Motion City Soundtrack: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|American rock band}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2010}} |
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{{Infobox musical artist |
{{Infobox musical artist |
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| name = Motion City Soundtrack |
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| background = group_or_band |
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| image = Motion City in DC.jpg |
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| caption = Motion City Soundtrack performing in [[Washington, D.C.]] in 2012 |
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| origin = [[Minneapolis]], Minnesota, U.S. |
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| genre = {{flatlist| |
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| Genre = <!-- PLEASE DO NOT ADD GENRES WITHOUT RELIABLE SOURCES -->[[Indie rock]]<ref name=newsrec/><ref name=ign>{{cite web|url=http://au.music.ign.com/articles/428/428384p1.html|title=I Am the Movie – Motion City Soundtrack's debut long player|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-11-12}}</ref>, [[pop punk]]<ref name=allmusic/><ref name=allcommit>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:4vktk6dxykrg|title=Commit This to Memory – Motion City Soundtrack|publisher=AllMusic|last=Loftus|first=Johnny|accessdate=2008-11-12}}</ref><ref name=popmatters/><ref name=alleven>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:knfexzl5ld6e|title= Even if It Kills Me – Motion City Soundtrack|publisher=AllMusic|last=Leahey|first=Andrew|accessdate=2008-11-12}}</ref><ref name=rockloud/><ref name=kvchno/>, [[pop rock]]<ref name=allmusic/><ref name=alleven/><ref name=abspunkreview/>, [[power pop]]<ref name=kvchno>{{cite web|url=http://www.kvchno.com/review/motion-city-soundtrack/commit-memory/794|title=Motion City Soundtrack: Commit This to Memory|publisher=Kevchino.com Indie Music Reviews|accessdate=2008-11-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.music.ign.com/articles/625/625451p1.html|title=Motion City Soundtrack – Commit This to Memory|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2008-11-12}}</ref> |
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* [[Alternative rock]] |
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<!-- PLEASE DO NOT ADD GENRES WITHOUT RELIABLE SOURCES --> |
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* [[pop punk]] |
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| Years_active = 1997–present |
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* [[emo]] |
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| Label = [[Columbia Records|Columbia]] (2008–present)<br />[[Epitaph Records|Epitaph]] (2003–2008)<br />Modern Radio (1999–2000) |
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* [[power pop]] |
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| URL = [http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com MotionCitySoundtrack.com] |
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* [[pop rock]] |
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| Current_members = [[Joshua Cain]]<br />[[Justin Pierre]]<br />Jesse Johnson<br />Matthew Taylor<br />Tony Thaxton |
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* [[indie rock]] |
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| Past_members = Sidney Burgdorf<br />Matthew Potocnik<br />Joel Habedank<br />Austin Lindstrom<br />Andrew Gruhn<br />Andrew Whitney<br />Joe Skinner |
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}} |
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| years_active = {{flatlist| |
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* 1997–2016 |
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* 2019–present |
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}} |
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| label = {{flatlist| |
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* [[Epitaph Records|Epitaph]] |
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* [[Columbia Records|Columbia]] |
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* The Boombox Generation |
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* Modern Radio |
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}} |
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| associated_acts = {{flatlist| |
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* [[Farewell Continental]] |
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* The Company We Keep |
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* The Rapture Twins |
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* [[Justin Pierre|Justin Courtney Pierre]] |
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}} |
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| website = {{URL|motioncitysoundtrack.com}} |
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| current_members = * [[Justin Pierre]] |
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* [[Joshua Cain]] |
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* Jesse Johnson |
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* Matthew Taylor |
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* Tony Thaxton |
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| past_members = * Joe Skinner |
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* Andrew Whitney |
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* Andrew Gruhn |
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* Austin Lindstrom |
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* Joel Habedank |
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* Matt Potocnik |
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* Sidney Burgdorf |
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* Claudio Rivera |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Motion City Soundtrack''' is an |
'''Motion City Soundtrack''' is an American [[Rock music|rock]] band formed in [[Minneapolis]], [[Minnesota]] in 1997. The band's line-up consists of vocalist and guitarist [[Justin Pierre]], lead guitarist [[Joshua Cain]], keyboardist Jesse Johnson, bassist Matthew Taylor, and drummer Tony Thaxton. Over the course of their career, the group has toured heavily and released six [[studio album]]s, the majority on independent label [[Epitaph Records]]. The band's sound, usually described as [[pop punk|pop-punk]] and/or [[emo]], makes notable use of the [[Moog synthesizer]]. Pierre mainly handles the band's lyrics, which often touch on themes of anxiety, alienation, relationships, and self-destructive behavior. |
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The band was founded by Cain and Pierre, and took several years to form a stable lineup. ''[[I Am the Movie]]'', the group's debut album, was released in 2003. Their commercial breakthrough, ''[[Commit This to Memory]]'', arrived in 2005, and its follow-up ''[[Even If It Kills Me]]'' (2007) was similarly successful. For many years, the band was a staple of the [[Warped Tour]]. They briefly signed to major label [[Columbia Records|Columbia]] for ''[[My Dinosaur Life]]'' (2010), but rejoined Epitaph for ''[[Go (Motion City Soundtrack album)|Go]]'' in 2012. Their most recent effort, ''[[Panic Stations (album)|Panic Stations]]'', was released in 2015. The group disbanded the following year, but they announced a reunion in 2019. |
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Motion City Soundtrack's first release was a [[Single (music)|7" single]], "Promenade/Carolina", in 1999. The following year they released their debut [[Extended play|EP]], ''[[Kids for America]]'', and then a second, ''[[Back to the Beat]]''. They released debut album ''[[I Am the Movie]]'' twice, in 2002. Their first five releases were all self-released with the aid of a small record label. Backed up by their constant touring it fashioned them a fast growing fan base, and a signing with [[Epitaph Records]]. |
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==History== |
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After spending their first five years finding the right lineup, the Epitaph re-issue of ''I Am the Movie'' in 2003 was the band's big break. First major single "[[The Future Freaks Me Out]]" arrived with live and television success, but failed in radio airplay and the charts. 2003 and 2004 brought three [[Split album|Split EPs]] alongside Schatzi, [[Limbeck]] and [[Matchbook Romance]]. The second album, ''[[Commit This to Memory]]'', has been their most successful album to date, selling 285,000+ records and peaking at number two on the [[Independent Albums]] chart.<ref name=chartsalbums>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=515278&model.vnuAlbumId=954481|title=Artist Albums Chart History for Motion City Soundtrack|publisher=Billboard.com|accessdate=2008-06-08}}</ref> It featured the single, "Everything Is Alright", which also found success on the likes of MTV, but also fell short in radio airplay and the charts. |
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===Formation and early years (1997–2003)=== |
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The band released their third full-length album ''[[Even if It Kills Me]]'' in 2007. The album debuted at number 16 on the [[Billboard 200]] and number one on the [[Independent Albums]] chart.<ref name=chartsalbums/> It produced singles "[[Broken Heart (Motion City Soundtrack song)|Broken Heart]]", "[[This Is for Real]]" and "It Had to Be You", which all received television airplay. Motion City Soundtrack released a fourth album entitled ''[[My Dinosaur Life]]'' in January 2010, which debuted at number 15 on the [[Billboard 200]]. It is their first album released on [[Columbia Records|Columbia]], a major record label. |
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|image1=Joshua Cain, guitarist of Motion City Soundtrack, Newcastle University in 2006.jpg |
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|footer=The band was founded by guitarist [[Joshua Cain]] (left) and vocalist [[Justin Pierre]] (right). |
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|image2=Justin Pierre The 9-30 Club 2010.jpg |
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Motion City Soundtrack was formed in [[Minneapolis]], [[Minnesota]] in 1997 by singer-songwriter [[Justin Pierre|Justin Courtney Pierre]] and guitarist [[Joshua Cain|Joshua Allen Cain]]. Previously, the duo had separately played in a number of bands.<ref name="AM"/><ref name="ol">{{cite news|url=http://blog.oregonlive.com/interviews/2008/09/justin_pierre_of_motion_city_s.html|title=Justin Pierre of Motion City Soundtrack|date=September 7, 2008|access-date=March 29, 2016|work=[[OregonLive.com]]}}</ref> Cain was in a group named the Saddest Girl Story, and recruited Pierre to join as a singer.<ref name="ol"/> He was subsequently in a band called Boxcar, and following its dissolution, he and Pierre founded Motion City Soundtrack together.<ref name="skratch"/> The band's name was inspired by a defunct film project that was originally created by Cain's brother, Brian.<ref>{{Cite web |date= 22 December 2014|title=Motion City Soundtrack "Commit This To Memory" DVD Documentary |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rnyWSWxz-M&t=1702s&ab_channel=SailSet |access-date=May 28, 2022 |website=YouTube}}</ref><ref name="em04"/> Their early days were difficult, as they found it hard to break out of their local scene. When they could get weeks off from their jobs, they would tour.<ref name="now05">{{cite news |author=Evan Davies |date=July 28, 2005 |title=Motion City Soundtrack boosted by blink |url=http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2005-07-28/music_feature.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050730004236/http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2005-07-28/music_feature.php |archive-date=July 30, 2005 |access-date=March 29, 2016 |work=[[Now (newspaper)|Now]] |volume=24 |number=48}}</ref> According to Cain, the members of the band soon realized that there "wasn't really anywhere to play [shows] in Minneapolis", and that they would have to "tour all the time" to rise in popularity.<ref name=rehearsal>{{cite web|url=http://www.zoom-in.com/spotlights/rehearsal_space_motion_city_soundtrack|title=Rehearsal Space: Motion City Soundtrack|publisher=Zoom-In.com|access-date=June 26, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080705005216/http://www.zoom-in.com/spotlights/rehearsal_space_motion_city_soundtrack <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = July 5, 2008}}</ref> In its early years, the group went through several lineup changes.<ref name="gr03">{{cite news|title=Show By Show, Motion City Soundtrack Builds a Following|author=Tricia Woolfenden|work=[[The Grand Rapids Press]]|date=December 3, 2003}}</ref> Through these, Cain and Pierre would often have to take over keyboard duties during shows.<ref name="vw"/> The group's first release was a [[7-inch single]], "Promenade / Carolina", released in 1999.<ref name="AM">{{cite web|title=Motion City Soundtrack – Biography|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/motion-city-soundtrack-mn0000595768/biography|website=[[AllMusic]]|author=MacKenzie Wilson|access-date=July 31, 2008}}</ref> Their next two releases, both [[extended play]]s—''[[Kids for America]]'' and ''[[Back to the Beat (EP)|Back to the Beat]]''—were released the following year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://diffuser.fm/motion-city-soundtrack-break-up/|title=Motion City Soundtrack Announce Indefinite Hiatus|author= Beth Kellmurray|date=March 11, 2016|access-date=March 29, 2016|publisher=Diffuser.fm}}</ref> |
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Over the course of the early 2000s, the band continued to tour and shuffle through members. In late 2001, while touring in [[Milton, Pennsylvania]] with the band Submerge, they convinced two of its members—bassist Matthew Scott Taylor and drummer Tony Richard Thaxton—to join the band.<ref name=modrad/><ref name="ch05">{{cite news|title=Motion City Soundtrack: The Sequel|author=Nadine Cheung|work=[[Chord (magazine)|Chord]]|date=Summer 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061103094001/http://www.chordmagazine.com/issue/warptour_05/feature_08.shtm|archive-date=November 3, 2006|url=http://www.chordmagazine.com/issue/warptour_05/feature_08.shtm}}</ref> Thaxton initially took about a year to convince to join the band.<ref name=rehearsal/> Jesse Mack Johnson, a friend and co-worker of Cain's, joined the band as keyboardist just three weeks before the band recorded their first album.<ref name="star03">{{cite news|title=Emotions in Motion: Motion City Soundtrack is signed and road-tested|author=Chris Riemenschneider|work=[[Star Tribune]]|date=July 17, 2003}}</ref> Johnson had never played the keyboard before but Cain taught him the parts that had already been written.<ref name="ch05"/> After their first attempt at self-recording an album failed, the band culled together $6,000 to record with producer Ed Rose, best known for his work with [[the Get Up Kids]].<ref name="bv04">{{cite news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041101112434/http://www.blackvelvetmagazine.com/motioncitysoundtrack.htm|archive-date=November 1, 2004|title=Words with: Motion City Soundtrack|author=Shari Black Velvet|date=February 2004|work=[[Black Velvet (magazine)|Black Velvet]]|url=http://www.blackvelvetmagazine.com/motioncitysoundtrack.htm|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> They recorded much of their debut album, ''[[I Am the Movie]]'', in ten days.<ref name="amp04">{{cite news|title=Motion City Soundtrack – Interview|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040401132723/http://www.ampmagazine.com/amp.html|archive-date=April 1, 2004|work=AMP|author=Courtney Riot|date=January 12, 2004|url=http://www.ampmagazine.com/amp.html|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> Initial copies were hand-packaged inside [[floppy disk]]s,<ref name="noisey1">{{cite news|url=http://noisey.vice.com/blog/motion-city-soundtrack-i-am-the-movie-the-movie|author=Jonah Bayer|title=Don't Call It a Documentary: Motion City Soundtrack Make a Movie|publisher=[[Vice Media, Inc.|Noisey]] ([[Vice Media, Inc.]])|date=May 12, 2014|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> which were sold out of the back of their tour van for a year.<ref name="theage">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/forward-motion/2005/08/24/1124562925211.html|title=Forward Motion|date=August 26, 2005|newspaper=[[The Age]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> |
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== History == |
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=== Formation and early history === |
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[[File:JustinPierreMCS.jpg|thumb|right|Co-founder of Motion City Soundtrack, Justin Pierre, performing at a concert in 2007.]] |
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The formation of Motion City Soundtrack was made possible after the separation of two local bands. [[Joshua Cain]] of Saddest Girl Story recruited [[Justin Pierre]] from Slide Coaster, instigating the formation of Motion City Soundtrack in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]], in 1997.<ref name=memories>{{cite web|url=http://www.motioncitymemories.com/band.php#bandmemberhist|title=MCS: About the Band|publisher=Motion City Memories|accessdate=2008-06-16}}</ref><ref name=vibe>{{cite web|url=http://www.bandvibe.com/interview_mcs.asp|title=Interview with Josh Cain|publisher=Bandvibe.com|accessdate=2008-06-16}}</ref> The band's first lineup included only two of the current members, guitarist Cain and vocalist Pierre. It also contained guitarist Joe Skinner who didn't last until the end of the year, and later, drummer Andrew Whitney.<ref name=memories/> According to Cain, they soon realized that there "wasn't really anywhere to play [shows] in [[Minneapolis]]", and that they would have to "tour all the time" to get the name out there.<ref name=rehearsalvid>{{cite video|people = Megan Cunningham, Mike Raffensperger (Producers) |title= Rehearsal Space: Motion City Soundtrack |url= http://www.zoom-in.com/spotlights/rehearsal_space_motion_city_soundtrack |format= Streaming video |medium= Interview |publisher= Zoom-In |accessdate = 2008-06-26}}</ref> The name Motion City Soundtrack was thought up by Josh Cain's brother, Brian, who Josh says "made up a name for something he was goofing around with, just as an idea, and I asked if we could use it", and they did.<ref name=vibe/> |
