This City Awaits is a simple, straightforward three-piece rock band. Guitar, Drums, and Bass—exactly everything you need to make rock and roll. This City Awaits was formed in 2010 because of a desire to be an influence and have a voice in the local music scene. Hard work led to multiple gigs as a supporting act for Hawthorne Heights, Disciple, and Seventh Day Slumber.
Their debut album “Said The Liar” was released last April via Bridgeway/Red Cord Records. Below an interview with mainman Phillip and This City Awaits.
TMR: Hello guys this is´The Metal Resource’ from Holland, how are things going there in Texas?
Hello. Things are nice and hot over here in Texas. Gotta love that Texas heat.
TMR: Will you Introduce yourself and the line-up please [name and instrument]
Sure. My name is Phillip, I’m the lead vocalist and guitarist. I’m Kyle and I play bass and back-up vocals and I’m Darah, I play the drums.
TMR: Tell us the brief history of ‘This City Awaits’.
This City Awaits has been around for a little over 3 years now. We’ve released 1 e.p. and 2 albums. Played countless shows around the U.S. and last year signed our first record deal.
TMR: Are you guys full time musicians ? If not what kind of job or school do you do beside the band ?
We try and play music as much as possible but we all have jobs outside of the band. Darah has a photography, Kyle works as a delivery driver and I work from home.
TMR: What is your musical background ? [for everyone personal]
Kyle loves the Killers. I like Chevelle and Darah loves Paramore.
TMR: Why the name ‘This City Awaits’ ? Is there a story behind it ?
Sure there is a story behind it. We simply started a poll. We listed 5 names and texted them to all our friends and the highest vote was “This City Awaits”
TMR: Who writes the music/lyrics in ‘This City Awaits’ ? … how do you get in the mood for writing music? And which bands/situations have influences you for writing music and lyrics ?
I (Phillip) write a lot of the guitar riffs and lyrics. Darah and Kyle help also. But when I’m trying to get in the mood to write I generally block out all music for about a week and then start trying to write. I get inspired and influced very easily from other bands such as Chevelle, Breaking Benjamin and Anberlin.
TMR: How do you describe the music of ‘This City Awaits’ the best ?
Energetic. We don’t have a lot of slow tempo songs. But I’d like to think we’re capable of pulling off the slow ones.
TMR: How does ‘This City Awaits’ stands in life till events in the world, religion and politics and in which proportion stands that till your music and lyrics ?
We defiantly have our own opinions and will share our thoughts with other individuals but we always try and approach with respect but while still being honest. That way of thinking defiantly comes out in our lyrics.
TMR: For a lot of bands the lyrics are just a accidental circumstance, but for some bands they use them to communicate ! ..can you tell us how that is for ‘This City Awaits’ ?
We defiantly use ours to communicate. Now there are songs that I write and I’m not sure why but most of our songs have a reason to why we wrote it.
TMR: Is there a highlight you will always remember, since the beginning of ‘This City Awaits’ ?
Defiantly, we played a festival one time and with festivals most bands come out and give the crowd their best 5 songs which are generally pretty up tempo. This particular fest, we closed out on a slow acoustic song. The crowd loved it.
TMR: And the worst thing were ? [if there is one]
We broke down in Wyoming. The people we stayed with were absolutely wonderful and a blessing but being broken down is stressful.
TMR: What is your favorite album top 5 of all time? [for everyone personal]
Phillip: Chevelle – This Type of Thinking
Phillip: Breaking Benjamin – Phobia
Darah: Paramore – Self Titled
Phillip & Darah: Katy Perry – Teenage Dream
TMR: What makes you laugh? [for everyone personal]
We’ve all got a great sense of humor and get along really well when we hang out. We tease each other a lot.
TMR: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
More spontaneous. Generally before a show or leaving for tour.
TMR: Where have you performed recently? What are your favorite and least favorite venues?
We last performed in Dallas. We love playing in MS and TN. Got a strong fanbase out that way. Can’t wait to make it back Virginia also. We’ve been blessed to play in front of some very exciting crowds in multiple states.
TMR: How do you promote your band and shows ?
Social media is our main way. We’re working on growing our mailing list also and our blog.
TMR: How do you prepare for a show? [for everyone personal]
Kyle and I have vocal warm-ups. And Darah does arm and wrist warm-ups.
TMR: Describe your show, visual and musically ? And tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.
Our shows have a ton of energy and crowd particpation. We just get up there and whatever happens we just say that’s “Rock&Roll”
TMR: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
We haven’t played any covers live lately and we generally have a set play list that most likely always includes The Addiction, Nathan, White Ambulance.
TMR: What is your favourite ‘This City Awaits’ song to play live ? [for everyone personal]
Phillip: White Ambulance
Darah: Cardiac Arrest
TMR: Name some of your favourite bands to play with live [past and future] and tell us why ?
We love playing with our friends that are in bands because we always have a good time and throwdown during each others set. Fight The Fade, Jagged Row, Southbound Fearing and One Last Soul.
TMR: What is the dumbest question you have ever been asked? [for everyone personal]
Man this is a tough question.
TMR: Do you have a life philosophy / favorite quote ? [for everyone personal]
“Keep it simple stupid”
TMR: Are you visiting many gigs and what do you listen to these days? [for everyone personal]
We go and hang out at some of the bigger shows in our area and the genre’s are usually compatible with what we play.
TMR: Tell us about the hardrock/metal scene in your area please?
I think like any scene it has its moments where it seems very alive and kicking but one thing about Dallas, TX is there’s always new bands starting.
TMR: What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
DIY. It’s hard to find people as passionate as you are for your own music.
TMR: What can you tell us about your latest album “Said The Liar” [such as the recording proces, the songs, who did the artwork ?]
Our drummer (Darah) did all our artwork.We wanted to keep it simple with the recording process. We had a quote in study we said countless times “keep it simple stupid.”
TMR: The album was released in April by ‘Bridgeway/Red Cord Records’ how did you get signed by them?
The industry is all about hard work and connections. One of the bands from Red Cord met us and respected what we’ve accomplished in the short time we’ve been doing this and told Red Cord to sign us.
TMR: Do you have any upcoming shows?
We’re working on getting back out on the road. Maybe a 2nd tour with Fight the Fade??
TMR: What are your plans for the near future?
Keep on keeping on.
TMR: What advice would you give to fellow bands?
Work hard and even when you think you’re working hard. Work harder.
TMR: Guys thanks for your time and the interview, we wish ‘This City Awaits’ all the best … Is there anything you wanna say at last? [any final statement ?]
Thank you TMR for having us and the support you’ve shown and that goes out to anyone else reading this as well.
Band members:
Phillip Ivey – Lead Vocals/Guitars
Darah Hubbard – Drums
Kyle Ross – Bass/Backing vocals
Discography:
Code Red: Urgency [2011]
Said The Liar [2013] [Review]
Upcoming Shows:
Jul 31 House of Blues, Dallas, TX
Weblinks: Facebook / Twitter / Website
Video for the song “Nathan”: