Modern Frequency recently talked to Rob Guariglia from Brooklyn based pop rock trio Modern Whale prior to their performance at Sunnyvale in Brooklyn. Here’s what he had to say about Modern Whale, his inspirations, and playing the Ellen Degeneres show. Below the Q&A check out the video for “The Dirt”, which is a based on a wild goose chase through the NYC subway and Central Park.
You have been involved in many projects. What was it like working with other artists and when did you get the itch to start Modern Whale up?
Hi! I’ve been a freelance record producer for over a decade and have been fortunate to work with many talented people! Working with other artists has always been cool because I find that I learn a thing or two with each project! I’ve enjoyed producing/recording but it has been nice doing whatever I want with Modern Whale. The “itch” came naturally in April of 2016 when I started writing material. Initially this material was only meant for me as a release and I had no intention of releasing it!
Modern Whale seems like it is more pop than alternative. Are you satisfied with where the direction of the band’s sound is going?
As the music and sound were born in an organic process I had absolutely no care or worries about what the sound would be. Bands like the Beatles and Led Zeppelin seemed to effortlessly go from rock to acoustic from song to song and I appreciate that freedom. I think in the case of Modern Whale the band is more rock but the melodies and vocal presentation could be considered more pop. With this all said, yes I am satisfied because it comes from a real place.
What are the band’s inspirations when it comes to the songwriting? What do you find more difficult—putting together the music or the songwriting itself?
I really love the band Phoenix and have been digging LovelyTheBand lots! Also Led Zeppelin is my favorite:) I find putting the music together the easier of the two as writing the final lyric and melody can be more challenging.
Who thinks of the creative video treatments up? Do you enjoy the video process?
The 5 videos that we have released thus far have predominately been created by each director! I have been super fortunate to have amazing friends who are videographers and directors! I very much enjoy the video process as it is another creative journey, I only appear in the video for “Kill The Flame”.
Tell me about Modern Whale’s live performances and what we can expect from your show at Sunnyvale this week?
The Modern Whale live performance would probably be considered very rock in comparison to the released studio material. This is mostly due to the energy that we are able to pull from the crowds! The electric guitar also becomes more prominent. The Sunnyvale show will be exciting as we have a special guest playing drums. His name is Keith Mccray and Keith and I toured the world together playing with Grammy Nominated Ryan Shaw! Some cool moments together were opening for Van Halen for 6 weeks, playing Madison Square Garden and also performing on the Ellen Degeneres show! Needless to say we have a great vibe together, alongside our bassist Matt Lippold.
