Interviews: Life Size Models

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock band Life Size Models, from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

The band name came from the song “Expectations” by Belle & Sebastian. The line goes “Making life size models of the velvet underground in clay” - I thought that was a really cool reference. I also liked the concept that while most people (including me) put their idols on a pedestal and see them as larger than life, our band would be “Life Size." Life Size Models of our idols, if you will.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I suppose you’d categorize us as Indie Rock. Indie Rock is the genre that I’ve always been attracted to the most over the years. There’s a freedom in the genre to move from aggressive, fast paced rock songs to slower, more introspective songs. It just sort of fits well with what I write and the sounds that I enjoy.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

My twin brother, Stephen, has known me from birth! The rest of the band members we’ve met while forming the band and through friends of friends within the music scene.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Stephen Seymour: The National

Anthony Martos: The Maccabees

Chris Denn: The Who

Nick Miller: Andrew Bird

Chris Seymour: Arctic Monkeys

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Inspiration comes from all over the place. Sometimes a song that I’m listening to will inspire me to write a song that makes me feel a similar way. Sometimes a chord progression inspires me or a lyric inspires a chord progression. Mostly I write songs because I feel good when I do. Writing songs is challenging but it’s therapeutic when it goes well.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was at The Depot at San Francisco State University. We’ve been wanting to play at SF State for years, so it was really fun!

7. Where would you like to play?

We’d love to play a venue in San Francisco, CA called “The Chapel” on Mission Street. There’s so much character in it. It’s a beautiful venue that looks like a converted church. It’s got a balcony and a tiny stage with a curtain. I saw Third Eye Blind and Turnover play there. It’s the perfect mid-sized venue for up & coming bands in the area. It’s definitely a goal of ours.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We’re friends with a band called The Y Axes from San Francisco, CA. We also really like The Band Ice Cream from San Francisco, CA and Fellow Vessel from Berkeley, CA. I think that’d be a great bill!

9. Whom not?

We played with a band once who got really upset that they were opening the show. We won’t name names but we’ve avoided them since.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Yes, definitely. When I was in highschool I played my first show (the talent show) because my friend, Vinny, signed us up. I actually tried to get him to cancel it until he got mad at me and told me to get my...stuff...during soundcheck! I was so terrified of singing in front of people that we had his friend that I’d never met sing during the performance. I remember shaking a lot and not really remembering anything that happened when I was on-stage. It took a couple years after that point to start writing my own songs and singing them to Vinny. Once that took shape, we started Life Size Models. Having someone around that you can lean on or trust and that will take your performance seriously and support you was huge. For me, it was Vinny and then my family and Stephen (who is now in the band). If you can find the courage to get up in front of people and perform, I think you will be surprised at how strangers can be. Once you rip the band-aid off you might even start to enjoy it...

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Including the bands in question 4, the following bands have had a huge impact on us: Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, Frightened Rabbit, The National, Kings of Leon, Turnover, The Replacements, The Smiths.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

I haven’t had too many weird requests. I’m still waiting for someone to ask me for the shirt off my back or something. It sort of surprises me when people ask us for autographs on merch that they buy. That definitely falls into the “flattered” category though.

13. What do you think of your fans?

They’re absolutely lovely people. We’ve had fans participate in videos, hang out with us after shows, give us portraits that they drew during shows, etc...we love them all very dearly. We couldn’t go out and keep playing shows and recording music without their support and enthusiasm.

14. What do you think of our site?

I took some time to look around on it and I think it’s a fantastic platform for upcoming musicians. There’s a lot of visibility for tons of bands and the Spotify tabs are a really cool touch. Props to your User Interface guy behind the scenes. Give him a raise.

15. Something add?

Thank you for having us! We really appreciate your interest in the band and for giving us a platform to share our music on. Follow us on Instagram @lifesizemodelss and on Spotify at “Life Size Models”.