Motion City Soundtrack 2462812 226120724 2008-07-16T22:19:29Z 76.186.64.155 {{Infobox musical artist | Name = Motion City Soundtrack | Img = Mcslol.jpg | Img_capt = Motion City Soundtrack playing live at [[Lollapalooza]] 2007. | Background = group_or_band | Origin = [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]], [[United States|USA]] | Genre = [[Pop punk]] <BR> [[Pop rock]]<BR> [[Indie rock]] | Years_active = 1997–present | Label = [[Epitaph Records|Epitaph]] (2003-present)<br>Modern Radio (1999-2000) | URL = [http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com MotionCitySoundtrack.com] | Current_members = [[Joshua Cain]]<br />[[Jesse Johnson (keyboardist)|Jesse Johnson]]<br />[[Justin Pierre]]<br />[[Matthew Taylor (bassist)|Matthew Taylor]]<br />[[Tony Thaxton]] | Past_members = Sidney Burgdorf<br>Matt Potocnik<br>Joel Habedank<br />Austin Lindstrom<br />Andy Gruhn<br>Andy Whitney<br />Joe Skinner }} '''Motion City Soundtrack''' is a [[pop punk]] influenced [[indie rock]] band based in [[United States of America|America]]. The band formed in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]], in 1997, with only two of the founding members still part of the lineup. It currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist [[Justin Pierre]], lead guitarist and backing vocalist [[Joshua Cain]], keyboardist and moogist [[Jesse Johnson (keyboardist)|Jesse Johnson]], bassist and backing vocalist [[Matthew Taylor (bassist)|Matthew Taylor]] with drummer, percussionist and backing vocalist [[Tony Thaxton]].<ref name=epitaph>{{cite web|url=http://www.epitaph.com/artists/artist/134|title=Artist Info: Motion City Soundtrack|publisher=Epitaph.com|accessdate=2008-05-27}}</ref> Motion City Soundtrack have released three [[studio albums]] and sold almost 600,000 records throughout their career, including over half a million in the [[United States]] alone.<ref name=appod/><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|accessdate=2008-06-26}}</ref> Motion City Soundtrack's first release was a [[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 aide 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]]. 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 the epitome of MCS' sales to date, selling 285,000+ records and peaking at #2 on the [[Top 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 single, "Everything Is Alright", which also found success on the likes of MTV, but also fell short in radio airplay and the charts. The release of ''[[Even If It Kills Me]]'' in 2007 propelled the band to their most successful chart results. The album debuted at #16 on the [[Billboard 200]] and #1 on the [[Top 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. Currently, the band is enjoying international recognition,<ref name=rehearsal/> with strong fan bases in countries such as Britain, Ireland, Canada, Japan, and Australia.{{fact|date=June 2008}} ==History== ===Formation and early history=== 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 comprised of only two of the current members, guitarist Joshua Cain and vocalist Justin Pierre. It also contained guitarist Joe Skinner who didn't last until the end of the year, and later, drummer Andy 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 make 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 the brother of Josh Cain, Jesse, Josh says he ''"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/> In January 1998 Motion City Soundtrack played their first live show, and throughout 1998 they played local shows and had numerous lineup changes. Andy 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}}</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> In the early 2000s the band did more chopping and changing of their lineup, with the inclusion and then departure of short-lived bassist, Matt 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, MCS released their first [[Compact disc|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, [http://modern-radio.com/amp176.html AMP 176].<ref name=modrad/> The first EP was closely followed by ''[[Back to the Beat]]''. The second EP was 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> 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 initial recording of their first album and in this time, learned the [[moog synthesizer]] from without any prior experience.<ref name=mtv/><ref name=memories/> In mid-2002 MCS self-released their first album named ''[[I Am the Movie]]'', it would later become the basis for their first full-length [[studio album]], of the same name.<ref name=modrad/> ===''I Am the Movie''=== {{main|I Am the Movie}} ''I Am the Movie'' was self-released twice in 2002 and was quickly picked up by [[Epitaph (label)|Epitaph Records]] for a nationwide release in 2003. The album was produced by [[Ed Rose]]. 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]]". ===''Commit This to Memory''=== {{main|Commit This to Memory}} 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. 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. 