by Lauren Rosier
photo by Gina Garcia
The last time we spoke with Michael Kepko and Philadelphia’s Civil Youth it was nearly a year ago and they were voted into Radio 104.5’s top four to open the local alt-rock station’s 9th birthday celebration. Civil Youth ended up winning that contest. Now a year later, the band returns from writing, recording, three tours, and presents to you their highly-anticipated third album, Conversations (out May 19th).
The album shows growth in a band whose first show was only in March 2015. “We wanted to write a record that was more reflective of what we enjoy listening to as well as playing. The result is a heavier and a more pop-py sound. The writing was more focused in this process as well,” lead vocalist Michael Kepko explains.
The record is based around the theme of conversations the band members have had with themselves at different time periods in their lives. These conversations turned into words, then music, then a full-length release.
“If you listen to the record, you’ll start to hear things that connect and tell stories,” Kepko notes.
You can definitely hear the band’s effort at creating a record that’s more reflective of themselves. They reveal growth, strength, and perseverance on Conversations. From the music, production, to the lyrics, everything is very cohesive and well thought out.
“We spent a lot of time flushing out and producing ideas before we got into the studio,” Kepko revealS. “That allowed us more time in the studio to make our best collective effort to-date.”
In such a short time, Civil Youth has erupted into not just a “local band”, but a band that has had the opportunity to go on the road for their 8th U.S. tour, and open for several national bands such as Twenty One Pilots and AWOLNATION. They’ve been successful at making that leap from that “local band” status to the status of being that really, really talented band, in multiple ways, that is from the great city of Philadelphia, PA.
“There’s no cutting corners; no easy way,” Kepko answers honestly. “It’s about hard work. We’ve realized with more success, it only takes more work and determination.”
Now, Civil Youth invites you into their world with Conversations, and their record release show. Expect a completely different show compared to their previous, though. It’s definitely going to be a show you won’t want to miss and they’re excited to reveal the new material to you and the rest of the fans across the country.
“We’re playing one of the great Philly venues and also packing it out, which is very exciting. This is going to be our best set yet,” Kepko declares. Soon after the hometown record release show, the band will hit the road for the first leg of the Conversations album release tour.
Catch Civil Youth at their record release show at Theatre of the Living Arts on May 20th. Tickets are available now.
