We had the opportunity to chat with Modern Aquatic, a band that has a unique mix of lofi, indie, and rock sound that are based out of Cincinnati, OH. The group consists of Geovanny Esquivel, (vocals/guitar), Max Maley, (bass), Anthony Maley (guitar/backing vocals), and Chase Stephens (drums). With over 28,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, they are a band that is is on the rise and one that you definitely need to keep your eyes on. Check out what they had to say in our interview below!
How did you come to pursue music and how long have you been at it?
I started playing guitar when i was 14 after my parents got me a guitar. It wasn’t until i found out about The Strokes that i started trying to learn that style of music and really fell in love with it. Made me want to become a musician.
Could you walk us through your process of writing music?
I usually write when i’m alone and can focus on what i’m doing. Typically starts by playing until i find the right chords or come up with a good riff. The rest falls into place after that.
What artists have inspired you in your career?
The Strokes definitely have, Vampire Weekend, Beach Fossils, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Good Morning, and Mac Demarco. Those are the ones who have given me inspiration and an idea of what i would love to have in my music and also what i would change/ how i could be different from them.
Do you have any favorite music gear (guitars, amps, effects pedals, keyboards, etc.) that you love to use? If so, what’s the story on them?
My favourite guitar is my Telecaster, always sounds great, goes out of tune very rarely. It perfect for what i do. I loved how the Hot Rod Deluxe 3 sounded and a lot of people in the business use it so i ended up buying it and have never stopped loving it. I try not to use a lot of pedals, something about that is unappealing to me. I use TC Electronics chorus pedal, Holy Grail reverb pedal, and a tuner.
Can you describe the vibe at your live shows? Also, what do you enjoy most about a venue when you do a show?
The vibe at our shows is really great. We have the best fans and they know what to do when we start performing. No matter what kind of show it is, everyone is moshing and everyone is singing their faces off. Seeing the venue fill up is one of the best feelings. I also love seeing how excited people get. I love seeing how happy my music can make them and that’s really why i do it.
What is one thing that you want the public to know about your music?
I would love for them to know that their support helps me make music and inspires me to write more and more. So, my music has so much to do with them and making them dance.
Do you have any upcoming projects you would like fans to know about?
I'm working on new tunes as we speak and those songs might turn into a new side project as
as well as new Modern Aquatic songs.
FMI on Modern Aquatic visit their website.