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The band began receiving offers from various record labels, including [[Universal Records (defunct record label)|Universal]], [[Triple Crown Records]], and [[Drive-Thru Records]], and they performed at industry showcases.<ref name="skratch"/> Meanwhile, [[Brett Gurewitz]], founder of [[Epitaph Records]], learned of the band from members of the group [[Matchbook Romance]]. He attended four of their shows in Los Angeles that Pierre later regarded as among his worst, as his voice was poor from constant touring.<ref name="amp04"/> While they were interested in Universal, they chose to sign to Epitaph as they felt the contract was less restrictive and more honest. [[Eli Janney (musician)|Eli Janney]] from [[Girls Against Boys]] helped the band secure management and a lawyer.<ref name="skratch">{{cite news|title=Motion City Soundtrack – Interview|work=Scratch Magazine|date=October 17, 2003|author=Scott Presant}}</ref> Motion City became part of a slew of Epitaph signings, including Matchbook Romance, [[Scatter the Ashes]] and [[From First to Last]], amid concerns the Southern California label had strayed too far from its roots, and seemed "a little too [[emo]]."<ref name="cleve">{{cite news|title=Cain is Able : Motion City Soundtrack's Joshua Cain is all business|author=Chris Rager|date=December 20, 2004|work=[[Cleveland Free Times]]}}</ref> |
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In January 1998 Motion City Soundtrack played their first live show, and throughout 1998 they played local shows and had numerous lineup changes. Andrew Gruhn joined the band briefly on the [[moog synthesizer]], Whitney departed, and Austin Lindstrom took over the [[Bass (guitar)|bass]] position, with Joel Habedank, formerly of Sadie Foster and the Fuck Yeahs, on drums.<ref name=memories/> Later in 1998, Gruhn departed,<ref name=memories/> leaving Cain and Pierre to share the moog duties and the band as a four piece, to record with Randy Duerr at Wigged Out. These recordings would later turn out to be their [[7" vinyl]] release, "Promenade / Carolina",<ref name=modrad>{{cite web|url=http://www.modern-radio.com/mcs.html|title=Modern Radio Bands: Motion City Soundtrack|publisher=Modern Radio.com|accessdate=2008-06-16}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> marking the official formation of the band in 1999.<ref name=appod/><ref name=mtv>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/motion_city_soundtrack/artist.jhtml#bio|title=MCS – Full Biography|publisher=MTV.com|accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> |
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===Breakthrough and success (2003–2006)=== |
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In the early 2000s the band did more chopping and changing of their lineup, with the inclusion and then departure of short-lived bassist, Matthew Potocnik,<ref name=memories/> it also saw the exclusions of drummer Joel Habedank as well as bassist Lindstrom, after his second stint.<ref name=memories/> In mid-2000, Motion City Soundtrack released their first CD [[Extended play|EP]], entitled ''[[Kids for America]]''. It was self-produced, recorded by Sound in Motion and co-released with Modern Radio Records, coinciding with their tour alongside local band, AMP 176.<ref name=modrad/> The first EP was closely followed by ''[[Back to the Beat]]'', which also self-produced and later notably reviewed by music website [[Punk News]] in April 2001, one of the band's first official reviews.<ref name=punknewsbttb>{{cite web|url=http://www.punknews.org/review/171|title=Motion City Soundtrack – Back to the Beat EP|publisher=Punk News.org|date=2001-04-23|accessdate=2008-06-30}}</ref> |
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After signing with Epitaph, they recorded three new songs with the bands [[Reggie and the Full Effect]] and [[Ultimate Fakebook]] for a triple split EP which was never released. The new songs were added to the second release of ''I Am the Movie'',<ref name="noisey1"/> which was released via Epitaph on June 24, 2003. Epitaph afforded the quartet wider distribution<ref name="amp04"/> and a proper budget, which allowed them to re-record several songs on the album to match their original vision.<ref name="bv04"/> During this time, the band visited the [[United Kingdom]] for the first time in 2003 while on tour with [[Sugarcult]],<ref name="gw03">{{cite news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031230093442/http://www.gigwise.com/contents.asp?contentid=664|archive-date=December 30, 2003|title=Words with: Motion City Soundtrack|author=Darren Sykes|date=June 24, 2003|work=[[Gigwise]]|url=http://www.gigwise.com/contents.asp?contentid=664|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> followed by an inaugural stint on [[Warped Tour 2003]].<ref name="em04">{{cite news|title=''I Am the Movie'': An Interview with Motion City Soundtrack|author=Meara Jones|issue=61|work=[[University of Wisconsin–Madison|EMMIE Magazine]]|date=March 22, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060530023839/http://www.emmiemagazine.com/articles/61.html|archive-date=May 30, 2006|access-date=March 29, 2016|url=http://www.emmiemagazine.com/articles/61.html}}</ref> The band continued to tour heavily into the next year, with US dates alongside [[Rufio]], [[Mae]], and [[Fall Out Boy]],<ref name="amp04"/> plus [[Simple Plan]] and [[MxPx]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/67792/simple-plan-mxpx-power-punk-package|date=December 12, 2003|title=Simple Plan, MxPx Power Punk Package|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> A European leg—titled the "Totally Wicked Awesome Tour"—featured the group with [[Sugarcult]], [[the All-American Rejects]], and [[Limbeck]].<ref name="amp04"/> That year, the band also filmed [[music video]]s for the singles "[[The Future Freaks Me Out]]" and "[[My Favorite Accident]]".<ref name="em04"/> Their fame grew concurrently with a second appearance on the [[Warped Tour 2004]], where they were considered by fans to be a "must-see" act.<ref name="cleve"/> |
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[[File:Motion City Soundtrack in Denver.jpg|thumb|The band performing in [[Denver]], [[Colorado]] in 2005.]] |
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The band joined [[Blink-182]] for touring stints in Europe and [[Japan]] later in the year, at the recommendation of the band's bassist, [[Mark Hoppus]].<ref name="mtv09">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1617362/motion-city-soundtrack-tell-blink-182s-mark-hoppus-how-great-he-is/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108120046/http://www.mtv.com/news/1617362/motion-city-soundtrack-tell-blink-182s-mark-hoppus-how-great-he-is/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 8, 2015|title=Motion City Soundtrack Tell Blink-182's Mark Hoppus How Great He Is|author=James Montgomery|publisher=[[MTV News]]|access-date=March 29, 2016|date=July 31, 2009}}</ref> Cain invited Hoppus to produce Motion City's sophomore album, and he accepted.<ref name="mtv">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1617362/motion-city-soundtrack-tell-blink-182s-mark-hoppus-how-great.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222091621/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1617362/motion-city-soundtrack-tell-blink-182s-mark-hoppus-how-great.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 22, 2014|title=Motion City Soundtrack Tell Blink-182's Mark Hoppus How Great He Is|author=James Montgomery|date=July 31, 2009|publisher=[[MTV News]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> The album, ''[[Commit This to Memory]]'', was recorded at Seedy Underbelly Studios, a suburban home converted into a studio in [[Los Angeles]]' [[Valley Village, Los Angeles|Valley Village]] region. It was written partially in their hometown of Minneapolis and in Los Angeles, during a period in which Pierre was seeking treatment for [[alcohol abuse]].<ref name=pierrepodcast>{{cite video|people = Lucy, Evan (Interviewer); Pierre, Justin (Interviewee)|date = January 15, 2015|title = Episode 025: Justin Pierre (10-Year Motion City Soundtrack Retrospective)|url = http://ec.libsyn.com/p/4/0/0/4005c806b8ff4410/VV025.mp3?d13a76d516d9dec20c3d276ce028ed5089ab1ce3dae902ea1d06ca8634d4cc5d4645&c_id=8177547|format = mp3|medium = Podcast|publisher = Voice & Verse|access-date = March 29, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150115195117/http://ec.libsyn.com/p/4/0/0/4005c806b8ff4410/VV025.mp3?d13a76d516d9dec20c3d276ce028ed5089ab1ce3dae902ea1d06ca8634d4cc5d4645&c_id=8177547|archive-date = January 15, 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref name="cb">{{cite news|url=http://citybeat.com/cincinnati/article-31942-reeling_in_the_years.html|title=Reeling in the Years|date=January 14, 2015|work=Cincinnati CityBeat|location=[[Cincinnati]], [[Ohio]]|author=Reyan Ali|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> ''Commit This to Memory'' was the first album by the band to feature material crafted by each musician in the group, as previous releases had featured songs written in the years prior to each member joining.<ref name="theage"/> In addition, the band also had more time and funds to create the album.<ref name="wildcat">{{cite news|url=http://wc.arizona.edu/papers/98/208/04_11.html|title=Motion City Soundtrack keeps busy|author= Michael Petitti |date=October 27, 2005|newspaper=[[Arizona Daily Wildcat]]|access-date=April 15, 2014}}</ref> During its recording process, Motion City embarked on their first headlining tour, titled "The Sub-Par Punk Who Cares Tour 2004".<ref name="cleve"/> At the year's end, the band had played over 270 concerts.<ref name="bv04"/> |
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''Commit This to Memory'', which was leaked to [[file sharing]] websites months before its official debut,<ref name=rehearsal/> saw release on June 7, 2005, peaking at number two on ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'s}} [[Independent Albums]] chart.<ref name="ind">{{cite magazine|title=Motion City Soundtrack – Chart history|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/311845/motion-city-soundtrack/chart?f=326|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> Pierre estimated that by 2015 the album had sold nearly 500,000 copies.<ref name="noisey">{{cite news|url=http://noisey.vice.com/blog/rank-your-records-motion-city-soundtracks-justin-pierre|author=Jonah Bayer|title=Rank Your Records: Motion City Soundtrack's Justin Pierre Rates the Band's Five Albums|publisher=[[Vice Media, Inc.|Noisey]] ([[Vice Media, Inc.]])|date=October 1, 2015|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> The band's music videos found regular rotation on networks such as [[MTV2]], and the band also performed on ''[[Late Night with Conan O'Brien]]''.<ref name="westw"/> However, their mainstream breakthrough brought detractors, and they became a target for critics of [[pop punk]]: "[the band was] frequently characterized as the sort of ultra-commercial punk poseurs who water down the genre to the point of drowning it," wrote Michael Roberts of ''[[Westword]]''.<ref name="westw">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.westword.com/2006-02-16/music/constant-motion/full|title=Constant Motion|author= Michael Roberts |date=February 16, 2006|magazine=[[Westword]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> The group continued to tour constantly,<ref name="wildcat"/> and started attracting larger crowds.<ref name="theage"/> They began the year with the inaugural Epitaph Tour, alongside Matchbook Romance and From First to Last.<ref name="bbtour">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65606/billboard-bits-kroq-epitaph-american-hi-fi|title=''Billboard'' Bits: KROQ, Epitaph, American Hi-Fi|author= Barry A. Jeckell|date=November 19, 2004|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> It was followed by dates on the [[Warped Tour 2005]],<ref name="wildcat"/> and the [[Nintendo Fusion Tour]] with Fall Out Boy, [[Panic! at the Disco]], and [[the Starting Line]], which was their largest nationwide tour to that point.<ref name="theage"/> |
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2002 saw the formation of Motion City Soundtrack's lineup as it is today. The departures of drummer Sidney Burgdorf and Austin Lindstrom prompted the additions of two former members of [[Richmond, Virginia]]-based band Submerge,<ref name=mtv/> drummer Tony Thaxton, and months later bassist Matt Taylor.<ref name=memories/> Thaxton initially took about a year to convince to join the band.<ref name=rehearsalvid/> Jesse Johnson, who worked with Cain at a Pizza shop in Minneapolis was the last current day member to join the band. He joined just three weeks before the recording of their first album and in this time, learned to play the [[moog synthesizer]] without any prior experience.<ref name=memories/><ref name=mtv/> |
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===Continued success (2007–2011)=== |
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=== ''I Am the Movie'' === |
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[[File:Tony Thaxton 07.jpg|thumb|Drummer Tony Thaxton performing with the band in 2007.]] |
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{{Main|I Am the Movie}} |
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The band's follow-up, ''[[Even If It Kills Me]]'' (2007), was recorded in New York City with Eli Janney, [[Adam Schlesinger]] of [[Fountains of Wayne]], and [[Ric Ocasek]] of [[the Cars]]. The group, though big fans of his work, were disappointed with Ocasek's role. "He just confused me the whole time," said Pierre later, who noted that he was afraid to disclose that the experience was a "bum-out."<ref name="noisey"/> Pierre struggled with [[writer's block]] during the sessions and found himself writing lyrics while recording the songs, which he had never done before. The band was also worried their songs would not be catchy enough after their last album was so successful.<ref name="noisey"/> During this time, Pierre's substance issues nearly disbanded the group. "I think it's an understatement to say it is tough to be tied to Justin's emotions," Cain remarked at the time.<ref name="vindy">{{cite news|author=John Benson|url=http://www.vindy.com/news/2007/dec/07/motion-city-deals-with-singer8217s-issues/|title=Motion City deals with singer's issues|newspaper=[[The Vindicator]]|date=December 7, 2007|access-date=July 15, 2019|archive-date=July 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715174230/http://www.vindy.com/news/2007/dec/07/motion-city-deals-with-singer8217s-issues/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following completion of the album, Pierre entered a rehabilitation program for alcohol and drug abuse.<ref name="star"/> The band was apart for a six-week stretch in mid-2007, marking their longest break apart in five years. "It might sound clichéd, but we all had a chance to do some growing up," said Cain.<ref name="star">{{cite news|author=Chris Riemenschneider|url=http://www.popmatters.com/article/minnesota-rock-band-motion-city-soundtrack-is-on-the-rise/|title=Minnesota rock band Motion City Soundtrack is on the rise|newspaper=[[Star Tribune]]|date=September 27, 2007|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> |
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''Even If It Kills Me'' was released on September 18, 2007, and represented a large leap from the group's last chart performance: it peaked at number 16 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and number one on the magazine's Independent Albums chart.<ref name="ind"/><ref name="bb200">{{cite magazine|title=Motion City Soundtrack – Chart history|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/311845/motion-city-soundtrack/chart|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> "[[This Is for Real (song)|This Is for Real]]" became their best-charting single, peaking at number 48 in [[Australia]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Ryan|first=Gavin|title=Australia's Music Charts 1988-2010|year=2011|publisher=Moonlight Publishing|location=Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia}}</ref> Cain later felt that the band placed far too much emphasis at the time on "numbers and trajectory instead of the creative process."<ref name="ss16"/> The following year saw a rise in profile for the band: they worked out promotional deals with [[Coca-Cola]] and [[Pepsi]], their music was licensed in various television shows, movies, and video games, and they toured heavily.<ref name="adn"/> The band released an acoustic EP featuring songs from ''Even if It Kills Me'' in May 2008.<ref name="spin08">{{cite news|url=http://www.spin.com/2008/04/new-stream-motion-city-soundtrack-fell-love-without-you/|title=New Stream: Motion City Soundtrack, "Fell In Love Without You"|author=William Goodman|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=April 29, 2008|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> After the release of that EP, the band toured on the [[Honda Civic Tour]] with Panic at the Disco and [[Phantom Planet]],<ref name="spin08"/> and then joined the last weeks of the [[Warped Tour 2008]].<ref name="adn">{{cite news|url=http://www.adn.com/play/music/features/story/454226.html|title=Relentless road schedule moves pop rockers into fast lane|author=Josh Niva|work=[[Alaska Dispatch]]|date=July 2, 2008|access-date=March 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201091909/http://www.adn.com/play/music/features/story/454226.html|archive-date=December 1, 2008}}</ref> In September, they headlined on The Left Handed Forms of Human Endeavor Tour.<ref name="spin08.1">{{cite news|url=http://www.spin.com/2008/07/motion-city-soundtrack-plot-fall-tour/|title=Motion City Soundtrack Plot Fall Tour|author=William Goodman|work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=July 14, 2008|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> |
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In mid-2002 Motion City Soundtrack twice self-released their debut album, ''[[I Am the Movie]]''. It would later become the basis for their first full-length [[studio album]], of the same name.<ref name=modrad/> The album was originally produced by [[Ed Rose]], who had previously worked with [[The Get Up Kids]], [[Emery (band)|Emery]], [[Ultimate Fakebook]] and [[The Anniversary]].<ref name=edrose>{{cite web|url=http://www.epitaph.com/artists/album/316/I_Am_The_Movie|title=I Am the Movie|publisher=Epitaph Records.com|accessdate=2008-09-08}}</ref> It was recorded at Red House Studios in [[Walnut Creek, California]], with Punk News describing the production as "nothing short of stellar".<ref name=punknewsorig>{{cite web|url=http://www.punknews.org/review/1549|title=I Am the Movie (unsigned)|publisher=Punk News.org|date=2002-12-27|accessdate=2008-09-08}}</ref> |
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''I Am the Movie'' was unusually released originally in the form of a five and a half inch [[floppy disc]] and sleeve.<ref name=punknewsorig/> |
