The SoCal Band MODERN RACKET Discuss Their Formation and Newest Music!

Meet the SoCal alt/indie outfit Modern Racket! They make music that is a blend of pop and indie-rock that is underpinned by soaring melodies and toe-tapping riffs. Their track, “I Like You” shows the SoCal rockers at their intricate and catchy best. It can be found on their 2017 debut album ‘Today’s Riddle.’

Learn more about Modern Racket in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! What is on tap for the rest of your day?

Thanks for talking to us! A whole lot of nothing today. Probably just some beers and good times!

Since we are now at the back-end of 2018, how has this year treated this band? What is one musical goal that you have had for this year?

Well this year has been quite successful.

We had a few goals in mind and we have completed all of them and then some. One of the main goals was to perform at Echo Park Rising. We did and it was one of the greatest experiences of our young lives. The other main goal we are currently working on is to finally put together MODERN HIPPIE FEST 2018! A festival we are throwing in Hemet, CA. It is on October 20th and you can find all the info you need on our website or other social media pages via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. In the longer term, we’d like to have the opportunity to sign to a good label, but that’s more of a 2019 goal. It’ll be pretty sweet to get signed this year though.

Can you recall the moment when you thought you could be in this group together? Has anything surprised you about this ride so far?

Absolutely. We have been a band for years now and when we started playing we knew right away that this is what we wanted to do and to only better ourselves as musicians. And there’s always surprises. The best ones are when people hit us up for opportunities.

How did you come up with your band name? Was it hard to agree on something that you felt was right? What other names were you considering?

So Modern Racket is actually a song title by Never Shout Never, but to us it has more meaning then that. A band that could have a sound for everyone, a band that could be thrown in any musical timeline and would fit in perfectly. That’s why we kept it. And yes there were other names but they would not stick. The other names we considered included Blue Evening, Los Moderns, Manny & The Reasons I Love You.

How do you think your hometowns have influenced the sound and how you all carry yourselves in this group?

It doesn’t. We all wish we lived somewhere else. “If you will it, it is no dream!” -Theodore Hertzl *State of Israel

Can you talk about what it was like putting together your latest collection, “Today’s Riddle”? Did anything surprise you about the overall process?

Surprises happen but nothing that we aren’t used to, as for the process of putting together our album it was truly an amazing experience and we have all learned a lot from it. If we can go back and make changes, of course we would, but in the meantime it was something to be proud of but also something that we can improve on. It was the opportunity of optimism and dedication to be able to show people your music and to put it on music platforms for the whole world to hear. This is the overall outcome we have grown to acknowledge and appreciate for this album is our baby and we love it.

While it’s hard to pick favorites, can you pick out a few songs on this album and talk about how they came to be on the album and what was the inspiration behind them?

Sure thing. “Farewell” is up there for it is not only catchy but also speaks to all of us on such a personal level. “Walk The Talk” is just an instant classic, one that really bends the barrier for experimental and diverse sounds. And let’s just say the rest of the album because it’s damn good!

How do you all go about writing music? Is it something that you do altogether or separately?

Both. Creating music shouldn’t have barriers so we tend to write when and where it feels right and comes naturally. Whether that being with one person or the whole band. Respect the art. Let it breath.

If time and money were not an issue, what would your dream music video look like?

Probably a real ghetto and typical music video shot under $500. Then we would pocket the rest of the money and spend our time investing in real estate, trade, and stocks. Haha!

Where do you think you are all happiest – in the studio recording new music, on stage performing or elsewhere? Do you have any upcoming tour dates this fall in support of your album?

Those are both the most memorable times that show why we do what we do. Because we love it. The creation and performance of music cannot be measured. Not by us. Tune in for MODERN HIPPIE FEST 2018. Our current Fall lineup.

How do you think being musicians and in this band still gives you the most joy in life today? What would you say is the most challenging part about it?

Doing what we love with nowhere to go but up. The challenging part is, ourselves. Our jobs. Our dreams. Everything. Life is a challenge and we are fighters. If it was easy then everyone would do it. But we love a challenge.

We are currently living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious to know how your own music is reflecting this time period? Or do you think it doesn’t? Would you say that other musicians are making music that has been influenced by this climate? 

Musicians will write whatever they write, and whatever influences them, is ON them. Modern Racket is all about vibes. We try to separate ourselves from that environment and focus on our music. When people want to get away from the real world they turn to us. That’s why we love music so much. Isn’t it?

What musicians would you love to work with in the future? What artists have really been inspiring this group and your music since day 1?

All the greats before they disappear! And too many artists to go through to explain that one. So let’s keep it nice and simple. Everyone.

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people continue to take away from your songs?

Be..Excellent..To Each Other!

Where can our readers connect with you today?

Modernracket.com

Instagram- @modernracket_

Twitter- @modernracket_

Facebook – https://m.facebook.com/Themodernracket