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=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> <ref name=rehearsalvid/> whilst the band took part in the first ever [[Epitaph Tour]] in February and March of 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> 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> The album's first single, "Everything Is Alright" featuring [[Patrick Stump]] noted as Patrick Stump of [[Fall Out Boy]], [[Mark Hoppus]] and members of [[Limbeck]], has found significant radio play and has already 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 soundtrack for the video game "[[MLB 06: The Show]]". The band's second video from the song, "Hold Me Down", proved to be a lesser success. ===''Even If It Kills Me''=== [[Image:AltPressMagCover.jpg|thumb|Motion City Soundtrack on the cover of [[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]] in January 2007]] {{main|Even If It Kills Me}} 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> 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/> 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", a song that featured as track seven on the eventuating 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> After the disasterous circumstances with the leak of their second album, the band took precautions prior to 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/> The album eventuated as their most successful both commercially and critically. It received postive reviews from numerous sources, with [[United Kingdom|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 [[Top Independent Albums]] charts at #1, as well as reaching #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> 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''. A physical release of the EP is expected for later in 2008.<ref name=acousticep>{{cite web|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2008/04/24/motion-city-soundtrack-plan-to-release-acoustic-ep|title=Motion City Soundtrack plan to release Acoustic EP|publisher=Consequence of Sound|accessdate=2008-05-04|date=2008-05-04}}</ref> 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 subsidary to major label [[Sony BMG]].<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><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> ==Touring== 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 begun 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/> and since the band has said that their level of success was due to the touring they have always done. Their constant touring has gaining them recognition as one of the hardest working bands in the genre of [[pop punk]].<ref name=rehearsalvid/> Backed by the success of their first album and their signing to Epitaph, Motion City Soundtrack toured for quite some time and in 2004 they played 320 shows.<ref name=appod/> Gradually working their way up, the band have been on multiple worldwide tours, notably through Japan, the [[United Kingdom|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 has 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/> In early 2008 they embarked on a [[United States|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]] on the 2008 [[Honda Civic Tour]].<ref>{{cite web|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}}</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 [[Australian Soundwave Festival|Australia’s Soundwave Festival]] in 2008, alongside massive acts [[The Offspring]], [[Killswitch Engage]] and [[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> ==Personnel== ===Current=== * [[Justin Pierre]] – [[Lead Vocals]], [[Guitar]] * [[Joshua Cain]] – [[Guitar]], [[Backing Vocals]] * [[Jesse Johnson (keyboardist)|Jesse Johnson]] – [[Moog Synthesizer]], [[Keyboard (music)|Keyboard]] * [[Matthew Taylor (bassist)|Matthew Taylor]] – [[Bass Guitar]], [[Piano]], Backing Vocals * [[Tony Thaxton]] – [[Drum kit|Drums]], [[Percussion]], Backing Vocals ===Former=== * Sidney Burgdorf – Drums, Percussion (2001) * Matt Potocnik - Bass (2000-2001) * Joel Habedank – Drums, Percussion (1998-2000) * Austin Lindstrom - Bass (1998-2000, 2001-2002) * Andy Gruhn - Moog sythesizer (1998) * Andy Whitney - Drums, Percussion (1997-1998) * Joe Skinner - Guitar (1997) ==Discography== {{main|Motion City Soundtrack discography}} {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} <big>'''Studio albums'''</big><div style="padding: 10px;"> * 2003: ''[[I Am the Movie]]'' * 2005: ''[[Commit This to Memory]]'' * 2007: ''[[Even If It Kills Me]]'' </div> {{col-2}} <big>'''Extended plays'''</big><div style="padding: 10px;"> * 2000: ''[[Kids for America]]'' * 2000: ''[[Back to the Beat]]'' * 2008: ''[[Even If It Kills Me#Acoustic EP|Acoustic EP]]'' </div> {{col-end}} ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== *[http://www.motioncitysoundtrack.com MotionCitySoundtrack.com] Official website *{{MySpace|motioncitysoundtrack|Motion City Soundtrack}} *{{PureVolume|motioncitysoundtrack|Motion City Soundtrack}} {{Motion City Soundtrack}} [[Category:Motion City Soundtrack| ]] [[Category:2000s music groups]] [[Category:Minnesota musical groups]] [[Category:Epitaph Records artists]] [[Category:Pop punk groups]] [[Category:Power pop groups]] [[Category:Musical groups established in 1997]] [[de:Motion City Soundtrack]] [[es:Motion City Soundtrack]] [[fr:Motion City Soundtrack]] [[it:Motion City Soundtrack]] [[pl:Motion City Soundtrack]] [[fi:Motion City Soundtrack]]