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Motion City signed a multiple-album deal with [[Columbia Records]] several months before releasing their previous album. Following the move, the guitarist Joshua Cain said, "It just felt right to make the move when there was the right interest there."<ref name="Ready" /> With the new signing, the band's promotional team aimed to develop a balance between the benefits of a new major label and their previous grass-roots approach.<ref name="Ready">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/266506/motion-city-soundtrack-ready-to-ignite-dino-mite|title=Motion City Soundtrack Ready To Ignite 'Dino'-mite|magazine=Billboard|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|last=Leebove|first=Laura|date=4 December 2009|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> Their next album saw the band reunite with producer Mark Hoppus, and the album was mostly recorded at his studio in North Hollywood, Opra Music, between April and June 2009. Hoppus said that the band wanted to follow in the tracks of ''Commit This to Memory'', but to push things further.<ref name="Blink">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/268744/blink-182-motion-city-soundtrack-albums-in-the-works|title=Blink-182, Motion City Soundtrack Albums in the Works|magazine=Billboard|date=May 2009|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> Pierre later recalled that the atmosphere in the studio was more loose than their first time working with Hoppus.<ref name="noisey"/> The band picked the title ''[[My Dinosaur Life]]'' after a quote Pierre kept repeating—they felt it a nice representation of the album's themes, which include growing old and feeling out of place.<ref name="MTV">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1630109/motion-city-soundtrack-say-mark-hoppus-lets-us-be-us/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003233357/http://www.mtv.com/news/1630109/motion-city-soundtrack-say-mark-hoppus-lets-us-be-us/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 3, 2015|title=Motion City Soundtrack Say Mark Hoppus 'Lets Us Be Us'|date=January 20, 2010|author=James Montgomery|publisher=[[MTV News]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> After completing the album, the band toured with Blink-182 on their [[Blink-182 in Concert|reunion tour]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1617297/20090730/blink_182.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801230523/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1617297/20090730/blink_182.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 1, 2009|title=Blink-182's Mark Hoppus Grills Motion City Soundtrack About New LP|publisher=[[MTV]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> and Pierre undertook a promotional tour called On the Dino Trail wherein he performed acoustic sets.<ref name="Ready"/> |
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Motion City Soundtrack released the album a third time through [[Epitaph (label)|Epitaph Records]] in June 2003. It was partially re-recorded, with the [[bass (guitar)|bass guitar]] parts being redone by new bassist Matt Taylor, for legal reasons.<ref name=driven>{{cite web|url=http://www.drivenfaroff.com/2005/07/27/motion-city-soundtrack-interview-july-23rd-2005/|title=Motion City Soundtrack Interview July 23, 2005|publisher=DrivenFarOff.com|date=2005-07-23|accessdate=2008-09-08}}</ref> |
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[[File:Matthew Taylor MCS.jpg|thumb|left|Bassist Matthew Taylor on the [[Warped Tour]] in 2008.]] |
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''My Dinosaur Life'' was released to acclaim from music critics upon its debut on January 19, 2010,<ref name="meta">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/motioncitysoundtrack/mydinosaurlife|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130128184953/http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/motioncitysoundtrack/mydinosaurlife|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 28, 2013|title=Reviews for ''My Dinosaur Life''|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> and it represented the band's all-time best chart performance, peaking at number 15 on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="bb200"/> They supported [[Weezer]] on several dates during this time, and they began a headlining tour in late January in the US. In the first three months following the album's release, the band continued to tour heavily: they traveled to Australia for the national [[Soundwave (Australian music festival)|Soundwave]] festival, as well as to Japan and the UK.<ref name="Ready"/> The band also began to receive radio airplay for the first time in their career,<ref name="WP10">{{cite news|url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/clicktrack/2010/04/be_specific_motion_city_soundt.html|title=Be specific: Motion City Soundtrack frontman Justin Pierre on major label life|date=April 28, 2010|author=Allison Stewart|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=March 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906155023/http://blog.washingtonpost.com/clicktrack/2010/04/be_specific_motion_city_soundt.html|archive-date=September 6, 2011}}</ref> and they released a music video for the single "[[Her Words Destroyed My Planet]]".<ref name="mtv10">{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2295019/new-video-motion-city-soundtrack-her-words-destroyed-my-planet/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410121948/http://www.mtv.com/news/2295019/new-video-motion-city-soundtrack-her-words-destroyed-my-planet/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 10, 2016|title=New Video: Motion City Soundtrack Video, Her Words Destroyed My Planet|author= Neil Gladstone|publisher=[[MTV News]]|date=January 22, 2010|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> The group embarked on a large tour with [[Say Anything (band)|Say Anything]] between October and November 2010,<ref name="AP10">{{cite news|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/motion_city_soundtrack_say_anything_saves_the_day_tour_dates_announced/|title=Motion City Soundtrack/Say Anything/Saves The Day tour dates announced|date=July 26, 2010|author=Scott Heisel|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> and premiered a self-shot video for "A Lifeless Ordinary" during that time.<ref name="spin10">{{cite news|url=http://www.spin.com/2010/11/exclusive-new-motion-city-soundtrack-video/|title=EXCLUSIVE: New Motion City Soundtrack Video!|author= Peter Gaston |work=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=November 2, 2010|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> Columbia dropped the band later that year,<ref name="balt"/> with the commercial performance of ''My Dinosaur Life'' leading to the split. "I guess we didn't do as well as they hoped or expected us to," said Pierre that year.<ref name="spin11"/> "And we felt that having all their resources at our disposal would perhaps propel us into another dimension. But we are what we are regardless of what label or machine is behind us. We did exceptionally well, though, if you want to look strictly at sales numbers in today's climate."<ref name="spin11">{{cite magazine|author=William Goodman|url=https://www.spin.com/articles/qa-motion-city-soundtrack-talk-experimental-lp/|title=Q&A: Motion City Soundtrack Talk Experimental LP|magazine=[[Spin (magazine)|Spin]]|date=July 8, 2011|access-date=March 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421064625/http://www.spin.com/articles/qa-motion-city-soundtrack-talk-experimental-lp/|archive-date=April 21, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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===Middle years (2012–2016)=== |
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Backed by the success of their first album, Motion City Soundtrack toured for quite some time and in 2003 released the third track on ''I Am the Movie'', "[[The Future Freaks Me Out]]", as their first single, which became a modest hit. According to the band's official website, the song's success was surprising, as the band "wrote the song in mere hours and it almost didn't even make it onto their debut."<ref>[http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com/bio.php Motioncitysoundtrack.com Bio]</ref> A second single was released later that year, "[[My Favorite Accident]]". |
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After being dropped by Columbia, the band set off to [[Brazil]] to support [[All Time Low]] in January 2011.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://rollingstone.uol.com.br/noticia/all-time-low-vira-ao-brasil/#imagem0|title=All Time Low virá ao Brasil|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=December 8, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2016|language=pt |trans-title=All Time Low will come to Brazil}}</ref> They subsequently began recording their fifth studio album with producer and longtime friend [[Ed Ackerson]] at his studio, [[Flowers Studio]], in Minneapolis.<ref>{{cite AV media notes | title=Go | year=2012 | others=Motion City Soundtrack | type=liner notes | publisher=[[Epitaph Records|Epitaph]] | location=[[United States|US]] | id=87202-1}}</ref> The band recorded on their own time with their own resources, which both provided comfort and a sense of nervousness to the group.<ref name="boston"/> They relaxed and took their time writing it, and did not preconceive the album as a change in style.<ref name="aq">{{cite news|author=Alicia Fiorletta|url=http://www.theaquarian.com/2011/09/01/interview-with-matt-taylor-from-motion-city-soundtrack-everything-is-better-than-ever/|title=Interview with Matt Taylor from Motion City Soundtrack: Everything Is Better Than Ever|newspaper=[[The Aquarian Weekly]]|date=September 1, 2011|access-date=March 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421050550/http://www.theaquarian.com/2011/09/01/interview-with-matt-taylor-from-motion-city-soundtrack-everything-is-better-than-ever/|archive-date=April 21, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> "We just felt like it was like we were just taking our time and just kinda living life and not worrying about too much other than getting together and making music," remarked Taylor.<ref name="boston">{{cite web|author=Maggie Hollander|url=http://www.bostonmusicspotlight.com/features-motion-city-soundtrack-interview-with-bassist-matthew-taylor-september-2011/|title=Motion City Soundtrack look back with special tour|publisher=Boston Music Spotlight|date=September 9, 2011|access-date=March 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421064120/http://www.bostonmusicspotlight.com/features-motion-city-soundtrack-interview-with-bassist-matthew-taylor-september-2011/|archive-date=April 21, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Pierre has since looked back on ''Go'' with mixed emotions, citing it as his personal least favorite album by the band. He noted that he was struggling with dark thoughts and felt that the band's collective misery translated to the record.<ref name="noisey"/> |
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Following the recording of ''Go'', the band set out on the "4 Albums. 2 Nights. 7 Cities" tour, which found the band performing their past discography over two nights.<ref name="boston"/> They also covered "Wait So Long" by [[Trampled by Turtles]] for a split 7-inch, which was released in November 2011.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/exclusive-streams-motion-city-soundtrack-and-trampled-by-turtles-cover-each-other-20111111|title=Exclusive Streams: Motion City Soundtrack and Trampled by Turtles Cover Each Other|date=November 11, 2011|access-date=March 12, 2016|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref> During that time period, they searched for a label to release ''Go'', ultimately returning to Epitaph.<ref name="balt">{{cite news|author=Wesley Case|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2012/06/27/after-trying-the-majors-motion-city-soundtrack-returns-to-its-roots/|title=After trying the majors, Motion City Soundtrack returns to its roots|newspaper=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|date=June 27, 2012|access-date=March 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421082759/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-06-27/entertainment/bs-ae-music-story-0629-20120625_1_motion-city-soundtrack-pierre-ed-ackerson|archive-date=April 21, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Go'' was released on June 12, 2012, and received mixed reviews from contemporary music critics. Its chart performance represented a large drop-off from its predecessors, peaking at number 46 on the ''Billboard'' 200 and number eight on the Independent Albums chart.<ref name="ind"/><ref name="bb200"/> "[[True Romance (Motion City Soundtrack song)|True Romance]]" was the album's [[lead single]], and featured a [[one shot (music video)|one-shot]] music video reminiscent of the works of [[Spike Jonze]].<ref name="ifc">{{cite web|url=http://www.ifc.com/fix/2012/07/motion-city-soundtrack-justin-pierre-interview|title=Motion City Soundtrack's Justin Pierre discusses moviemaking and their single-take "True Romance" video|date=July 10, 2012|access-date=March 29, 2016|publisher=[[IFC (U.S. TV network)|IFC]]}}</ref> The group spent much of the remaining year on the road, including dates in [[Asia]] in mid-2012<ref name="bb">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/485736/exclusive-motion-city-soundtrack-talks-true-romance-in-new-webisode|title=Exclusive: Motion City Soundtrack Talks 'True Romance' in New Webisode|publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]]|author= Jason Lipshutz |date=May 29, 2012|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> and a headlining US tour in October and November.<ref name="ap12">{{cite news|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/motion_city_soundtrack_announce_fall_tour_dates|title=Motion City Soundtrack announce fall tour dates |
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=== ''Commit This to Memory'' === |
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|author= Cassie Whitt|date=July 9, 2012|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> |
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{{Main|Commit This to Memory}} |
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Motion City Soundtrack's second album was recorded in Los Angeles in [[autumn|fall]] 2004, and was produced by [[Mark Hoppus]] of [[Blink-182]] fame. The song "Hangman" also featured Mark's vocals. |
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Drummer Tony Thaxton departed the group in March 2013 following battles with depression, due in part to their ceaseless touring schedule.<ref name="ap13">{{cite news|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/tony_thaxton_on_leaving_motion_city_soundtrack_i_was_becoming_a_very_unhapp|title=Tony Thaxton on leaving Motion City Soundtrack: "I was becoming a very unhappy person"|author= Philip Obenschain |date=July 2, 2013|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> The band enlisted longtime friend Claudio Rivera of [[Saves the Day]] as their new drummer,<ref name="ap13.1">{{cite news|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/motion_city_soundtrack_announce_new_drummer_claudio_rivera_saves_the_day|title=Motion City Soundtrack announce new drummer, Claudio Rivera (Saves The Day)|author= Rachel Campbell |date=June 10, 2013|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> and released a one-off single with him, "Inside Out", in celebration.<ref name="rs13">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/motion-city-soundtrack-channel-drama-on-inside-out-song-premiere-20130916|title=Motion City Soundtrack Channel Drama on 'Inside Out' – Song Premiere|author=Ryan Reed|date=September 16, 2013|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=March 29, 2016|archive-date=August 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811033436/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/motion-city-soundtrack-channel-drama-on-inside-out-song-premiere-20130916|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ap14"/> The band immediately began writing a new album, but progress was slow. The group shelved a group of demos they recorded with [[Mike Sapone]], who also worked with [[Brand New (band)|Brand New]].<ref name="ss16"/> In the meantime, a video [[documentary]], ''I Am the Movie: The Movie'', was released in 2013. It mainly consists of footage shot of the band around the time of the album's creation.<ref name="noisey1"/> The group participated in [[Warped Tour 2013]]<ref name="ap13.2">{{cite news|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/motion_city_soundtrack_blessthefall_big_d_and_the_kids_table_more_announced|title=Motion City Soundtrack, blessthefall, Big D And The Kids Table, more announced for Warped Tour 2013|author=Cassie Whitt|date=January 18, 2013|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=March 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125082103/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/motion_city_soundtrack_blessthefall_big_d_and_the_kids_table_more_announced|archive-date=January 25, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> and went on a co-headlining tour with [[Relient K]] that November.<ref name="ap13.3">{{cite news|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/motion_city_soundtrack_relient_k_announce_fall_co_headlining_tour|title=Motion City Soundtrack, Relient K announce fall co-headlining tour|author= Philip Obenschain |date=August 19, 2013|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> |
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The title, ''Commit This to Memory'', was chosen early in the album's production, and is taken from a lyric in one of the album's songs, "Hangman". Production work on ''Commit This to Memory'' was finished in early 2005, and the album's winter theme (with two songs reflecting on [[New Year's Day]]) contrasted heavily with its expected June release. |
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[[File:Motion City Soundtrack, Riot Fest 2016.jpg|thumb|Motion City playing their penultimate show at [[Riot Fest]] in 2016.]] |
