 2015's Imitation Act, have taken their listeners on a sonic journey that showcases the bands evolving sound. The band recently released their latest album, an LP entitled Phases, which the band describes as the beginning, middle and end of the past decade for the band. Having spent the last several years on the road touring and promoting their music, the band decided to take a break to focus on songwriting, feeling the need to write and record some fresh music. The first single from the album, "Breaks My Heart", shows off the band's range and ability. They shot the music video in a basement in one night, using an iPhone and a single light. The album's second single, "Pick Me", showcases their energy as a band. The trio plans to keep writing and recording and will be releasing more music videos and new tracks in the coming months. You can connect with Model Stranger via the following links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud | iTunes/Apple Music | YouTube | Deezer | Bandcamp
You recently released your new album Phases and have described it as the beginning, middle and end of the past decade for you guys. Having put out your first record 10 years ago, what do you see as the story of the band over the past 10 years? How do you feel your sound has evolved over the years and how have you each grown as artists?
Vincent Joseph- As a whole we have not only matured as a unit, but literally grew up together throughout the last decade. Our story always revolved around this “analog band living in a digital era” attitude. We looked up to our idols from the 60’s & 90’s and the whole cultural movement amongst them. We toured and tried to make connections with fans one on one and we partied and crashed at fans homes throughout the years. These fans became friends and we all became part of our own microcosm, our own culture. However, throughout the years we have had to adjust and move that into a digital landscape, which is what we are attempting to do now. We have played large rooms and festivals to many people and we have played bars to a handful of people, but we have always connected with those people in front of us- now it is us trying to connect with people through our keyboards and social media. We have experienced a lot of personal changes throughout the past decade from success to personal heartache to loss of loved ones and everything in between- but we have experienced these phases together and that is what we have tried to capture in this new record. The sound has evolved from something raw and angst riddled to something more polished but still with edge. From Rock N’ Rollers to alternative pop rock with an edge and pop sensibility. More importantly, throughout the years we have learned to listen to one another, play with one another and write with one another- that is how we have all grown the most.
You have said that Phases showcases a couple of different sounds that you love while still maintaining a rock sound, with each track complimenting the next while maintaining their differences. What can you tell me about the process of writing and recording the album?
Vincent Joseph- We originally wrote about 50 songs and whittled it down to 13 for recording. Of those 13, 9 made it onto “Phases”. Each song was written from a different place mentally, emotionally and structurally. Some of the tracks were written around a single hook, where others were completed around an entire vocal/lyrical idea. However, across the board on “Phases” we made the bass & drums a cornerstone with which to build the arrangements. This whole album has solid rhythm with sexy guitar work coloring it in.
You have said you had a lot of songs that you had to narrow down for the album. How did you go about deciding which songs to include? Do you have any plans for the songs that didn't make the album?
Vincent Joseph- Out of the 50 or so songs that were brought to the table, we all agreed as a unit what worked together and what did not. However, we consulted some friends, family members, our producer (Noam Wallenberg) and peers in the industry to get a fresh take on the tracks, as we had grown close to them and wanted non-biased feedback. Once narrowed down to the 13 tracks we wanted to record, we ran them through the gamut focusing on structure, arrangement and fine tune adjustments. After recording the 13 tracks, 9 made it onto the album with the other 4 to be released at later dates. The 9 tracks on “Phases” were intentionally placed and sequenced to be listed to as a whole unit; ideally on vinyl.
What can you tell be about your idea to put golden tickets in random copies of Phases for Record Store Day in Chicago this year?
Vincent Joseph- We do not have a massive fan-base yet, however, our current fan-base is dedicated and we wanted to show that to them in a clever way. The people that had went out (or online) for record store day had an opportunity to get a copy of “Phases” ahead of its release. So if people were going to be engaging with us and supporting local businesses we wanted to give them a little treat, or golden lining to this shit year. So to those of you that got the golden ticket, bravo!
It's pretty uncommon for bands to stick together with their original line up for 10+ years. What has it been like to grow together as a band over the past 10 years? As a band that is completely DIY, do you feel that doing everything yourselves over the years has strengthened your bond?
Vincent Joseph- We have spent more time together than most families spend together, so for us not wanting to murder one another and still be productive together says something. It is by no means easy being an independent band; it is not all sex, drugs and rock n’ roll. We pour A LOT of time, sweat, blood tears and money into this. We have sacrificed family, personal relationships, birthdays and milestones to make this work. But when the end result is that we can keep doing this, it is worth it. We get to create music and connect with people in a positive and meaningful way. What else could someone ask for?
What can you tell me about your recent single "Breaks My Heart", as well as the video? What was it like to shoot the video in one night on an iPhone using a single light?
