On top of their highly anticipated new album, State Of Mind, out August 12th via Wind-Up Records, Detroit based four-piece, Citizen Zero will also be hitting the road for what promises to be a strong ending to their summer. Before the band embarks on their tour and before they hit Denver on August 17th, though, we had the chance to chat with guitarist Sammy Boller about the new release. Read the entire interview and listen to the band’s new song, “Go (Let Me Save You)” below!
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about Citizen Zero for any readers who may not be familiar?
We’re a rock n roll band from Detroit, MI! Our debut album State of Mind will be out August 12th on Wind-up Records.
Being based out of Detroit, do you feel that your hometown has had an impact on your music? If so, how?
The Detroit sound is definitely ingrained in our music. There’s a great history of songwriting here – from Grand Funk Railroad to Bob Seger. Growing up in the shadows of such great artists, we really learned to focus on the songs before everything and that nothing is more powerful than a great melody.
What would you like to be able to bring to the Detroit music scene?
For a long time, we’ve really wanted to bring musicians together. We have a rehearsal space in Pontiac where players come in and out of everyday to work on music and rehearse. Our friends Tripp ’n’ Dixie rehearse on the floor above us and we’re always hanging out and showing each other new riffs and song ideas that we’re working on. We’ve thrown shows and parties up there and it’s become kind of a legendary spot around town the past couple years – for better or worse.
You are just gearing up to release your new album, State Of Mind on August 12th. What can listeners expect to hear on this album?
There’s something for everybody on this record. There are songs that slam the whole way through like Lure and Persuade & When The Rain Comes and there are also some ballads we’re really proud of like Applause and Fame.
At the risk of sounding a little cheesy, what “state of mind” were you guys in when working on these songs? Were there any events in particular that really inspired the tracks that make up the album?
We wrote and recorded this album at a very volatile time in our lives. All of us went through a lot personally to finish this record and get it released. It took years to finish. No one single event comes to mind because it was written and recorded over long period of time. We really grew up making this album.
How do you feel you’ve grown as people and as artists with the writing and recording of State Of Mind?
We really found our sound with these songs. We’d released a couple EPs locally before we hit the studio to make this record and everything just seemed to fall into place once we started writing. This album is everything we believe in
You just released the second song from the album, titled, “What A Feeling.” Can you tell us a little bit about the track?
That song is a personal favorite of mine. I had the main tapping riff on guitar and we took a day and hammered it out in the studio. It was finished and put together after just a couple hours of jamming it live. It was special day that doesn’t come around that often. Sometimes you can catch lightning and writing that song definitely felt that way. Save The Queen was written in the same manner.
Are there any songs in particular that you’re excited for fans to hear?
“Go (Let Me Save You)” and “Applause and Fame” are the ones I keep coming back to.
You’re also getting ready to hit the road in August in support of the new album! What about these upcoming tour dates are you most excited for?
The Whisky in LA. I’ve been dreaming about playing there since I started playing guitar when I was a kid.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you would like to add?
No, thanks a lot!
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