Formula Indie Sessions – Interview with The It City
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I had started playing guitar a little while earlier, but when I was about 14, my sister took me to a Led Zeppelin laser light show and it blew my mind. The combination of the visuals and sound was something I had never encountered before. I didn’t know you could make sounds like that with a guitar! And the earth-shattering drums! The swaggering vocals! The bass, weaving through everything like a tapestry. It really changed everything for me, starting with my relationship with the guitar. After that day, I was all in.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I know it’s cliche, but my band in high school ignited my drive to create. Manifesting something new, trying to make it good, hanging out with those people, nothing beats it.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
We’re releasing three songs this year, the first of which is “It’s A Sign”. It’s a song about looking around at the world and not recognizing yourself in it. I grew up thinking I could make a positive impact and to lead with empathy and sometimes it seems like that’s a passing fad. The song kind of splits the difference between judgement of myself and others and the celebratory nihilism of just having fun anyway.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
An eclectic mix of funk, pop, R&B and rock influences.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
With songwriting, I have learned to just let the ideas and inspiration come from anywhere. For example: I am not a great keys player, but sometimes that can lead to out-of-the-box ideas that a more competent player might not think of. Instead of judging my skill level, I just try to let creativity be the guide. It’s led to a much more rewarding writing process for me.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I typically use Logic Pro, drum loops, bass and guitar to get ideas down. I have dabbled with Splice and other similar tools, but I usually just come back to that home base.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Really digging the Gabriel Jacoby album that came out last year. I’m a little late to the party!
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I tend to need some space for the emotions to swirl before I can write about something. For example, my dad passed away a couple of months ago and I think it’s still going to be a while before I can really engage with those emotions in a creative way. For me, the feelings need time to run loose and stay raw before I can access them in a way that feels honest.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I can be sardonic and cynical, but ultimately I want music to be a joyful experience.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Connection and community. Music is a collaborative experience for me. I love writing, playing and recording on my own, but it doesn’t really come alive until I start working with other people to manifest the true song.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I’ve always wanted to play Red Rocks! I have a not-so-secret wish to be a guest performer on Saturday Night Live too. My dream would be that they ask me to be in a sketch too. I am not sure if I’d do a good job, but I feel like I could at least make a funny face at the camera.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Prince. But I’d probably just watch and listen.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Website: theit.city
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6dURjucmKAZJhxgZh8T6Yb?si=3pCuzE5KTOq7wnS4y2WEJg
Instagram: @itcityband
YouTube: @THEITCITY
Facebook: facebook.com/itcityband
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-it-city/1241156410
TikTok: @theitcity
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I really just want to keep doing this for as long as I can. Building and learning from this community. Making the music I want to make with the people I want to work with.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I just hope they enjoy what we’re doing!