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The group recorded their sixth album, ''[[Panic Stations (album)|Panic Stations]]'', over two weeks at [[Pachyderm Studio]] in [[Cannon Falls, Minnesota|Cannon Falls]], Minnesota in June 2014.<ref name="nwi">{{cite news|url=http://www.thereader.com/story/motion_city_soundtracks_justin_pierre|title=Motion City Soundtrack's Justin Pierre|author=Ashley Bles|date=June 22, 2015|work=The Reader|access-date=March 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305225552/http://www.thereader.com/story/motion_city_soundtracks_justin_pierre|archive-date=March 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> The group collaborated with producer [[John Agnello]], well known for his work with [[Dinosaur Jr.]], [[Walt Mink]], and [[Sonic Youth]].<ref name="c15">{{cite news|url=http://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2015/08/03/motion-city-soundtrack-debut-lose-control-from-panic-stations|title=Motion City Soundtrack debut "Lose Control" from the forthcoming 'Panic Stations' |date=August 3, 2015|work=The Current|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> The album was largely [[live album|recorded live]].<ref name="ap14">{{cite news|url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/motion_city_soundtrack_album_preview_interview_justin_pierre_2014|title="Let's turn up everything, have fun and make some noise."—Motion City Soundtrack on their 6th album|author= Jason Pettigrew |date=September 24, 2014|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> The album's release was delayed by over a year, however, due to the birth of Pierre's daughter. In the interim, the group embarked on a tour celebrating the tenth anniversary of ''Commit This to Memory'' between January and February 2015, playing the album in its entirety.<ref name="altpress14">{{cite news|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/motion_city_soundtrack_announce_commit_this_to_memory_10th_anniversary_tour|title=Motion City Soundtrack announce 'Commit This To Memory' 10th Anniversary Tour|author= Tyler Sharp |date=November 10, 2014|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> The band later extended this anniversary tour, and further toured the album between June and August 2015.<ref name="pollstar">{{cite news|author=Sarah Marie Pittman|url=http://www.pollstar.com/news_article.aspx?ID=817920|title=Motion City Soundtrack's 10-Year Anniversary Party|date=April 30, 2015|work=[[Pollstar]]|access-date=March 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422082442/http://www.pollstar.com/news_article.aspx?ID=817920|archive-date=April 22, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Panic Stations'' was released on September 18, 2015, to positive reviews from music critics,<ref name="meta1">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/artists/motioncitysoundtrack/panicstations|title=Reviews for ''Panic Stations''|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> but it debuted even lower on music charts than its predecessor.<ref name="bb200"/> A tour with [[The Wonder Years (band)|the Wonder Years]] followed between October and November 2015,<ref name="ap15">{{cite news|author=Tyler Sharp|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_wonder_years_announce_tour_with_motion_city_soundtrack_state_champs|title=The Wonder Years announce tour with Motion City Soundtrack, State Champs, You Blew It!|date=August 10, 2015|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> and saw the release of a split 7-inch between the two bands.<ref name="ap15.1">{{cite news|author=Tyler Sharp|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/the_wonder_years_motion_city_soundtrack_announce_split_seven_inch|title=The Wonder Years, Motion City Soundtrack announce split seven-inch|date=October 5, 2015|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> |
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As the band entered 2016, Cain felt the future for the group was bright: "We're not done yet. I think we got more music in us," he told ''[[Substream Magazine]]'' in January 2016.<ref name="ss16">{{cite journal|title=Don't Panic: The surprising rebirth of Motion City Soundtrack|journal=[[Substream Magazine]]|url=http://substreammagazine.com/2016/01/dont-panic-the-surprising-rebirth-of-motion-city-soundtrack/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117012147/http://substreammagazine.com/2016/01/dont-panic-the-surprising-rebirth-of-motion-city-soundtrack/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-01-17|date=January 14, 2016|access-date=January 5, 2022|issue=48|author= Scott Heisel}}</ref> Two months later the band announced their break-up with a statement that read in part, "We have no idea what the future holds, but for now we are done."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Motion City Soundtrack announce break up|author=Ariana Bacle|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/11/motion-city-soundtrack-break-up|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> In interviews later that year, Pierre detailed the band's reasoning, noting that their exhaustion with touring and growing families contributed to their decision: "We’ve done this one thing constantly for so many years nonstop. We all wanted to have something else to look ahead to in our lives."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/motion-city-soundtrack-writes-its-own-epitaph-with-this-week-s-farewell-gigs/384134061/|title=Motion City Soundtrack writes its own epitaph with this week's farewell gigs|date=June 23, 2016|work=[[Star Tribune]]|access-date=January 24, 2018|first=Chris|last=Riemenschneider}}</ref> The band embarked on the So Long, Farewell Tour across [[North America]] between May and September 2016 with original drummer Tony Thaxton returning.<ref name="diff">{{cite news|url=http://diffuser.fm/motion-city-soundtrack-farewell-tour/|title=Motion City Soundtrack Announce Farewell Tour|author= Tim Karan |date=March 14, 2016|access-date=March 29, 2016|publisher=Diffuser.fm}}</ref> It concluded with a sold-out show at [[Metro Chicago|the Metro]] in [[Chicago]] on September 18, 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/hidden_hospitals_cover_motion_city_soundtrack|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|title=Hidden Hospitals cover Motion City Soundtrack in their final days—exclusive|author=Brian Kraus|date=September 8, 2016|access-date=September 20, 2016}}</ref> The group performed 36 songs — some dating back to their 2000 EP, ''Back to the Beat'' — while both Thaxton and Rivera sat in on drums.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/motion-city-soundtrack/2016/metro-chicago-il-63fd9a5f.html|website=[[Setlist.fm]]|title=Motion City Soundtrack Concert Setlist at Riot Fest 2016|access-date=September 20, 2016}}</ref> |
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The album was leaked to illegal [[file sharing]] websites within a day of the final [[Audio mastering|mastering]] and months before its official release,<ref name=rehearsalvid/> |
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<ref name=thaxinterview>{{cite web|url=http://www.pop-zap.com/conversations/this-is-for-real-a-conversation-with-tony-thaxton-motion-city-soundtrack|title=This Is For Real: A Conversation with Tony Thaxton of Motion City Soundtrack|publisher=Pop-Zap.com|accessdate=2008-06-29}}</ref> whilst the band took part in the first ever [[Epitaph Tour]] in February and March 2005. Epitaph placed computer arresting software on the official release of ''Commit This to Memory'' to resist any further damages due to [[piracy]]. The precautions were reported to heavily limit how you could play and listen to the disc.<ref name=popmatters>{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/music/reviews/m/motioncitysoundtrack-commit.shtml|title=Motion City Soundtrack – Commit This to Memory|publisher=Pop Matters.com|last=Jagernauth|first=Kevin|date=2005-09-28|accessdate=2008-06-30}}</ref> |
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===Reunion (2019–present)=== |
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On June 20, 2006, the band released a special Deluxe Edition of the album, it included an extra track "Invisible Monsters", a DVD with three hours of footage containing a documentary, a live show and five of their [[music videos]], including a video for the song "L.G. FUAD", which was made especially for the [[re-issue]]. The live concert was shot at the 7th Street Entry show in their hometown of Minneapolis.<ref name=dvddeluxe>{{cite web|url=http://www.punknews.org/article/18215|title=Tours: Motion City Soundtrack / OK GO (Europe)|publisher=Punk News|date=2006-06-19|accessdate=2008-06-30}}</ref> |
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During their three-year break, all of the members moved to different states and pursued different interests. Pierre continued to record music and tour as a solo act, issuing his debut effort ''[[In the Drink]]'' in 2018, which Cain assisted him in producing. The following June, the band announced their reformation with a U.S. tour. In an interview, Pierre explained their inactivity had given rise to an "excitement" to focus on the band again.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/motion-city-soundtrack-2020-tour-justin-courtney-pierre-interview/|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|title=Motion City Soundtrack singer Justin Pierre likes the word "experiment"|author=Jason Pettigrew|date=June 19, 2019|access-date=June 20, 2019}}</ref> The tour, named "Don't Call It a Comeback" for a song on their debut album, took place in January 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/motion-city-soundtrack-tour-2020/|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]|title=Motion City Soundtrack Announce First Live Shows Since 2016|author=Alex Darus|date=June 17, 2019|access-date=June 17, 2019}}</ref> Thaxton returned to the band in an official capacity for the tour. The band were scheduled to travel to the U.K. for the [[Slam Dunk Records#Slam Dunk Festival|Slam Dunk Festival]] that May,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/motion-city-soundtracks-tour-support-sidekicks-mom-jeans-2020/|title=Motion City Soundtrack announce support for 2020 reunion tour|date=November 26, 2019|access-date=October 5, 2020|work=Alternative Press|first= Koltan|last=Greenwood}}</ref> but plans were shelved due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/slam-dunk-festival-announces-2020-cancellation-2668713|title=Slam Dunk Festival announces 2020 cancellation|work=NME|date=May 14, 2020|access-date=October 5, 2020|first=Nick|last=Reilly}}</ref> The five-piece continued to tour in 2022, celebrating the seventeenth anniversary of ''Commit This to Memory''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/music/kevin-johnson/motion-city-soundtrack-bringing-anniversary-tour-to-the-pageant/article_7d08dee6-3e7c-5f91-99e4-fe50e864f244.html|title=Motion City Soundtrack bringing anniversary tour to the Pageant|first=Kevin C.|last=Johnson|work=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]|date=May 11, 2021|access-date=May 26, 2021}}</ref> |
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That same year, the group released three new songs. The first, a cover of Fountains of Wayne's "[[Sky Full of Holes|A Dip in the Ocean]]", debuted on ''[[Saving for a Custom Van]]'', a tribute compilation celebrating the life of musician Adam Schlesinger.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9403070/adam-schlesinger-tribute-album-benefit-covid-19-relief|title=All-Star Adam Schlesinger Tribute Album 'Saving For a Custom Van' Benefits COVID-19 Relief|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=June 16, 2020|magazine=Billboard|access-date=June 16, 2020}}</ref> Midway through the year, the quartet issued a previously unreleased track, "Crooked Ways"; it was recorded a decade prior and submitted for consideration for inclusion in [[The Twilight Saga (film series)|the ''Twilight'' film saga]]. Author [[Stephenie Meyer]], in a blog post, suggested it was inspiration for her novel ''[[Midnight Sun (Meyer novel)|Midnight Sun]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stepheniemeyer.com/2020/08/the-midnight-sun-song/|title=The ''Midnight Sun'' Song|first=Stephanie|last=Meyer|website=StephanieMeyer.com|date=3 August 2020|access-date=October 5, 2020}}</ref> Lastly, the group recorded a cover of [[Ed Ackerson]]'s "Wired Weird" for a tribute album to Ackerson, who produced their 2012 album ''[[Go (Motion City Soundtrack album)|Go]]'' and died in 2019.<ref name="st20-1">{{cite news|url=https://www.startribune.com/tribute-album-for-minneapolis-rock-guru-ed-ackerson-surprise-released/572638392/|title=Tribute album for Minneapolis rock guru Ed Ackerson surprise-released|first=Chris|last=Riemenschneider|date=October 5, 2020|work=Star Tribune|access-date=October 5, 2020}}</ref> Cain has claimed there is "no official plan" for further music, though he believes the band is not entirely finished making new music.<ref name="st20">{{cite news|url=https://www.startribune.com/after-a-rabidly-received-reunion-tour-motion-city-returns-home-to-minneapolis/567842022/|title=After a rabidly received reunion tour, Motion City Soundtrack returns home to Minneapolis|first=Chris|last=Riemenschneider|date=February 15, 2020|work=Star Tribune|access-date=October 5, 2020}}</ref> In an Instagram livestream, Pierre hinted at the future possibility of the band releasing new music while answering a viewer's question.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierre |first=Justin |title=Jcpmcs May 27, 2022 Livestream |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CeEy0AFJb8D/ |access-date=May 28, 2022 |website=Instagram}}</ref> Pierre responded, "I would like that. I'm not sure if anyone else would, but I would." |
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The album's first single, "Everything Is Alright" featuring [[Patrick Stump]] of [[Fall Out Boy]], [[Mark Hoppus]] and members of [[Limbeck]], found significant radio play and appeared on several compilations. The song's video has appeared on MTV and [[Fuse channel]], and has also appeared on the [[Saint's Row]] soundtrack. The song was also featured in the trailer for the 2006 [[comedy]] movie ''[[Accepted]]''. "Everything Is Alright" also appeared in the soundtracks for ''[[Bad News Bears (2005 film)|The Bad News Bears]]'' and the video game "[[MLB 06: The Show]]". The band's second video was "Hold Me Down". |
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In 2023, the band supported the All-American Rejects on the Wet Hot All-American Summer Tour,<ref name="Kress 2023">{{cite web | last=Kress | first=Bryan | title=The All-American Rejects announce first headlining tour in a decade | website=Consequence | date=April 3, 2023 | url=https://consequence.net/2023/04/the-all-american-rejects-2023-us-tour/ | access-date=April 22, 2023}}</ref> staging appearances at Adjacent Fest<ref name="Press of Atlantic City 2023 n274">{{cite web | title=20,000 rock out during Day 1 of Adjacent Music Festival in Atlantic City | website=Press of Atlantic City | date=2023-12-12 | url=https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/20-000-rock-out-during-day-1-of-adjacent-music-festival-in-atlantic-city/article_f43990a4-fcdd-11ed-91da-57f9699540be.html | access-date=2024-01-02}}</ref> and [[When We Were Young (festival)|When We Were Young]].<ref name="Masley 2023 l513">{{cite web | last=Masley | first=Ed | title=When We Were Young 2023 in Las Vegas: Lineup, set times, tickets | website=usatoday.com | date=2023-10-17 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/10/17/when-we-were-young-2023-las-vegas-lineup-set-times-tickets/71221844007/ | access-date=2024-01-02}}</ref> In 2024, the band embarked on an anniversary tour celebrating ''I Am the Movie''.<ref name="Hatfield 2023 k109">{{cite web | last=Hatfield | first=Amanda | title=Motion City Soundtrack announce 'I Am the Movie' 20th anniversary tour | website=BrooklynVegan | date=2023-10-20 | url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/motion-city-soundtrack-announce-i-am-the-movie-20th-anniversary-tour/ | access-date=2024-01-02}}</ref> Zach Comtois has filled in as the rhythm guitarist on tour while Pierre recovers from a back injury.<ref name="Swenson/Fish 2024">{{cite web | last1=Swenson | first1=Joel | last2=Fish | first2=Sara | title=Motion City Soundtrack ring in the new year at the Uptown Theater | website=The Current | date=2024-01-02 | url=https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2024/01/02/motion-city-soundtrack-ring-in-the-new-year-at-the-uptown-theater}}</ref> The group released the single "Stop Talking" in August 2024 to coincide with the theatrical release of the 2024 film ''[[Dìdi]]'', which the song features in.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nemiroff |first=Perri |date=2024-03-24 |title=This Indie Got Motion City Soundtrack to Make Their First New Song in Years |url=https://collider.com/motion-city-soundtrack-new-music-didi/ |access-date=2024-08-08 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref> The single is the first original new material released by the band since Panic Stations in 2015. |
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=== ''Even if It Kills Me'' === |
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{{Main|Even if It Kills Me}} |
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==Musical style and influences== |
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In January 2007, MCS was announced as having one of the most anticipated upcoming albums of 2007; they were featured on the issue #222 front cover of music magazine [[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]], in the ''Most Anticipated Albums of 2007'' edition.<ref name=altpress>{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/apmag/222.htm|title=The Most Anticipated Albums of 2007|publisher=Alternative Press|accessdate=2008-06-26}}</ref> |
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===Music=== |
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The band recorded their third [[studio album]] with two different sets of [[record producers]] at separate times. [[Adam Schlesinger]] (of [[Fountains of Wayne]]) and [[Eli Janney]] (of [[Girls Against Boys]]) were responsible for seven of the final tracks on the record, and former frontman of [[The Cars]], [[Ric Ocasek]], for the other five.<ref name=thaxinterview/> The two separate recording sessions created a concern over whether the album would hold a consistent vibe, drummer Tony Thaxton stating ''"[It's] something we definitely worried about. Our solution that we set was that it had to be all mixed by one guy"'', the band hired one ''"big name"'' [[Audio engineering|audio engineer]], [[Tom Lord-Alge]], to mix eleven of the tracks, the exception being "The Conversation", as it was only piano and vocals.<ref name=thaxinterview/> |
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[[File:Jesse Johnson Moogstand.jpg|thumb|right|Keyboardist Jesse Johnson's signature "[[Moog synthesizer|moog]]stand" in 2008.<ref name="vw"/>]] |
