Exclusive: City Lights Interview

City Lights recently released their much-anticipated debut full-length, In It To Win It, on November 8th via InVogue Records. Currently on tour, we caught up with the band's vocalist, Oshie, to discuss the various events that have lead up to the release, as well as the band's future plans.

Firstly, can you state your name and role in the band?

Oshie: Oshie, vocals.

I understand you guys have been together for a number of years now, but going back a bit, how did you guys get together and decide on the band name?

Oshie: Sean and I have been in the same band since we were 16. The band name came from the Charlie Chaplin movie of the same name. We got together 'cause we were tired of being in Metal bands in Columbus because everyone was in one. So we started a Pop Punk band.

So your debut full-length, In It To Win It, was originally slated for a late July release, but was then pushed back to the new release date of November 8th - what kind of issues did you guys face to have to make this decision?

Oshie: Well our label told us that they would be able to do a better job getting our music to more people's ears if we pushed back the release date, so we were like, okay that's cool! We're happy we made the decision to wait.

Was it a situation where things looked to be ready and actually weren't, or did you intentionally decide to go back and make changes?

Oshie: No we were all done recording, but the label just had to work out some distribution stuff so they could make sure they gave us the most support they possibly could. InVogue is an awesome label by the way.

With that aside, tell us about In It To Win It - how did the writing and recording processes compare to the self-released Rock Like A Party Star EP?

Oshie: Rock Like A Party Star were songs we wrote on a whim and and just for fun. A couple of our favorites we re-recorded for In It To Win It. The new songs are more focused, and we tried to make sure we had a lot of variation of sound on this record. So where the EP all the songs kind of sounded the same, you'll hear a bunch of different stuff on the full-length.

Since the EP came out, a few new singles have also been released [What It Takes/Where You've Been/Lawnmower] - how long have the songs themselves been ready for and will the album versions be any different?

Oshie: The album versions are a little bit different. Not any really huge changes. We've been writing this record for like 2 years and just waiting for the right opportunity to release it. It's finally come and we couldn't be more excited.

Please Let Me Know was also recently released - what made you choose this song in particular? Can you tell us what this one's about?

Oshie: Please Let Me Know is about being in a band and putting in a lot of hard work but running into a lot of obstacles, but never letting go of your dreams. We thought it was a good song to represent our band and give a taste of what people would get on the album.

A music video was also released for Where You've Been. Being your first, what was it like shooting the video?

Oshie: It was a lot of fun! We did it pretty quickly and without too much planning. Just had a barbeque and hung out with friends! And it came out pretty good. It seems like people are enjoying it so we're excited.



What kind of all-round influences would you say the band draws when writing music?

Oshie: Drive-Thru-era Pop Punk, with a dash of Hardcore influences as well. We try to just have fun, and not take ourselves too seriously. We don't have anything to prove. we just write what we like.

During the first album announcement you also mentioned the album will be out on InVogue Records. Firstly, congratualtions on this! How did you get involved with the label and what's it been like working with them?

Oshie: InVogue has been absolutely amazing. I think we got really lucky. Nick Moore is super supportive of us and we can tell that he genuinely loves and believes in our band. It's awesome.

Recently you guys also wrapped up a tour with Kid Liberty and another with Freshmen 15 and No County - did any of these dates make for good tour stories?

Oshie: Trey Sexton from Kid Liberty doing karaoke in Canada to Usher's Nice & Slow. Enough said.

A few days ago your drummer, Sean, was in a pretty bad car accident. How's he doing now? Have you had to find a temporary replacement for the current tour with Set It Off?

Oshie: Yeah! Sean got his teeth knocked out by his jeep. He's currently at home while we play acoustic on the tour. He'll be joining back up with us soon when he gets his teeth fixed.

What else does the future hold for City Lights? Are there any plans on touring overseas? If so, where would you like to visit the most?

Oshie: We'd love to hit Europe. We have a lot of America to hit still though. But we're doing for anything. We just want to play tons of shows!

Thanks for your time, is there anything else you'd like to add?

Oshie: Sorry we took so long to complete this interview. We are fat and lazy.

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