Mini-Interview: Citizens Here and Abroad

Cancel your plans tonight, because San Francisco's Citizens Here and Abroad are playing LA at El Cid and you should go see them. (Assuming you're actually reading this article on Friday, November 3rd, at least.)

If you haven't heard of the group before, they were one of this site's Band of the Week picks back in September -- when we said they "come armed with a number of haunting male-and-female harmonies to bring you smart pop for your cute, but sort of sad, little face" -- right around the time of the release of their new album, Waving, Not Drowning.

We recently caught up with the band via email while these music-making citizens were, in fact, traveling abroad during their recent UK tour ... when they were admittedly a little punchy and jetlagged from the road.

Hi, guys. So, have you ever gone to a party and ignored everyone inside like you sing in the song Stranger?

Last week we were at a party and I fell asleep on the couch after many wine drinks, ignoring everyone.

You just returned from a tour in the UK. How was it? What were the highlights?

We are answering these questions from our Ford Transit van while navigating our way through London. Other than hitting the worst one-land road traffic congestion we've ever seen, the tour has been grand, with the show in Newcastle a certain highlight. The sun even broke through the cloudy English sky the next day.

I've read a bit of your tour blog. How long have you been writing it? Why?

We started writing it on our first US tour I think, 2 years ago, as a way to remember what happened and to help us maintain our typing speeds of 75+ words/minute during long drives.

How did you start playing together?

A combination of geography, rental pricing, employment rates, and a mutual friend who worked at Kinkos in the financial district.

What does the band's name mean?

It means the same thing as Taking Back Sunday, but our name is pronounced slightly different.

What bands inspire and/or influence you? Today or yesterday?

New Order, Modest Mouse, Ral Partha Vogelbacher, Frank Black, The Smiths, Sonic Youth, REM, Led Zeppelin, Joy Division, Fugazi.

Have you all been watching Battlestar Galactica? I usually skip TV, but, jesus, it's fun.

Only Chris W watches it and says, "It is one of the best-scripted shows on television. It's remarkable that they've turned a B-movie science fiction plot into some of the most compelling television ever." One of his fave episodes is 'Act of Contrition.'

Your new album just came out. How has it been received so far?

Mostly by mail or download, because it's an underground number.

What's next for you?

Purchasing new socks and underwear.

Last question: What current bands are you most enjoying right now?

The Spinto Band, Bedroom Walls, and Foreign Born.

That's it! Thanks for your time.

Download: Appearances