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The three main influences that unite all members of Motion City Soundtrack are [[Superchunk]], [[Jawbox]], and [[Pixies (band)|Pixies]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 3, 2004 |title=CHECK OUT A NEW MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK INTERVIEW! |url=https://www.epitaph.com/news/article/check-out-a-new-motion-city-soundtrack-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929014511/https://www.epitaph.com/news/article/check-out-a-new-motion-city-soundtrack-interview |archive-date=September 29, 2020 |access-date=June 16, 2024 |website=[[Epitaph Records | epitaph.com]] |quote=As for the three key influences that bind the group together Matt lists Superchunk, The Pixies and Jawbox as mutual loves...}}</ref><ref name="now05" /> Both Joshua Pierre and Matt Taylor are also influenced by [[Ben Folds Five]], [[Fugazi]], and [[Braid (band)|Braid]].<ref name="gw03" /><ref name="ss16" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Montgomery |first=James |date=June 16, 2005 |title=Mark Hoppus Throws Party for Motion City Soundtrack |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/bmot3d/mark-hoppus-throws-house-party-for-motion-city-soundtrack |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005142946/http://www.mtv.com/news/1504262/mark-hoppus-throws-house-party-for-motion-city-soundtrack/ |archive-date=October 5, 2015 |access-date=February 27, 2024 |website=[[MTV]] |quote=On this record, we had the time to do the things we wanted to do, to sound like the people we wanted to sound like -- bands like [[Braid (band)|Braid]], [[Superchunk]], [[Jawbox]] or [[Pixies (band)|the Pixies]].}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2004 |title=B182.COM INTERVIEWS MATT OF MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK |url=https://www.epitaph.com/news/article/b182com-interviews-matt-of-motion-city-soundtrack |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117154621/https://www.epitaph.com/news/article/b182com-interviews-matt-of-motion-city-soundtrack |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |access-date=June 15, 2024 |website=[[Epitaph Records | epitaph.com]]}}</ref> Pierre also takes inspiration from [[Poster Children]], [[the Carpenters]], [[the Cardigans]],<ref name="gw03" /> [[Pavement (band)|Pavement]],<ref name="ss16" /> [[Tom Waits]], [[the Flaming Lips]], and [[Sunny Day Real Estate]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 30, 2010 |title=Q&A: Motion City Soundtrack |url=https://archive.completemusicupdate.com/article/ssq-motion-city-soudtrack/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227050913/https://archive.completemusicupdate.com/article/ssq-motion-city-soudtrack/ |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |access-date=February 27, 2024 |website=completemusicupdate.com}}</ref> while Taylor cites [[That Dog]], [[Swervedriver]], [[Radiohead]], [[the Rentals]], and [[Burning Airlines]] as additional influences.<ref name=":1" /> |
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In anticipation of the upcoming album, the band released a series of 'webisodes' ([[video blogs]]) in early 2007. A collaboration between vocalist Pierre and bassist Taylor was captured on camera and consequently, viewers saw the birth of the song "The Conversation", track seven on the album.<ref name=rehearsalvid/> The webisodes were released through a specially made website for the album, titled ''EvenIfItKillsMe.tv'', with the videos being created by the brother of [[Joshua Cain]], Jesse. The six videos also included clips of songs from the then upcoming album.<ref name=eventv>{{cite web|url=http://www.evenifitkillsme.tv|title=Even If It Kills Me webisodes|publisher=EvenIfItKillsMe.tv|accessdate=2008-06-29}}</ref> |
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Pierre quoted Waits that "all anybody ever does is imitate their favorite artist—badly," adding, "we're just regurgitating all the crap we listened to in the late '80s and early '90s, the music that got us into playing music in the first place."<ref name="nylon" /> |
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After the disastrous circumstances surrounding the leak of their previous album, the band took precautions prior to the release of their third album in 2007. Advanced copies were handed out to marketers and reviewers with a warning, or as [[Joshua Cain]] described it, ''"a threatening letter"''. Alternatively, Motion City Soundtrack invited the relevant parties to a Nike ID Studio to listen to the third album.<ref name=rehearsalvid/> |
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The band's musical style is widely recognizable by its unique blend of [[pop punk|pop-punk]] with the [[Moog synthesizer]]. The usage of the Moog stems from Cain, who first heard the instrument employed on the Rentals' album ''[[Return of the Rentals]]'' (1995). He subsequently bought a cheap Moog at a pawn shop and wanted it to be an integral part of Motion City upon their formation.<ref name="vw">{{cite news|url=http://www.vueweekly.com/motion_city_soundtrack/|author= Bryan Saunders|title=Motion City Soundtrack|date=July 17, 2008|work=[[Vue Weekly]]|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref> Johnson became known for his signature "Moogstand" in live performances, which consisted of a handstand on the instrument.<ref name="vw"/> The group has been widely attributed to a number of different genres, including [[pop rock]],<ref name="ss16"/> [[power pop]],<ref name="AM"/> [[indie rock]],<ref name=newsrec>{{cite web|url=http://media.www.newsrecord.org/media/storage/paper693/news/2004/11/15/ArtsEntertainment/Motion.City.Soundtrack.Boards.A.PopPunk.Train-804328.shtml|title=Motion City Soundtrack boards a pop-punk train|publisher=The News Record.org|last=Miller|first=Jeff|date=November 15, 2004|access-date=July 31, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117183228/http://media.www.newsrecord.org/media/storage/paper693/news/2004/11/15/ArtsEntertainment/Motion.City.Soundtrack.Boards.A.PopPunk.Train-804328.shtml|archive-date=January 17, 2008}}</ref> [[emo]],<ref name="diff"/> and pop-punk.<ref name="AM"/> Joshua Cain dismissed this latter label, remarking, "I definitely wouldn't consider us a pop-punk band. Our influences are more based on '90s bands like Superchunk and early Weezer."<ref name=altpress05.1>{{cite journal| author=Eric Schelkopf| date =January 28, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050312204437/http://www.nwherald.com/EntertainmentSection/sound/293671886277726.php|archive-date=March 12, 2005| title =Epitaph bands join for tour stops at NIU, Metro | journal =[[Kane County Chronicle]]|url=http://www.nwherald.com/EntertainmentSection/sound/293671886277726.php}}</ref> Pierre characterized the band's music as "dirty, fast, happy, emotional rock songs."<ref name="ss16"/> |
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The album proved to be the band's most successful both commercially and critically. It received positive reviews from numerous sources, with British magazine [[Kerrang]] and music website Rock Louder both giving it four out of five stars,<ref name=rockloud>{{cite web|url=http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/articles/4284/Motion-City-Soundtrack---Even-If-It-Kills-Me.html|title=Motion City Soundtrack – Even If It Kills Me|last=Tolley|first=Sam|publisher=Rock Louder.co.uk|date=2007-09-17|accessdate=2008-06-30}}</ref> as well as [[Absolute Punk]] awarding it a commendable 83%.<ref name=abspunkreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=266001|title=Motion City Soundtrack – Even if It Kills Me|last=Conny|first=Julia|publisher=Absolute Punk|date=2007-09-13|accessdate=2008-06-30}}</ref> ''Even if It Kills Me'' topped the [[Independent Albums]] charts at number one, as well as reaching number 16 on the [[Billboard 200]], selling around 33,000 albums in its first week.<ref name=chartsalbums/><ref name=bbmcs>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003646687|title=Reba Outmuscles Kanye, 50 to Score First No. 1|publisher=Billboard.com|last=Hasty|first=Katie|date=2007-09-26|accessdate=2008-06-29}}</ref> |
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''[[Nylon (magazine)|Nylon]]'' compared the music of their debut album, ''I Am the Movie'', to [[All (band)|All]] and the Get Up Kids.<ref name="nylon">{{cite news|title=Motion City Soundtrack are history, and they're damn proud of it|author=Shelly Ridenour|work=[[Nylon (magazine)|Nylon]]|date=September 9, 2003}}</ref> It has been described as having a "distinctly unified and identifiable style."<ref name=cc>{{cite web|url=http://www.counterculture.co.uk/interview/motion-city-soundtrack-josh-cain-justin-pierre.html|title=Motion City Soundtrack : Joshua Cain, Justin Pierre. They are the Movie...|publisher=Counterculture.co.uk| last=Newbold|first=Paul|access-date=2008-07-31}}</ref> Subsequent releases varied in style. ''My Dinosaur Life'', for example, saw the band attempting to emulate their favorite [[post-hardcore]] acts, such as [[Archers of Loaf]] and [[Dinosaur Jr.]]<ref name="noisey"/> |
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Eight months after the initial release of their third album, MCS released a five track ''Acoustic EP'' featuring acoustic versions of songs from ''[[Even if It Kills Me]]''. The songs were released exclusively on May 6, 2008, through the [[iTunes Music Store]], as part of a bonus bundle package of ''Even if It Kills Me''. |
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===Lyrics=== |
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=== Recent news and ''My Dinosaur Life'' === |
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[[File:Justin_Pierre_2010.jpg|thumb|left|Justin Pierre, frontman and primary lyricist for the band, in 2010.]] |
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In June 2008, Joshua Cain and Justin Pierre announced several times throughout a [[podcast]] with ''[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]'' that they would be moving from [[Epitaph Records|Epitaph]] to [[Columbia Records]], a subsidiary to major label [[Sony BMG]].<ref name=appod>{{cite web|url=http://altpress.com/specials/apshow-apodcast/|title=Podcast #20 – Motion City Soundtrack|quote=[http://www.altpress.com/specials/podcastdownload/AP_Podcast_20_MOTION_CITY_SOUNDTRACK.m4a Direct link]|publisher=Alternative Press (The AP Show)|date=2008-06-30 |accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref><ref name=mcscolumbia>{{cite web|url=http://wedontbuyyourmerch.com/wordpress/?p=315|title=Motion City Soundtrack to sign with Columbia Records?|publisher=We Don't Buy Your Merch|date=2008-06-30|accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> This was confirmed whilst the band was on [[Warped Tour]] in August 2008, with Cain also saying that they would be writing a new album from October to December, before recording.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.perfectporridge.com/2008/08/03/interview-with-motion-city-soundtrack-warped-tour-2008/|title=Interview with Motion City Soundtrack, Warped Tour 2008|publisher=Perfect Porridge|date=2008-08-03|accessdate=2008-11-02}}</ref> Towards the end of 2008, the band released a music video for the acoustic version of "Fell in Love Without You" (from the ''Even if It Kills Me Acoustic EP''), after it had been heard on an episode of [[Gossip Girl]]. The song "This Is For Real" was used in the trailer for the movie ''[[17 Again (film)|17 Again]]'' and "It Had To Be You" in the trailer for [[Hotel For Dogs]]. |
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Most of Motion City Soundtrack's lyrical content was written by lead vocalist, Justin Pierre.<ref name="noisey" /><ref name="pga" /> This material was largely affected by his personal life and past experiences. Songs came about in myriad ways. Many times, the band would write music first that Pierre would set words to, other times Pierre would write a song on guitar with words and bring it to the band.<ref name="ol"/> Pierre could often "spend hours and days and weeks and months on lyrics—sometimes they come quick, sometimes they don't come at all," he said. He noted that he had a screenwriting teacher in film school that taught him to "write what you know," but in his case, he could only write about "being a self-obsessed pessimistic sort of loser." This led him to characterize his writing as a sort of therapy for him and a vehicle to better understand the human condition.<ref name="ol"/> |
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Motion City Soundtrack's major label debut with Columbia will be produced by [[Blink-182]] member [[Mark Hoppus]]. Hoppus worked with the band for their second album, ''[[Commit This to Memory]]'', of which Hoppus said, "I think that 'Memory' is a really great record... For me, it encapsulates what Motion City Soundtrack is and can do. Now they want to make a record that's along those lines but pushes it even further."<ref name="Blink">{{Cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/blink-182-motion-city-soundtrack-albums-1003968699.story|title=Blink-182, Motion City Soundtrack Albums in the Works|work=Billboard|accessdate=2009-05-14}}</ref> He says the album will incorporate a heavier, more experimental side of the group. "There's an edge on this record that I'm really excited about getting into," he said. "But it still has all the catchiness of everything that I personally love about Motion City Soundtrack. As a fan, it's really exciting to get to work with them again and help them flesh out this new vision of themselves."<ref name="Blink"/> Motion City Soundtrack played the first two shows of the blink-182 tour in Las Vegas on July 23 and 24. |
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{{Listen |
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|filename = Attractive Today - MCS.ogg |
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|title = "Attractive Today" |
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|description = This sample of the first song on ''Commit This to Memory'' illustrates Pierre's lyrics–often centering on relationships and time–as well as Johnson's Moog synthesizer. |
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}} |
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''Commit This to Memory'' "addresses the themes of [[substance abuse]], [[psychological disorder]]s and failing relationships."<ref name="pga">{{cite news|url=http://puregrainaudio.com/interviews/interview-with-motion-city-soundtrack-vocalist-and-guitarist-justin-pierre-discusses-commit-this-to-memory-songwriting-and-the-shortest-lifetime-ever|title=Interview with Motion City Soundtrack; Vocalist and Guitarist Justin Pierre Discusses 'Commit This To Memory', Songwriting and the Shortest Lifetime Ever|date=January 12, 2015|author=Justin Franco|access-date=March 29, 2016|publisher=Pure Grain Audio}}</ref> For the record, he intended to simplify his lyrics to enhance [[storytelling]] and he drew inspiration from Tom Waits, Ben Folds, and [[John K. Samson]]'s writing styles.<ref name="altpress05">{{cite journal |date=July 2005 |title=Motion City Soundtrack Article |journal=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]] |location=[[Cleveland, Ohio]] |publisher=Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. |issue=204 |pages=129–130 |issn=1065-1667}}</ref> In some cases, he chose to write from another individual's [[Point of view (philosophy)|point of view]], rather than his own.<ref name=rs>{{cite journal| last =Robertson| first =Jessica| date =June 9, 2005|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/motion-city-soundtrack-get-committed-20050609|title =Motion City Get Committed| journal =[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]| issue =976 | publisher =[[Jann Wenner|Wenner Media]] [[Limited liability company|LLC]]| location =[[New York City]] | issn =0035-791X }}</ref> Their next album, ''Even If It Kills Me'', was Pierre's first "written completely sober, after battling drugs and alcohol for years;"<ref name=card>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailycardinal.com/article/416 |title=Motion City Soundtrack album a credit to pop-punk genre |date=September 27, 2007 |publisher=DailyCardinal.com |last=Condon |first=Emma |access-date=July 31, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220102200/http://dailycardinal.com/article/416 |archive-date=December 20, 2007 }}</ref> consequently, the record is more optimistic and less self-loathing.<ref name="river">{{cite news|author=Jonah Bayer|url=http://www.riverfronttimes.com/2007-12-05/music/commit-this-to-memory/|title=Commit ''This'' to Memory|newspaper=[[The Riverfront Times]]|date=December 6, 2007|access-date=March 29, 2016|archive-date=April 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422231607/http://www.riverfronttimes.com/2007-12-05/music/commit-this-to-memory/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''My Dinosaur Life'' has lyrics relating to relationships,<ref name="dis">{{cite AV media |people=Justin Pierre, Joshua Cain |year=2010 |title=My Dinosaur Life Track by Track: Stand Too Close |medium=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP-161HEAf0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/SP-161HEAf0 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2016|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]|display-authors=etal}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[procrastination]],<ref name="weak">{{cite AV media |people=Justin Pierre, Joshua Cain |year=2010 |title=My Dinosaur Life Track by Track: The Weakends|medium=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6nefA8ZAKg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/L6nefA8ZAKg |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2016|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]|display-authors=etal}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and Pierre's own desire for a life away from his self-destructive behavior.<ref name="life">{{cite AV media |people=Justin Pierre, Joshua Cain |year=2010 |title=My Dinosaur Life Track by Track: A Life Less Ordinary (Need A Little Help) |medium=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdoBP70baLI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/rdoBP70baLI |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=March 29, 2016|publisher=[[Columbia Records]]|display-authors=etal}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Much of the lyricism on fifth album ''Go'' is consumed with death and "the eventual demise of everything." The idea that "nothing lasts forever" is one of the album's most important points.<ref name="spin11"/> |
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==Honors and awards== |
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The band completed the recording of their upcoming fourth studio album on June 28, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alterthepress.com/2009/06/motion-city-soundtrack-finish-new-album.html|title=Motion City Soundtrack Finish New Album|publisher=Alter the Press|accessdate=2009-07-05}}</ref> Whilst on tour with [[Blink-182]], Motion City Soundtrack did an interview for MTV with [[Mark Hoppus]], in which it was revealed that the band's fourth album will be titled ''[[My Dinosaur Life]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1617297/20090730/blink_182.jhtml|title=Blink-182's Mark Hoppus Grills Motion City Soundtrack About New LP|publisher=MTV|accessdate=2009-07-31}}</ref> |
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[[File:Motion City Soundtrack - First Avenue Star.jpg|thumb|Motion City Soundtrack's star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub [[First Avenue (nightclub)|First Avenue]]]] |
