Interview with City Of Auburn

We recently had a brief chat with Texas based Alternative Rockers City Of Auburn, here is what they had to say.

Firstly, introduce yourself/yourselves and tell us a little bit about the band and how you came to be?

Michael: Hey, I'm Michael! I sing for City Of Auburn and I started this project in middle school and realized I wanted to make it something more. So I asked some of my best friends if they'd want to do some shows so here we are!

James: I’m James, the drummer/production guy. I’ve known Mike for a number of years and he asked me to be in City Of Auburn when he wanted to to start playing shows.

What were you all up too prior to the band, was this always the chosen path or did you have other dreams and aspirations?

Michael: I was actually in a metal band for a number of years where I played drums. I had a lot of fun, but I was never truly happy I guess. That band broke up last year's to a never-ending list of reasons, but City Of Auburn became my main interest. I've never been happier in a band.

James: For sure! I make music under the pseudonym Reflekt. It’s all electronic music. Currently working on my fourth album! I’m still doing all of that on top of being in City Of Auburn.

Tell us about your latest EP and why our readers should check it out.

Michael: The latest release under City Of Auburn is an EP called 'Soul Searcher'. I think in a nutshell, it really encompasses who we are as a band. It's driving, melodic, and just a really unique way of playing Alternative Rock. It's a small EP, but I'm hoping this upcoming full length will make up for it.

James: City Of Auburn’s last EP I actually didn’t play on. That was all Mike. But we are currently recording the new record which I’m producing and it’s sounding DOPE so far. My last EP as Reflekt was called Dank Memes and it’s on iTunes and Spotify so go check it out!

Have you ever come face to face with someone within the music scene who has left you awestruck and why?

Michael: I haven't met anyone recently at all. I barely find myself going to a lot of concerts because I'm so burnt out of going, which is ironic because I play them all the time. But when I was 13, I got the meet some of the members Oh, Sleeper. I got to hang out with their drummer at the time and their singer. Just the nicest people. I don't listen to a lot of metal anymore but I won't deny that Oh, Sleeper was a huge influence to me at a point in my life, I still jam the early records today.

James: A couple of years ago I snuck backstage at the Mad Decent Block Party and met Griz. That dude is seriously next level with his music. I went back there and gave him a hard copy of my first EP and he was totally chill.

If we were to head out to one of your live shows what can ourselves and others expect?

Michael: Lots of energy, and an unhealthy amount of head banging. I try to not only make the musical aspect very apparent, but the visual too. Musicians forget that people want to see a show, so let them have it you know? I like running around and cracking jokes and just engaging the people that are engaging me back. I try to make things personal and emotional for everyone.

James: For City Of Auburn, a whole lot of head banging! Especially from me. There’s not much else movement I can do behind the drums so I get into it as much as I can. As far as Reflekt shows, I kind of just move around the entire stage like a crazy person. I honestly don’t remember too much when i’m on stage, not because i’m under the influence or anything, but because it all goes by so fast to me, you know?

If you had one artist/band that you could go on tour with tomorrow who would it be and why?

James: Honestly, either Paramore or Underoath. It’s definitely a hard tie between the two.

Michael: haha I'm defiantly going to have to copy James on this one. Underoath is an incredible influence and Paramore is still one of my favorite bands. There's too many to list man, I'd be grateful for any tour really.

You can spend an hour with a musical icon living or dead, who would you pick, why and what would you speak about?

James: Virtual Riot. He’s been a huge inspiration for me with my productions and I want to just talk all about producing and writing music.

Michael: I'd like to hang out with Yoann Lemoine aka Woodkid. He's an incredible writer, but his main profession is directing films. I'd just like to talk to him about how he approaches his music in the manner he does. I'd also like to maybe have lunch or something with Jasmine Bogaerde aka Birdy. She's around my age, and I'd think it's just be cool to see how another person my age writes music.

And finally and most importantly is Die Hard a Christmas Movie?

James: Abso-freaking-lutely

Michael: Dude, right next to Elf man. No question.

Check out their video for 'In Waiting'

Their debut EP 'Soul Searcher' is available now (Bandcamp link below)