John Forrest & The Model Citizens recently released their latest EP, The Good Times and they have a fantastic video to go with it. It was great to get to ask them a few questions.
Please tell us about John Forrest and the Model Citizens. How did you come to playing music together?
We have been playing together almost three years. We formed the band on Craigslist after I put out a solo LP in 2019. Since then we have been working and writing together on all the newer material.
How did you come up with the video for Forgot What I Was on About? It made me laugh and gives a glimpse to life on the road.
We thought a laundromat would be a cool setting for a video and our drummer Mitch suggested his family’s laundromat in Eau Claire. They closed early one night and let us film there with our bassist Drew’s friend, Adam Dunn. He really brought the video to life. We put a general idea for the sub plot together fairly quickly and kind of adjusted it as we filmed.
Your music is overwhelmingly positive – both upbeat but with lyrics. The Good Times is a song that I might listen to running or on a down day. It feels like a musician cheerleader or uplifter. This is Life is more subdued but still seems to recognize that’s it’s OK while “I’m sitting here with you.” Is that positive perspective intentional or just a symptom of how things are going these days?
Yes actually for this EP the positive perspective was more intentional. I tried to write some songs with more of a positive outlook than what I have written previously. My strategy had been to try and hide a sad song behind upbeat melodies and instrumentation. But for this I tried to write with a focus on having a positive angle to the songs. Trying to slow down and appreciate what you have, and enjoying the simple things that can be easily overlooked.
And given the positivity, what might make Ben Mad?
Ben Might Be Mad At Me started as a song about over thinking in general, and from a friend being hung over thinking all day he irritated Ben somehow the night before.
The album is coming out Oct 6, which is very exciting. Where can people see you play live?
We have some shows coming up in the cities and in Milwaukee over late fall/winter:
- 11/03/23 – Sociable Cider Werks [Sander Kolodziej Art Show]
- 11/17/23 – 331 Club W/ Stardust
- 12/8/23 – Inbound Brewing – Minneapolis
- 1/13/23 – MetroNOME Brewing – St. Paul
- 3/22/24 – Anodyne Cafe W/North Warren – MKE
Mostly Minnesota 