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The band has been honored with a star on the outside mural of the [[Minneapolis]] nightclub [[First Avenue (nightclub)|First Avenue]],<ref name="FirstAveStars">{{cite web |url=http://first-avenue.com/about/thestars |title=The Stars |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=First Avenue & 7th Street Entry |access-date=2020-05-10 |archive-date=2020-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418135117/https://first-avenue.com/about/thestars |url-status=dead }}</ref> recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue.<ref name="StarTribune2019">{{cite news |last=Bream |first=Jon |url=https://www.startribune.com/10-things-you-ll-learn-about-first-avenue-in-new-minnesota-history-center-show/509374312/ |title=10 things you'll learn about First Avenue in new Minnesota History Center show |work=[[Star Tribune]] |location=Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota |date=2019-05-03 |access-date=2020-05-10 }}</ref> Receiving a star "might be the most prestigious public honor an artist can receive in Minneapolis," according to journalist Steve Marsh.<ref name="MSPMag2019">{{cite news |last=Marsh |first=Steve |url=http://mspmag.com/arts-and-culture/first-avenue-star-wall/ |title=First Avenue's Star Wall |work=Mpls.St.Paul Magazine |location=Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota |date=2019-05-13 |access-date=2020-05-10 }}</ref> |
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In October 2009, the band released the first song from their upcoming album, "Disappear", as a free download on their website<ref>http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com/news/new-song-disappear-available-free-download-now</ref>; the music video for "Disappear" was released November 19, 2009. The band played a special show in Minneapolis on October 30, then toured briefly with Weezer in early December. The band played a three-night engagement at Lincoln Hall in Chicago from December 18–20, playing one of their three albums beginning-to-end each night.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com/tour|title=Motion City Soundtrack Website Tour Dates|accessdate=2009-10-27}}</ref> ''My Dinosaur Life'' was released worldwide January 19, 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com/home|title=The Official Motion City Soundtrack Site|accessdate=2009-11-03}}</ref> to even stronger reviews than their previous album.<ref>http://www.metacritic.com/music/my-dinosaur-life</ref> |
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On October 31, 2017, the band's hit single, "[[Everything Is Alright]]" received an official [[RIAA certification|gold]] status by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gold & Platinum |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/ |access-date=2022-05-28 |website=RIAA |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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They have also confirmed that they will be playing at Reading and Leeds festivals in 2010 on the Main Stage.<ref>[http://www.leedsfestival.com/lineup/index.aspx Leeds Festival 2010 Lineup]<!-- please note this link won't have the same info when 2011 festival info goes up & will need to be updated--></ref> |
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==Band members== |
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== Musical style and influences == |
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{{col-begin}} |
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[[File:275662360 e5686a25f9.jpg|thumb|left|The lead guitarist of Motion City Soundtrack, Joshua Cain, performing at Newcastle University in 2006.]] |
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;Current members |
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[[Justin Pierre]] and [[Joshua Cain]] formed the band with shared inspiration from [[Sunny Day Real Estate]], [[Jawbox]], [[The Flaming Lips]], and [[Superchunk]].<ref name=allmusic>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:acfqxq80ldde~T1|title=Motion City Soundtrack Biography|publisher=AllMusic|last=Andrew Leahey|first=MacKenzie Wilson|accessdate=2008-07-31}}</ref> They have since been noted as being influenced by [[Braid (band)|Braid]] and [[The Rentals]],<ref name=allmus/> "early 90s rock",<ref name=vibe/> [[Elvis Costello]], [[Pixies (band)|Pixies]], 80s music, dance music and [[Ben Folds]].<ref name=cc/> |
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* [[Justin Pierre]] – [[lead vocals]], [[rhythm guitar]] (1997–2016, 2019–present), [[Keyboard (music)|keyboards]] (1998–2001), [[lead guitar]] (2002) |
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* [[Joshua Cain]] – lead guitar (1998–2002, 2002–2016, 2019–present), backing vocals (1998–2016, 2019–present), bass (1997–1998, 2002), keyboards (1998–2001) |
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* Jesse Johnson – synthesizer, keyboards, piano (2001–2016, 2019–present)<ref name=modrad/> |
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* Matthew Taylor – bass, backing vocals (2002–2016, 2019–present) |
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* Tony Thaxton – [[Drum kit|drums]], [[percussion]], backing vocals (2002–2013, 2016, 2019–present) |
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;Current touring musicians |
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The band's musical style is widely recognizable by its unique blend of [[pop punk]] with the [[moog synthesizer]]. They have been widely attributed to a number of different genres, including [[pop rock]],<ref name=allmusic/> [[indie rock]],<ref name=newsrec/> [[punk revival]] and the usual reference of [[pop punk]].<ref name=allmusic/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mp3.com/artist/motion-city-soundtrack/summary/|title=Motion City Soundtrack|publisher=MP3.com|accessdate=2008-07-31}}</ref> They have been said to display "more pop than any other genre" which mix in "alternative-based, acoustic songs" to "switch up the successful flavor that gained them notoriety."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://media.www.tnhonline.com/media/storage/paper674/news/2007/11/02/ArtsLiving/Motion.City.Soundtrack.Musically.Matures.But.Still.Keeps.Pop.Roots-3073857.shtml|publisher=The New Hampshire|title=Motion City Soundtrack musically matures but still keeps pop roots|date=2007-11-02|last=Beland|first=Amanda|accessdate=2008-07-31}}</ref> The band has been described as being "too diverse to fit into just one particular genre," with Pierre replying by suggesting the band could fit into "Scrabble rock. Not Fraggle rock. You know the game [[Scrabble]], where you’ve got to come up with the big words and you get the most points," he was referring to the lyrical content of the songs, where he admits he must sometimes use a [[dictionary]] to "fact-check".<ref name=rip>{{cite web|url=http://www.ripitup.com.au/interviews/5951|title=Motion City Soundtrack Wired for Soundwave|publisher=Rip It Up.com.au|last=O’Donohue|first=Danielle|accessdate=2008-07-31 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080601162416/http://www.ripitup.com.au/interviews/5951 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = June 1, 2008}}</ref> |
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* Zach Comtois – rhythm guitar (2023–present) |
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* Kate Steinberg – synthesizer, keyboards, piano (2024) |
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;Former members<ref name=modrad>{{cite web|url=http://www.modern-radio.com/mcs.html |title=Modern Radio Bands: Motion City Soundtrack |publisher=ModernRadio.com |access-date=June 16, 2008|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014063157/http://www.modern-radio.com/mcs.html |archive-date=October 14, 2008 }}</ref> |
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Their debut album, ''[[I Am the Movie]]'' has been described as having a "distinctly unified and identifiable style."<ref name=cc/> An article by The News Record's Jeff Miller in 2004 said, "inspirations for the band's style range from [[Elvis Costello]] to [[Huey Lewis]], but it is more appropriately described as a fusion of [[Jimmy Eat World]] and [[The Get Up Kids]], enough high-energy to classify under punk, contrasted with enough [[emo]] lyrics to fill up a [[LiveJournal]]." Motion City Soundtrack's "synth-pop-punk" style has been brought upon by "lyrics and guitar lines that are purposefully designed to get stuck in your head, all perpetuated by the catchiness of Johnson's keyboards."<ref name=newsrec>{{cite web|url=http://media.www.newsrecord.org/media/storage/paper693/news/2004/11/15/ArtsEntertainment/Motion.City.Soundtrack.Boards.A.PopPunk.Train-804328.shtml|title=Motion City Soundtrack boards a pop-punk train|publisher=The News Record.org|last=Miller|first=Jeff|date=2004-11-15|accessdate=2008-07-31}}</ref> |
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* Joe Skinner – lead guitar (1997–1997) |
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* Andrew Whitney – drums (1997–1998) |
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* Andrew Gruhn – keyboards (1998)<ref name="vw"/> |
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* Austin Lindstrom – bass (1998–2000, 2001–2002) |
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* Joel Habedank – drums (1998–2000) |
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* Matt Potocnik – bass (2000–2001) |
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* Sidney Burgdorf – drums (2001) |
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* Claudio Rivera – drums (2013–2016) |
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{{col-end}} |
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===Timeline=== |
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The band's third studio album, ''[[Even if It Kills Me]]'', came with more of a pop sound than the previous two.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.punknews.org/review/6691|title=Motion City Soundtrack – Even If It Kills Me|publisher=Punk News.org|accessdate=2008-07-31}}</ref> [[Jesse Johnson (keyboardist)|Jesse Johnson]] has said the band had the opportunity to add "elements such as strings onto the latest record."<ref name=noize>{{cite web|url=http://www.noizemakesenemies.co.uk/2007/10/motion-city-soundtrack-interview.html|title=Motion City Soundtrack – Interview|publisher=Noizemakesenemies.co.uk|last=Wilkinson|first=Sophie|accessdate=2008-07-31}}</ref> [[The Daily Cardinal]] said that the "album is true to the band’s fast-paced punk roots while remaining firmly anchored in catchy [[bubblegum pop]] melodies," demonstrating the band's "maturing style" while "the pop-punchers play it safe and stick to what they know best."<ref name=card>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailycardinal.com/article/416|title=Motion City Soundtrack album a credit to pop-punk genre|date=2007-09-27|publisher=DailyCardinal.com|last=Condon|first=Emma|accessdate=2008-07-31}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> |
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{{#tag:timeline| |
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ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:20 |
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PlotArea = left:100 bottom:80 top:10 right:10 |
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Alignbars = justify |
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DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy |
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Period = from:06/01/1997 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}} |
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TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy |
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Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4 |
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ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1998 |
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ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1998 |
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Colors = |
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[[Metro Station (band)|Metro Station]] credits Motion City Soundtrack as an influence, following Cain and Pierre's production of two songs for their debut [[Metro Station (album)|self-titled album]].<ref name=allmus>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:acfqxq80ldde|title=Motion City Soundtrack|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=2008-07-31}}</ref> |
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id:lv value:red legend:Lead_vocals,_rhythm_guitar |
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id:bv value:pink legend:Backing_vocals |
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id:g value:green legend:Lead_guitar |
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id:keyboard value:purple legend:Keyboards |
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id:bass value:blue legend:Bass |
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id:drums value:orange legend:Drums |
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id:album value:black legend:Studio_album |
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id:bars value:gray(0.95) |
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BackgroundColors = bars:bars |
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=== Lyrical themes === |
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A large portion of Motion City Soundtrack's lyrical content is written by lead vocalist, Justin Pierre. Over the years this material has been largely affected by his personal life and past experiences. In 2007, the band's third album was Pierre's first "written completely sober, after battling drugs and alcohol for years".<ref name=card/> Referencing his accomplishment in the song "Even if It Kills Me", "I can say that I want to try / To get better and overcome each moment / In my own way."<ref name=card/> Pierre says he draws inspiration for lyrics from artists like "[[Ben Folds]] and [[Tom Waits]] and people who I believe tell stories". In particular, the song "Antonia" from the band's third album, was written about a number of real people Pierre knows, including his sister and the band's drummer [[Tony Thaxton]].<ref name=rip/> He said "It is 100 percent true but not necessarily about one person. But the idea itself is a love story, liking all of those idiosyncrasies and quirks and weird things that are maybe confusing to some people but they all make up this unique individual and you love that person."<ref name=rip/> Pierre illustrated his Ben Folds influence in the 2007 song, "The Conversation", saying it was "kind of a Ben Folds-type thing. I was a little nervous that it was a little too Ben Folds, but I was told that it wasn't, so we just went with it," commenting "I just think [he's influenced me] as a lyricist, and he's got such a great voice. It just kind of melts. Everything he does is pretty much golden as far as I'm concerned."<ref name=recoil/> |
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== Touring == |
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layer:back |
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[[File:Motion City Soundtrack.jpg|thumb|right|Motion City Soundtrack's Joshua Cain and Jesse Johnson performing at Newcastle University in 2008]] |
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Motion City Soundtrack has embarked on tours frequently from the start. Being a small-time band from [[Minneapolis]], they featured in tours alongside other local acts such as AMP 176.<ref name=modrad/> As they grew a larger fan base they began playing shows with other bands in a similar progression towards success. They played basement shows with [[Fall Out Boy]] and [[The All-American Rejects]] before they all found their commercial success,<ref name=rehearsalvid/> with Fall Out Boy's [[Pete Wentz]] opening some small punk club shows for them.<ref name=recoil>{{cite web|url=http://recoilmag.com/interviews/?1076|title=Motion City Soundtrack interview|publisher=Recoilmag.com|last=Mitts|first=Eric|date=2007-10|accessdate=2008-08-07}}</ref> Since then Motion City Soundtrack has said that their level of success was due to the constant touring they have always done; it has gained them recognition as one of the hardest working bands in the genre of [[pop punk]].<ref name=rehearsalvid/><ref name=cc>{{cite web|url=http://www.counterculture.co.uk/interview/motion-city-soundtrack-josh-cain-justin-pierre.html|title=Motion City Soundtrack : Joshua Cain, Justin Pierre. They are the Movie...|publisher=Counterculture.co.uk| last=Newbold|first=Paul|accessdate=2008-07-31}}</ref> Backed by the success of their first album and their signing to Epitaph, Motion City Soundtrack toured for quite some time, having venues in the UK upgraded to accommodate a larger audience for shows alongside The All-American Rejects and [[Limbeck]].<ref name=cc/> In 2004 they played around 320 shows.<ref name=appod/> They were invited to tour with [[Blink 182]] through Europe and Japan, with Blink 182 bassist [[Mark Hoppus]] taking a liking to them and later producing their second album, ''[[Commit This to Memory]]''.<ref name=allmusic/> |
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at:09/18/2015 |
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Gradually working their way up, the band have been on multiple worldwide tours, notably through Japan, the UK and Australia where they've built a name for themselves with their enthusiasm and energetic live shows.<ref name=mxmcs>{{cite web|url=http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/news/local/2661/MxPx-Motion-City-Soundtrack-Heading-Our-Way.htm|title=MxPx & Motion City Soundtrack Heading Our Way|publisher=Faster Louder.com.au|date=2005-07-21|accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> In 2005, the band's heavy touring saw them on their first Australian tour alongside punk rockers [[MxPx]],<ref name=mxmcs/> the Nintendo Fusion tour with [[Fall Out Boy]], [[The Starting Line]] and [[Boys Night Out]],<ref name=fusion>{{cite web|url=http://www.livedaily.com/news/8565.html|title=More dates surface for Nintendo Fusion tour|publisher=Live Daily.com|date=2005-08-09|accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> as well as playing their third straight [[Warped Tour]].<ref name=mxmcs/> They also performed at [[Houston, Texas|Houston]]'s [[Buzzfest]] in October that same year. |
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bar:Justin text:"Justin Pierre" |
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bar:Joe text:"Joe Skinner" |
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bar:Andrew text:"Andrew Gruhn" |
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bar:Jesse text:"Jesse Johnson" |
