Citizen In Conversation with FAULT Magazine
Citizen
Citizen have released guitar-driven alt-rock in three decades since the group’s inception in 2009. Where others have fallen by the wayside, Citizen’s enduring popularity is testimony to their approach of working hard, doing what they love, and keeping it simple. Calling the Dogs – officially released on 6th October – is the band’s fifth studio album, and their latest single, ‘If You’re Lonely’, showcases their ability to retain the sincerity and raw emotion that epitomises their sound while simultaneously imbuing each new release with a distinct flavour. Unlike so many of their guitar-wielding peers, Citizen refuse to get stuck or go stale.
We spoke to Citizen guitar-wielder in chief, Nick Hamm, about the band’s ethos, their approach in the studio, and their upcoming tour to promote Calling the Dogs.
FAULT: You’ve been writing deeply introspective songs since forming in 2009, with ‘If You’re Lonely’ the latest in a succession of soul-searching releases. How hard is it to keep ‘going back to the well’, so to speak, after so long?
Citizen (Nick Hamm): I think it’s pretty natural and comes easily, honestly. Citizen releases are such a snapshot of a time and place and we’re people who always have something to say and to feel.
Why do you think so many artists struggle with longevity? What’s the secret behind your continuing success?
I think it has to do with the ability to say ‘no’ to what’s easy. The easy route is generally short-sighted. There’s many things we could’ve done over the years for a quick buck, or whatever, and I think we’re still a band because of our decision making.
Is it fair to say that a few of you have taken on lots of different roles – wore many different hats – during your time as Citizen? Do you think that’s been a help or hindrance in terms of finding a group dynamic where everyone does what they want/do best?
I think it’s always a help to keep things as in-house as possible. All hands on deck. I think in any working relationship, roles are important and clear communication is mandatory. We’ve been really good at knowing what responsibilities lie with who and it never really leads to any heads bumping.
Ben and Mason have been brought in as official band members this year. What prompted that decision, and why now?
It just made perfect sense to make the addition official as we entered into the new era of Citizen. It invigorated everyone.
Can you tell us a bit about the recording process for Calling the Dogs? You notably parted ways from your long-time producer, Will Yip, for Life in Your Glass World, to get a more personal, ‘garage rock’ feel. Did you take a similar approach this time around?
Well, we didn’t part ways with anything as far as sound goes. We just wanted to explore something new and it was quite a risk but it was something we felt we had to do and I’m proud of that effort. This time, we went to Rob Schnapf and it was similarly a new experience. I think we just want everything to stay as fresh as possible whenever we can.
You’re touring in the States throughout October-November and in the UK and Europe in February ’24. Is there anywhere in particular that you’re looking forward to playing?
I can’t wait to get back to the UK for our first proper tour there in years. I love playing shows. I love seeing new places and I love our tried and true places as well.
Who would you most like to collaborate with and why?
I’d love to collaborate with Dripper World visually, and I’d love to collaborate musically with young artists. We have not really done such a thing.
Who is overrated/underrated?
I think anything with a purely dishonest or capital-driven motive is overrated. In general though, I believe that most things have merit and that if they make someone feel, then they have value. Underrated is Bobby Charles, one of my favourite artists.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Most of the time, I’m not! So I suppose I would be making art and making pasta… much of what I do now.
What is your FAULT?
Nothing! It’s my brother’s fault!