Me and The City play two So. Cal. shows Jan. 12 and Jan. 14.
Me and The City will be preforming two shows at the Whisky A Go-Go on Sun, Jan. 12 and the OC Music Awards Showcase at The District in Tustin on Tues, Jan. 14.
Me and the City formed from a solo project David Matus had created. Trying to expand his solo project David began looking for musicians via Internet bringing him together with his fellow bandmates Tim Alvarez and Taylor Garcia. Since they have been writing and releasing LP’s.
Me and the City has a great blend of pop, indie-folk, and rock that makes their sound seamless. Playing shows throughout Southern California and LA, Me and the City have been known to put on great shows, with their high energy levels, enthusiasm and enjoyable music they are sure to get your feet moving.
OC Concert Guide chatted with David Matus and Tim Alvarez from Me and the City about being selected as part of The OC Music Awards.
OCCG: Where did you guys come up with your name?
DM: I’ve been asked this quite a bit lately and I originally came up with this name when I was a solo artist. The name came from an idea that no matter how much I want to get away from the big city life, it’s who I am. I think as we transformed from a solo act to a band I continue to find new ways it pertains to our music and our lives.
OCCG: What is your writing process? What usually comes first, music or lyrics?
TA: Definitely the music. We’ll start out with a bare bones version of a song with maybe just a few riffs and chords and David will start to freestyle lyrics to come up with the melodies. Sometimes the words he comes up with are off the wall and don’t make any sense, but after that, it’s just figuring out what we want to say and that seems to work for us really well.
OCCG: What are your biggest obstacles as a band?
DM: The biggest obstacle we have had is finding the right musicians. Specifically bass players. We have played with 5 bass players this year, but fortunately it hasn’t slowed us down. We continue to work around it and we have some amazing friends that have helped us. Well that and money.
TA: There never seems to be enough money…
OCCG: Are there any plans for touring in the future?
TA: We like to keep secrets, but I can say we would love to visit strange and unfamiliar lands.
OCCG: Do you feel like you write music for a certain niche?
TA: No way! We try to write music that can relate to anybody that hears it.
OCCG: Is there a certain ritual you go through to prepare for a performance?
TA: We all share high fives and tell each other to have a good show. And while we haven’t done it in a while, we have done the Mighty Ducks chant before. I’m sure the quacks were heard from many confused people.
OCCG: What has been your favorite venue to perform at?
DM: We have played some amazing venues this year. We really love The Slidebar and hope we will be spending a lot of 2014 there. I also really like the Detroit Bar. They have a great atmosphere there and the people who run it are so nice.
OCCG: Has there been a significant evolution in sound or style of music since you began?
TA: Not one that I’m aware of. I don’t think we’ve been around long enough for anything to change.
DM: I do agree we haven’t had any significant changes in our sound yet, but to be honest we continually explore new ideas and are always pushing the boundaries of what we are capable of.
OCCG: You were chosen to play in this year’s OC Music Awards; how do you intend to outshine the rest?
TA: That’s a tricky question. We’ve played with a couple of bands that are also playing and we know what we’re up against.
DM: There are so many good bands in the OC. A lot of our success this year has been how we connect with the audience and we will definitely bring that. We always try to get everyone involved and make sure that everyone is having a good time. If you come to one of our shows you better be ready to clap your hands and stomp your feet.
OCCG: Are there any artists you think may have been overlooked by the OC Music Awards? Which bands in the local scene stand out to you?
TA: I can’t think of any that have been overlooked but I’d say you should be keeping an eye on Rebel Revive.
DM: I don’t think Moonsville Collective made it on this. I had a chance to see them at the Detroit Bar and they have an awesome sound.