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bar:Joshua text:"Joshua Cain" |
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bar:Austin text:"Austin Lindstrom" |
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bar:Matt text:"Matt Potocnik" |
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bar:Matthew text:"Matthew Taylor" |
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bar:Andy text:"Andy Whitney" |
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bar:Joel text:"Joel Habedank" |
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bar:Sidney text:"Sidney Burgdorf" |
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bar:Tony text:"Tony Thaxton" |
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bar:Claudio text:"Claudio Rivera" |
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In late 2007 they embarked on a US [[Autumn|Fall]] Tour with [[Anberlin]], [[Metro Station (band)|Metro Station]] and [[Mae]]. Continued support for their third album saw them supporting headliners [[Panic at the Disco]] alongside [[The Hush Sound]] on the 2008 [[Honda Civic Tour]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS212975+24-Jan-2008+PRN20080124|title=Honda Civic Tour 2008 Press Release|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=2008-07-03 | date=January 24, 2008}}</ref> Motion City Soundtrack now holds a reputation as a headline act and main stage performer at large concerts and music festivals. Headlining dates on America’s [[Warped Tour]] in 2008<ref name=warp>{{cite web|url=http://www.livedaily.com/news/14352.html|title=Warped Tour adds Pennywise, Motion City Soundtrack|publisher=Live Daily.com|date=2008-06-10|accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> and playing main stage around Australia’s [[Soundwave (Australian music festival)|Soundwave festival]] in 2008, alongside massive acts [[The Offspring]], [[Killswitch Engage]] and [[Incubus (band)|Incubus]].<ref name=fastl>{{cite web|url=http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/news/local/10933/Soundwave-confirms-2008-lineup.htm|title=Soundwave confirms 2008 lineup|publisher=Faster Louder.com.au|date=2007-10-19|accessdate=2008-07-03}}</ref> |
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width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4) |
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bar:Justin from:06/01/1997 till:12/31/2016 color:lv |
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Motion City Soundtrack embarked on a co-headlining US tour alongside [[Chiodos]], [[Hit the Lights]] and [[Person L]], from September 22 up until October 2, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=429631|title=Chiodos and Motion City Tour Dates|last=Beringer|first=Drew|accessdate=2008-09-06}}</ref> |
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bar:Justin from:06/18/2019 till:end color:lv |
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bar:Justin from:06/01/1998 till:12/01/2001 color:keyboard width:3 |
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The went on tour tour in supporting their newest record, [[My Dinosaur Life]] entitled "The Dino Initiative Tour" with openers [[Set Your Goals (band)]], [[The Swellers]] and [[This Providence]]. |
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bar:Justin from:04/01/2002 till:06/01/2002 color:g width:3 |
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bar:Joshua from:06/01/1997 till:01/01/1998 color:bass |
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They are scheduled to play Soundwave 2010 in Australia, the band's second time appearing on this festival. |
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bar:Joshua from:01/01/1998 till:12/31/2016 color:g |
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bar:Joshua from:06/18/2019 till:end color:g |
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They made an appearance on the 2010 Vans [[Warped Tour]] in the line-up from June 24 to July 18. |
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bar:Joshua from:01/01/1998 till:12/31/2016 color:bv width:3 |
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bar:Joshua from:06/01/1998 till:12/01/2001 color:keyboard width:7 |
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They played at the Reading and Leeds Festival in 2010, sharing the Main Stage with bands such as Blink-182 and All Time Low. |
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bar:Joshua from:04/01/2002 till:06/01/2002 color:bass |
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bar:Joshua from:12/01/2001 till:12/31/2016 color:bv width:3 |
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They are also confirmed to be co-headlining with indie-rock band [[Say Anything (band)|Say Anything]] on tour this fall between October and November. Along side openers including [[Saves the Day]] and [[Valencia (band) |Valencia]]. |
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bar:Joshua from:06/18/2019 till:end color:bv width:3 |
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bar:Joe from:06/01/1997 till:01/01/1998 color:g |
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== Members == |
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bar:Austin from:01/01/1998 till:09/01/2000 color:bass |
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=== Current === |
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bar:Austin from:04/01/2001 till:04/01/2002 color:bass |
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* [[Justin Pierre]] – lead vocals, guitar (1997–present) |
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bar:Matt from:09/01/2000 till:04/01/2001 color:bass |
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* [[Joshua Cain]] – guitar, backing vocals (1997–present) |
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bar:Andy from:07/01/1997 till:01/01/1998 color:drums |
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* Jesse Johnson – [[moog synthesizer]], [[Keyboard (music)|keyboard]] (2002–present) |
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bar:Joel from:01/01/1998 till:12/31/2000 color:drums |
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* Matthew Taylor – bass guitar, piano, backing vocals (2002–present) |
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bar:Sidney from:06/01/2001 till:12/31/2001 color:drums |
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* Tony Thaxton – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2002–present) |
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bar:Andrew from:01/01/1998 till:06/01/1998 color:keyboard |
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bar:Jesse from:12/01/2001 till:12/31/2016 color:keyboard |
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=== Former === |
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bar:Jesse from:06/18/2019 till:end color:keyboard |
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* Joe Skinner – guitar (1997) |
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bar:Matthew from:06/01/2002 till:12/31/2016 color:bass |
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* Andrew Gruhn – moog synthesizer (1998) |
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bar:Matthew from:06/18/2019 till:end color:bass |
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* Kevin Sheeler - lead harmonica (1999-2003) |
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bar:Matthew from:06/01/2002 till:12/31/2016 color:bv width:3 |
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* Austin Lindstrom – bass (1998–2000, 2001–2002) |
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bar:Matthew from:06/18/2019 till:end color:bv width:3 |
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* Jose Sanchez - rhythm guitar (1997–2003) |
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bar:Tony from:01/01/2002 till:03/20/2013 color:drums |
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* Andrew Whitney – drums, percussion (1997–1998) |
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bar:Tony from:03/11/2016 till:12/31/2016 color:drums |
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* Joel Habedank – drums, percussion (1998–2000) |
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bar:Tony from:06/18/2019 till:end color:drums |
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* Matthew Potocnik – bass (2000–2001) |
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bar:Tony from:01/01/2002 till:03/20/2013 color:bv width:3 |
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* Sidney Burgdorf – drums, percussion (2001) |
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bar:Tony from:03/11/2016 till:12/31/2016 color:bv width:3 |
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bar:Tony from:06/18/2019 till:end color:bv width:3 |
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== Discography == |
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bar:Claudio from:06/20/2013 till:03/11/2016 color:drums |
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{{Main|Motion City Soundtrack discography}} |
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}} |
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==Discography== |
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=== Studio albums === |
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{{Main|Motion City Soundtrack discography|List of songs recorded by Motion City Soundtrack}} |
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* 2003: ''[[I Am the Movie]]'' |
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;Studio albums |
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* 2005: ''[[Commit This to Memory]]'' |
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* |
*''[[I Am the Movie]]'' (2003) |
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* |
*''[[Commit This to Memory]]'' (2005) |
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*''[[Even If It Kills Me]]'' (2007) |
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*''[[My Dinosaur Life]]'' (2010) |
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*''[[Go (Motion City Soundtrack album)|Go]]'' (2012) |
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*''[[Panic Stations (album)|Panic Stations]]'' (2015) |
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== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist|2}} |
{{Reflist|2}} |
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== |
==External links== |
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{{commons category}} |
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* [http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com MotionCitySoundtrack.com] Official website |
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* {{ |
* {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p559718|label=Motion City Soundtrack}} |
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* {{Facebook|motioncitysoundtrack}} |
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* [http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/discography/index.jsp?pid=515278&aid=954481&utm_source=wikipedia&utm_medium=pv&utm_campaign=motion_city_soundtrack/ Billboard's Complete Discography for Motion City Soundtrack] |
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*[http://www.hitthefloor.co.uk/events/festivals/htf-reports-reading-festival-2010-part-3-motion-city-soundtrack-foxy-shazam-interviews/ Motion City Soundtrack Interview - Reading Festival 2010 - HitTheFloor.co.uk] |
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{{Motion City Soundtrack}} |
{{Motion City Soundtrack}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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Latest revision as of 20:40, 17 November 2024
Motion City Soundtrack | |
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Background information | |
Origin | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
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Past members |
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Website | motioncitysoundtrack |
Motion City Soundtrack is an American rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1997. The band's line-up consists of vocalist and guitarist Justin Pierre, lead guitarist Joshua Cain, keyboardist Jesse Johnson, bassist Matthew Taylor, and drummer Tony Thaxton. Over the course of their career, the group has toured heavily and released six studio albums, the majority on independent label Epitaph Records. The band's sound, usually described as pop-punk and/or emo, makes notable use of the Moog synthesizer. Pierre mainly handles the band's lyrics, which often touch on themes of anxiety, alienation, relationships, and self-destructive behavior.
The band was founded by Cain and Pierre, and took several years to form a stable lineup. I Am the Movie, the group's debut album, was released in 2003. Their commercial breakthrough, Commit This to Memory, arrived in 2005, and its follow-up Even If It Kills Me (2007) was similarly successful. For many years, the band was a staple of the Warped Tour. They briefly signed to major label Columbia for My Dinosaur Life (2010), but rejoined Epitaph for Go in 2012. Their most recent effort, Panic Stations, was released in 2015. The group disbanded the following year, but they announced a reunion in 2019.
History
[edit]Formation and early years (1997–2003)
[edit]Motion City Soundtrack was formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1997 by singer-songwriter Justin Courtney Pierre and guitarist Joshua Allen Cain. Previously, the duo had separately played in a number of bands.[1][2] Cain was in a group named the Saddest Girl Story, and recruited Pierre to join as a singer.[2] He was subsequently in a band called Boxcar, and following its dissolution, he and Pierre founded Motion City Soundtrack together.[3] The band's name was inspired by a defunct film project that was originally created by Cain's brother, Brian.[4][5] Their early days were difficult, as they found it hard to break out of their local scene. When they could get weeks off from their jobs, they would tour.[6] According to Cain, the members of the band soon realized that there "wasn't really anywhere to play [shows] in Minneapolis", and that they would have to "tour all the time" to rise in popularity.[7] In its early years, the group went through several lineup changes.[8] Through these, Cain and Pierre would often have to take over keyboard duties during shows.[9] The group's first release was a 7-inch single, "Promenade / Carolina", released in 1999.[1] Their next two releases, both extended plays—Kids for America and Back to the Beat—were released the following year.[10]
Over the course of the early 2000s, the band continued to tour and shuffle through members. In late 2001, while touring in Milton, Pennsylvania with the band Submerge, they convinced two of its members—bassist Matthew Scott Taylor and drummer Tony Richard Thaxton—to join the band.[11][12] Thaxton initially took about a year to convince to join the band.[7] Jesse Mack Johnson, a friend and co-worker of Cain's, joined the band as keyboardist just three weeks before the band recorded their first album.[13] Johnson had never played the keyboard before but Cain taught him the parts that had already been written.[12] After their first attempt at self-recording an album failed, the band culled together $6,000 to record with producer Ed Rose, best known for his work with the Get Up Kids.[14] They recorded much of their debut album, I Am the Movie, in ten days.[15] Initial copies were hand-packaged inside floppy disks,[16] which were sold out of the back of their tour van for a year.[17]
The band began receiving offers from various record labels, including Universal, Triple Crown Records, and Drive-Thru Records, and they performed at industry showcases.[3] Meanwhile, Brett Gurewitz, founder of Epitaph Records, learned of the band from members of the group Matchbook Romance. He attended four of their shows in Los Angeles that Pierre later regarded as among his worst, as his voice was poor from constant touring.[15] While they were interested in Universal, they chose to sign to Epitaph as they felt the contract was less restrictive and more honest. Eli Janney from Girls Against Boys helped the band secure management and a lawyer.[3] Motion City became part of a slew of Epitaph signings, including Matchbook Romance, Scatter the Ashes and From First to Last, amid concerns the Southern California label had strayed too far from its roots, and seemed "a little too emo."[18]
Breakthrough and success (2003–2006)
[edit]After signing with Epitaph, they recorded three new songs with the bands Reggie and the Full Effect and Ultimate Fakebook for a triple split EP which was never released. The new songs were added to the second release of I Am the Movie,[16] which was released via Epitaph on June 24, 2003. Epitaph afforded the quartet wider distribution[15] and a proper budget, which allowed them to re-record several songs on the album to match their original vision.[14] During this time, the band visited the United Kingdom for the first time in 2003 while on tour with Sugarcult,[19] followed by an inaugural stint on Warped Tour 2003.[5] The band continued to tour heavily into the next year, with US dates alongside Rufio, Mae, and Fall Out Boy,[15] plus Simple Plan and MxPx.[20] A European leg—titled the "Totally Wicked Awesome Tour"—featured the group with Sugarcult, the All-American Rejects, and Limbeck.[15] That year, the band also filmed music videos for the singles "The Future Freaks Me Out" and "My Favorite Accident".[5] Their fame grew concurrently with a second appearance on the Warped Tour 2004, where they were considered by fans to be a "must-see" act.[18]
The band joined Blink-182 for touring stints in Europe and Japan later in the year, at the recommendation of the band's bassist, Mark Hoppus.[21] Cain invited Hoppus to produce Motion City's sophomore album, and he accepted.[22] The album, Commit This to Memory, was recorded at Seedy Underbelly Studios, a suburban home converted into a studio in Los Angeles' Valley Village region. It was written partially in their hometown of Minneapolis and in Los Angeles, during a period in which Pierre was seeking treatment for alcohol abuse.[23][24] Commit This to Memory was the first album by the band to feature material crafted by each musician in the group, as previous releases had featured songs written in the years prior to each member joining.[17] In addition, the band also had more time and funds to create the album.[25] During its recording process, Motion City embarked on their first headlining tour, titled "The Sub-Par Punk Who Cares Tour 2004".[18] At the year's end, the band had played over 270 concerts.[14]
