Posts
Provided by the compucert 
This weeks interview is with Modena, hailing from North Carolina. I'll let them tell you all about the band:
Can you give my readers a brief introduction to the band, for those who are unfamiliar with you. How did you form?
Derek and I actually met on a classifieds website for musicians back in '05. We started writing music together right away. We'd hack at ideas for hours on end until we could get it right. Sometime in January 2006, Derek told me about a guy named 'Stewy' who played bass guitar. We called him up and had a killer follow up jam. After a few months, we invited Justin Womble, who had recently left the band Crushing Day, to try out for lead vocals and lead guitar. Needless to say, he blew us away with his audition! We offered him the job right on the spot, and we soon realized the formula we began to call Modena was starting to become complete.
When did you first start writing music?
When did you first start writing music?
During the very first practice the ideas started flowing. Bland vocal lines were spiced up, lead guitar parts added, crazy time signature changes, etc. It was awesome!
How did you choose your genre?
We didn't choose it. It chose us :)
Who were your influences?
Alice In Chains, NIRVANA, Tool, Guns N' Roses, and Mr. Big to name a few. The list is long, but distinguished.
Did you ever take any formal music lessons?
Oh yeah. I was in school band ever since 2nd grade. When I was 15 I quit because my conductor was an ASS. I asked my Mom to show me a few chords on her old Martin acoustic guitar. She showed me the basic G, E, D, and A chords and I was set!
Did your environment while growing up have an impact on the kind of music you make today?
Most definitely. When my brother left for college he left behind alot of early 90's rock CD's. I went through them and used to listen to them til like 3am every night on my old school stereo. Plus I was addicted to MTV at the time, back when it used to be GOOD. You know, in the Beavis & Butthead days. Grunge was all over in '94-'95 and I was all about it. Also, my parents were very supportive of my music; that makes a huge difference.
Which of your works would you say is your favorite, so far?
Which of your works would you say is your favorite, so far?
Definitely the new Second Time Around EP. The sound we got out of that session was everything we could have hoped for.
How did you come up with the name of the new album? Well, we knew 'Second Time Around' 
was going to be 'the single' - I guess due to the 'poppy' nature of the song. So we figured we might as well focus the EP around that theme.
was going to be 'the single' - I guess due to the 'poppy' nature of the song. So we figured we might as well focus the EP around that theme.How do you feel about the impact of the internet on the music business?
It's been HUGE. I never expected CD's to fall off like they did. It's all about digital sales and internet presence nowadays. The 'single' has really returned in full force - especially with the advent of iTunes, Rhapsody, and other digital music services.... although, I still tend to get the physical CD of a band I REALLY like :)
Do you think major record labels are necessary any more?
Do you think major record labels are necessary any more?
It depends what your career goals are. If you enjoy being independent, and can draw well on your own then more power to you! Alot of people like being at that level, and there's nothing wrong with that. But if you're ready to be at a national level, then a major record deal could change your life. The amount of effort that goes back into promotion alone could be worth it if the music can hold it's own. A good example - MetallicA signing with Elektra Records and eventually making a music video for 'Enter Sandman'. People say they sold out. You're damn right they sold out... every night for 3 years in a row!
How do you normally write your songs?
We work together by taking various riffs and ideas that me, Justin, or Stewy wrote and try and put them together in a way that equals pure rock. :)
In your opinion, what does a good song need to consist of?
A good hook! Can't have a good song if you can't hum along to it and sing it in your head.
What song is most exciting to play live? Original and/or cover, please!
Original? I personally love playing Hang It High. I don't have to sing at all on that one and I get to rock out the whole time. Cover? It's definitely a tie between "Got No Shame" by Brother Cane or 'Round & Round' by RATT - due to the pure energetic nature of the songs.
What cities have been your favorite to play?
Winston-Salem, NC surprisingly! It was our best show to date in 2009. We played for over 2,000 people at the Rock The Block Festival... talk about a rush!!!!
What do you think the best part of touring is?
What do you think the best part of touring is?
The memories... or lack there-of in some cases.
What cities have had the best reception for your music outside of your home state?
We had a great resposne in Knoxville, TN as well as surrounding southeast states. We even have a bunch of fans over in Europe somehow. The internet is a wonderful thing.
Describe your worst night on tour, ever.
We're no Motley Crue, but this one time in South Carolina in 2007 we were all sharing a hotel room after a long show. Of course we had a "few" drinks after getting done with the gig and Stewy decided it'd be a good idea to turn his mattress into a barf bag. I think we ended up turning it over in hopes the cleaning lady wouldn't see it... but I'm pretty sure she gagged upon entering the room.
Where do you see the band in 5 years? 10 years?
5 years? on tour. 10 years? rock n' roll hall of fame. Am I being too bold?
Any words of wisdom for those with hopes of breaking into music?
PERSISTENCE! keep at it no matter what. You're not going to get discovered overnight like Justin Bieber so stop trying. Write good songs that are meaningful to you and pleasant to others.
What was the strangest thing to have happen while performing on stage?
I can't say anything "strange" has happened on stage. I can only describe the excitement I feel up there. It's like nothing I've ever experienced before.
What's the best part of touring to you?
Meeting new people and learning that your music impacts more than just yourself.
What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
Ha! The list is endless... I'm kind of a sci-fi nerd. Live long & prosper.
If you could have a conversation with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Probably my great grandfather - Axel Carlson.
What has surprised you most in your career so far?
What has surprised you most in your career so far?
The impact of our music on other people. It's great to hear other people's interpretations of our songs and how it relates to them.
Any hobbies outside of music? Sports, etc?
I'm a big gamer. I should go to AA meetings for my addiction to Call of Duty, zombies and Mass Effect.
What do you watch on tv?
Boardwalk Empire, Breaking Bad, 30 Rock, Sopranos, and Entourage to name a few. I can't live without HBO.
What movies do you like?
Terminator 2, Inception, The Matrix, The Fighter, and pretty much any early Arnold Schwarzenegger flick. Once again - the list can go on for days!
Read any good books lately?
Read any good books lately?
Chapel Thrill! NC.
Connect to Modena on the web:
Connect to Modena on the web:
- Second Time Around EP on Amazon
0 comments:
Post a Comment