Vincent Joseph- We normally have a heavy hand in the video content (if not all), however, we handed over the reins of the plot to Mat Dimare for this one (he also shot our music videos for “Stare”, “Balance”, and edited “Pick Me”). He had a vision for something in particular and it really worked well with the song. We are used to shooting videos within a day, however, being that this was all on an iPhone made the process go even quicker. Matt really had the story board and concept narrowed down, so we worked extremely efficiently. Plus, a lot of our videos have most of the work done in post-production…I mean we can only look pretty in front of a camera for so long.
You also released the single "Pick Me", the song structure of which is not your usual approach to songwriting but is just the way the song developed. What can you tell me about the song as well as the video?
Vincent Joseph- The song came about quicker than any other song on the album. Stephen had written the guitar riff and when he brought that in everything just fell into place. It is definitely the oldest song that was recorded onto “Phases”. It is just a good slammin’ Rock N’ Roll tune that should get your blood pumping and the whiskey flowing. The subject matter could not be more relevant as we are now all imprisoned on our personal devices scrolling through every day with a stamp of approval only a double tap away...I did not mean to rhyme there. The video is one of my favorite concepts we have down and I can’t believe it actually worked out. We had a show at the end of January (just before the Covid Pandemic took root in the states) that was at Lincoln Hall in Chicago. We had our phones set up on stage recording and then asked the audience to send us any footage that they had recorded. All of the compiled footage was then edited into the “Pick Me” video. I am not only pleased with how the video turned out, but was delighted to see how many fans participated and sent in footage, not to mention the nostalgia of looking at a sold out audience for a live music performance… something we will not see again for some time.
What has it been like for you guys to try to reach your audience virtually during this age of COVID? What have been some of your biggest challenges? Has anything surprised you about trying to navigate this time as a band? What do you see as the state of the music industry once COVID is over?
Vincent Joseph- This age of Covid has been trying to say the least, but we are adapting as best we can. Moving as much into the realm of the internet, social media, streaming and just staying busy with business and writing new music. Model Stranger has always prided ourselves on our live performances and touring and that simply cannot happen right now. We did perform a couple of live streams which were much more fun than I anticipated and the best consolation for not being able to have a proper ‘record release party.’ Those can be found on our Facebook page and Gigmor Live Twitch page. It’s times like these that I am grateful Model Stranger has stayed independent and that we are not indebted to a massive corporation. We are able to break into a new era of the industry that will be forever changed. Overall, the state of the music industry will be forever shifted and the power structure is under construction. I think the music venues will be much more willing to broker a reasonable working relationship with artists moving forward, because they will have to in order to keep their doors open at this point. The future is unclear to say the least, but musicians are learning that we do not need anyone other than our craft, our voice, some hard work and a high speed internet connection to succeed- while the industry as a whole requires us to succeed- so this may be a change for the better. I just look forward to playing live again when the time is responsible and right.
You guys have played a Halloween show at the Elbo Room in Chicago every year from 2009-2019. What was it like to not play one this year and what are some of your fondest memories and favorite costumes from past shows? What did you guys do for Halloween? Stephen-As a lover of scary movies, what are your favorites?
Vincent Joseph- We started that event (Bands Being Bands) over 10 years ago not thinking what it would become: an annual sold-out-party that was always the most fun event of the year at one of the best clubs in Chicago that we have always held close to our hearts. We have been David Bowie (2010), Nirvana (2011), Foo Fighters (2012), The Beatles (rooftop/last show 2013), ZZ Top (2014), Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (2015), The Red Hot Chili Peppers (2016), The Beatles (pre-Rubber Soul 2017), The Doors (2018), Madonna (2019). Although, I would like to say ZZ Top was the most fun, I do not think anything could top our performance last year as Madonna. It was simply magical and we were all different era “Madonnas.” I don’t know where we could have gone from that, but I do know it would have been a blast. At least it came to an end after so many consecutive years of selling it out and so many great memories. It’s better to go out on a high note, right? For Halloween we all did the responsible thing and stayed home, while watching movies. I watched a friend stream his Halloween special: Otto Von Schirach’s “Live from Draculo’s Castle”. For the record- Stephen uses my Shudder account and will watch what horror movies I allow him to prior to putting him to bed. And it is not a fair question. The best “scary” movies vary on genre, time of release, etc. But some top runners across all boards are: Re-Animator, Alien, Night of The Living Dead, 28 Days Later, When A Stranger Calls, Poltergeist and The Little Mermaid.
What's next for Model Stranger?
Vincent Joseph- We will be releasing a few more videos in support of “Phases” and hopefully be able to tour on the album in the coming year(s). Regardless of touring, we will be releasing some new tracks and videos in the winter and spring too. We are continuously writing and recording new content that will all eventually make its way out into the world. We are navigating these times just like everyone else and trying to find the best way to continuously connect with people, so cheers to the unknown!