Commit This to Memory, which was leaked to file sharing websites months before its official debut,[7] saw release on June 7, 2005, peaking at number two on Billboard's Independent Albums chart.[26] Pierre estimated that by 2015 the album had sold nearly 500,000 copies.[27] The band's music videos found regular rotation on networks such as MTV2, and the band also performed on Late Night with Conan O'Brien.[28] However, their mainstream breakthrough brought detractors, and they became a target for critics of pop punk: "[the band was] frequently characterized as the sort of ultra-commercial punk poseurs who water down the genre to the point of drowning it," wrote Michael Roberts of Westword.[28] The group continued to tour constantly,[25] and started attracting larger crowds.[17] They began the year with the inaugural Epitaph Tour, alongside Matchbook Romance and From First to Last.[29] It was followed by dates on the Warped Tour 2005,[25] and the Nintendo Fusion Tour with Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco, and the Starting Line, which was their largest nationwide tour to that point.[17]
Continued success (2007–2011)
[edit]The band's follow-up, Even If It Kills Me (2007), was recorded in New York City with Eli Janney, Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, and Ric Ocasek of the Cars. The group, though big fans of his work, were disappointed with Ocasek's role. "He just confused me the whole time," said Pierre later, who noted that he was afraid to disclose that the experience was a "bum-out."[27] Pierre struggled with writer's block during the sessions and found himself writing lyrics while recording the songs, which he had never done before. The band was also worried their songs would not be catchy enough after their last album was so successful.[27] During this time, Pierre's substance issues nearly disbanded the group. "I think it's an understatement to say it is tough to be tied to Justin's emotions," Cain remarked at the time.[30] Following completion of the album, Pierre entered a rehabilitation program for alcohol and drug abuse.[31] The band was apart for a six-week stretch in mid-2007, marking their longest break apart in five years. "It might sound clichéd, but we all had a chance to do some growing up," said Cain.[31]
Even If It Kills Me was released on September 18, 2007, and represented a large leap from the group's last chart performance: it peaked at number 16 on the Billboard 200 and number one on the magazine's Independent Albums chart.[26][32] "This Is for Real" became their best-charting single, peaking at number 48 in Australia.[33] Cain later felt that the band placed far too much emphasis at the time on "numbers and trajectory instead of the creative process."[34] The following year saw a rise in profile for the band: they worked out promotional deals with Coca-Cola and Pepsi, their music was licensed in various television shows, movies, and video games, and they toured heavily.[35] The band released an acoustic EP featuring songs from Even if It Kills Me in May 2008.[36] After the release of that EP, the band toured on the Honda Civic Tour with Panic at the Disco and Phantom Planet,[36] and then joined the last weeks of the Warped Tour 2008.[35] In September, they headlined on The Left Handed Forms of Human Endeavor Tour.[37]
Motion City signed a multiple-album deal with Columbia Records several months before releasing their previous album. Following the move, the guitarist Joshua Cain said, "It just felt right to make the move when there was the right interest there."[38] With the new signing, the band's promotional team aimed to develop a balance between the benefits of a new major label and their previous grass-roots approach.[38] Their next album saw the band reunite with producer Mark Hoppus, and the album was mostly recorded at his studio in North Hollywood, Opra Music, between April and June 2009. Hoppus said that the band wanted to follow in the tracks of Commit This to Memory, but to push things further.[39] Pierre later recalled that the atmosphere in the studio was more loose than their first time working with Hoppus.[27] The band picked the title My Dinosaur Life after a quote Pierre kept repeating—they felt it a nice representation of the album's themes, which include growing old and feeling out of place.[40] After completing the album, the band toured with Blink-182 on their reunion tour,[41] and Pierre undertook a promotional tour called On the Dino Trail wherein he performed acoustic sets.[38]
My Dinosaur Life was released to acclaim from music critics upon its debut on January 19, 2010,[42] and it represented the band's all-time best chart performance, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard 200.[32] They supported Weezer on several dates during this time, and they began a headlining tour in late January in the US. In the first three months following the album's release, the band continued to tour heavily: they traveled to Australia for the national Soundwave festival, as well as to Japan and the UK.[38] The band also began to receive radio airplay for the first time in their career,[43] and they released a music video for the single "Her Words Destroyed My Planet".[44] The group embarked on a large tour with Say Anything between October and November 2010,[45] and premiered a self-shot video for "A Lifeless Ordinary" during that time.[46] Columbia dropped the band later that year,[47] with the commercial performance of My Dinosaur Life leading to the split. "I guess we didn't do as well as they hoped or expected us to," said Pierre that year.[48] "And we felt that having all their resources at our disposal would perhaps propel us into another dimension. But we are what we are regardless of what label or machine is behind us. We did exceptionally well, though, if you want to look strictly at sales numbers in today's climate."[48]
Middle years (2012–2016)
[edit]After being dropped by Columbia, the band set off to Brazil to support All Time Low in January 2011.[49] They subsequently began recording their fifth studio album with producer and longtime friend Ed Ackerson at his studio, Flowers Studio, in Minneapolis.[50] The band recorded on their own time with their own resources, which both provided comfort and a sense of nervousness to the group.[51] They relaxed and took their time writing it, and did not preconceive the album as a change in style.[52] "We just felt like it was like we were just taking our time and just kinda living life and not worrying about too much other than getting together and making music," remarked Taylor.[51] Pierre has since looked back on Go with mixed emotions, citing it as his personal least favorite album by the band. He noted that he was struggling with dark thoughts and felt that the band's collective misery translated to the record.[27]
Following the recording of Go, the band set out on the "4 Albums. 2 Nights. 7 Cities" tour, which found the band performing their past discography over two nights.[51] They also covered "Wait So Long" by Trampled by Turtles for a split 7-inch, which was released in November 2011.[53] During that time period, they searched for a label to release Go, ultimately returning to Epitaph.[47] Go was released on June 12, 2012, and received mixed reviews from contemporary music critics. Its chart performance represented a large drop-off from its predecessors, peaking at number 46 on the Billboard 200 and number eight on the Independent Albums chart.[26][32] "True Romance" was the album's lead single, and featured a one-shot music video reminiscent of the works of Spike Jonze.[54] The group spent much of the remaining year on the road, including dates in Asia in mid-2012[55] and a headlining US tour in October and November.[56]
Drummer Tony Thaxton departed the group in March 2013 following battles with depression, due in part to their ceaseless touring schedule.[57] The band enlisted longtime friend Claudio Rivera of Saves the Day as their new drummer,[58] and released a one-off single with him, "Inside Out", in celebration.[59][60] The band immediately began writing a new album, but progress was slow. The group shelved a group of demos they recorded with Mike Sapone, who also worked with Brand New.[34] In the meantime, a video documentary, I Am the Movie: The Movie, was released in 2013. It mainly consists of footage shot of the band around the time of the album's creation.[16] The group participated in Warped Tour 2013[61] and went on a co-headlining tour with Relient K that November.[62]
The group recorded their sixth album, Panic Stations, over two weeks at Pachyderm Studio in Cannon Falls, Minnesota in June 2014.[63] The group collaborated with producer John Agnello, well known for his work with Dinosaur Jr., Walt Mink, and Sonic Youth.[64] The album was largely recorded live.[60] The album's release was delayed by over a year, however, due to the birth of Pierre's daughter. In the interim, the group embarked on a tour celebrating the tenth anniversary of Commit This to Memory between January and February 2015, playing the album in its entirety.[65] The band later extended this anniversary tour, and further toured the album between June and August 2015.[66] Panic Stations was released on September 18, 2015, to positive reviews from music critics,[67] but it debuted even lower on music charts than its predecessor.[32] A tour with the Wonder Years followed between October and November 2015,[68] and saw the release of a split 7-inch between the two bands.[69]
As the band entered 2016, Cain felt the future for the group was bright: "We're not done yet. I think we got more music in us," he told Substream Magazine in January 2016.[34] Two months later the band announced their break-up with a statement that read in part, "We have no idea what the future holds, but for now we are done."[70] In interviews later that year, Pierre detailed the band's reasoning, noting that their exhaustion with touring and growing families contributed to their decision: "We’ve done this one thing constantly for so many years nonstop. We all wanted to have something else to look ahead to in our lives."[71] The band embarked on the So Long, Farewell Tour across North America between May and September 2016 with original drummer Tony Thaxton returning.[72] It concluded with a sold-out show at the Metro in Chicago on September 18, 2016.[73] The group performed 36 songs — some dating back to their 2000 EP, Back to the Beat — while both Thaxton and Rivera sat in on drums.[74]
Reunion (2019–present)
[edit]During their three-year break, all of the members moved to different states and pursued different interests. Pierre continued to record music and tour as a solo act, issuing his debut effort In the Drink in 2018, which Cain assisted him in producing. The following June, the band announced their reformation with a U.S. tour. In an interview, Pierre explained their inactivity had given rise to an "excitement" to focus on the band again.[75] The tour, named "Don't Call It a Comeback" for a song on their debut album, took place in January 2020.[76] Thaxton returned to the band in an official capacity for the tour. The band were scheduled to travel to the U.K. for the Slam Dunk Festival that May,[77] but plans were shelved due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[78] The five-piece continued to tour in 2022, celebrating the seventeenth anniversary of Commit This to Memory.[79]
That same year, the group released three new songs. The first, a cover of Fountains of Wayne's "A Dip in the Ocean", debuted on Saving for a Custom Van, a tribute compilation celebrating the life of musician Adam Schlesinger.[80] Midway through the year, the quartet issued a previously unreleased track, "Crooked Ways"; it was recorded a decade prior and submitted for consideration for inclusion in the Twilight film saga. Author Stephenie Meyer, in a blog post, suggested it was inspiration for her novel Midnight Sun.[81] Lastly, the group recorded a cover of Ed Ackerson's "Wired Weird" for a tribute album to Ackerson, who produced their 2012 album Go and died in 2019.[82] Cain has claimed there is "no official plan" for further music, though he believes the band is not entirely finished making new music.[83] In an Instagram livestream, Pierre hinted at the future possibility of the band releasing new music while answering a viewer's question.[84] Pierre responded, "I would like that. I'm not sure if anyone else would, but I would."
In 2023, the band supported the All-American Rejects on the Wet Hot All-American Summer Tour,[85] staging appearances at Adjacent Fest[86] and When We Were Young.[87] In 2024, the band embarked on an anniversary tour celebrating I Am the Movie.[88] Zach Comtois has filled in as the rhythm guitarist on tour while Pierre recovers from a back injury.[89] The group released the single "Stop Talking" in August 2024 to coincide with the theatrical release of the 2024 film Dìdi, which the song features in.[90] The single is the first original new material released by the band since Panic Stations in 2015.
Musical style and influences
[edit]Music
[edit]The three main influences that unite all members of Motion City Soundtrack are Superchunk, Jawbox, and Pixies.[91][6] Both Joshua Pierre and Matt Taylor are also influenced by Ben Folds Five, Fugazi, and Braid.[19][34][92][93] Pierre also takes inspiration from Poster Children, the Carpenters, the Cardigans,[19] Pavement,[34] Tom Waits, the Flaming Lips, and Sunny Day Real Estate,[94] while Taylor cites That Dog, Swervedriver, Radiohead, the Rentals, and Burning Airlines as additional influences.[93]
Pierre quoted Waits that "all anybody ever does is imitate their favorite artist—badly," adding, "we're just regurgitating all the crap we listened to in the late '80s and early '90s, the music that got us into playing music in the first place."[95]
The band's musical style is widely recognizable by its unique blend of pop-punk with the Moog synthesizer. The usage of the Moog stems from Cain, who first heard the instrument employed on the Rentals' album Return of the Rentals (1995). He subsequently bought a cheap Moog at a pawn shop and wanted it to be an integral part of Motion City upon their formation.[9] Johnson became known for his signature "Moogstand" in live performances, which consisted of a handstand on the instrument.[9] The group has been widely attributed to a number of different genres, including pop rock,[34] power pop,[1] indie rock,[96] emo,[72] and pop-punk.[1] Joshua Cain dismissed this latter label, remarking, "I definitely wouldn't consider us a pop-punk band. Our influences are more based on '90s bands like Superchunk and early Weezer."[97] Pierre characterized the band's music as "dirty, fast, happy, emotional rock songs."[34]
Nylon compared the music of their debut album, I Am the Movie, to All and the Get Up Kids.[95] It has been described as having a "distinctly unified and identifiable style."[98] Subsequent releases varied in style. My Dinosaur Life, for example, saw the band attempting to emulate their favorite post-hardcore acts, such as Archers of Loaf and Dinosaur Jr.[27]
Lyrics
[edit]Most of Motion City Soundtrack's lyrical content was written by lead vocalist, Justin Pierre.[27][99] This material was largely affected by his personal life and past experiences. Songs came about in myriad ways. Many times, the band would write music first that Pierre would set words to, other times Pierre would write a song on guitar with words and bring it to the band.[2] Pierre could often "spend hours and days and weeks and months on lyrics—sometimes they come quick, sometimes they don't come at all," he said. He noted that he had a screenwriting teacher in film school that taught him to "write what you know," but in his case, he could only write about "being a self-obsessed pessimistic sort of loser." This led him to characterize his writing as a sort of therapy for him and a vehicle to better understand the human condition.[2]
Commit This to Memory "addresses the themes of substance abuse, psychological disorders and failing relationships."[99] For the record, he intended to simplify his lyrics to enhance storytelling and he drew inspiration from Tom Waits, Ben Folds, and John K. Samson's writing styles.[100] In some cases, he chose to write from another individual's point of view, rather than his own.[101] Their next album, Even If It Kills Me, was Pierre's first "written completely sober, after battling drugs and alcohol for years;"[102] consequently, the record is more optimistic and less self-loathing.[103] My Dinosaur Life has lyrics relating to relationships,[104] procrastination,[105] and Pierre's own desire for a life away from his self-destructive behavior.[106] Much of the lyricism on fifth album Go is consumed with death and "the eventual demise of everything." The idea that "nothing lasts forever" is one of the album's most important points.[48]
Honors and awards
[edit]The band has been honored with a star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue,[107] recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue.[108] Receiving a star "might be the most prestigious public honor an artist can receive in Minneapolis," according to journalist Steve Marsh.[109]
On October 31, 2017, the band's hit single, "Everything Is Alright" received an official gold status by the Recording Industry Association of America.[110]
Band members
[edit]- Current members
- Justin Pierre – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1997–2016, 2019–present), keyboards (1998–2001), lead guitar (2002)
- Joshua Cain – lead guitar (1998–2002, 2002–2016, 2019–present), backing vocals (1998–2016, 2019–present), bass (1997–1998, 2002), keyboards (1998–2001)
- Jesse Johnson – synthesizer, keyboards, piano (2001–2016, 2019–present)[11]
- Matthew Taylor – bass, backing vocals (2002–2016, 2019–present)
- Tony Thaxton – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2002–2013, 2016, 2019–present)
- Current touring musicians
- Zach Comtois – rhythm guitar (2023–present)
- Kate Steinberg – synthesizer, keyboards, piano (2024)
- Former members[11]
- Joe Skinner – lead guitar (1997–1997)
- Andrew Whitney – drums (1997–1998)
- Andrew Gruhn – keyboards (1998)[9]
- Austin Lindstrom – bass (1998–2000, 2001–2002)
- Joel Habedank – drums (1998–2000)
- Matt Potocnik – bass (2000–2001)
- Sidney Burgdorf – drums (2001)
- Claudio Rivera – drums (2013–2016)
Timeline
[edit]Discography
[edit]- Studio albums
- I Am the Movie (2003)
- Commit This to Memory (2005)
- Even If It Kills Me (2007)
- My Dinosaur Life (2010)
- Go (2012)
- Panic Stations (2015)
References
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As for the three key influences that bind the group together Matt lists Superchunk, The Pixies and Jawbox as mutual loves...
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External links
[edit]- Alternative rock groups from Minnesota
- Pop punk groups from Minnesota
- American power pop groups
- American emo musical groups
- Indie rock musical groups from Minnesota
- Epitaph Records artists
- Columbia Records artists
- Musical groups established in 1997
- Musical groups disestablished in 2016
- Musical groups reestablished in 2019
- 1997 establishments in Minnesota
- Doghouse Records artists