PopWrapped recently had a chance to sit down with X-Factor superstars,
, whom for the past 9 months, have been sweeping the nation and abroad with smooth vocal harmonies and striking good looks. Having worked with members of Lady Gaga and Beyonce’s camp, as well as a line-up of powerhouse producers, Citizen is quickly making a solid name for themselves, and earning the respect of fans and fellow musicians alike.
How did the band get together?
Russel: It was all meant to be. Look, we all moved to LA to follow our dreams. We met each other at an audition for another group. But we quickly realized that we had a lot more in common together.
Kelechi: Yea. The four of us really clicked. But something was missing. We definitely needed a 5th member to fill out the sound. So we found Patrick on Youtube. And here we are today, talking to PopWrapped.com!
What’s your favorite song to sing?
Calvin: This Woman’s Work by Maxwell.
Patrick: Definitely “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain
Russel: Don’t mean to brag, but I do a really good rendition of Demi Lovato’s “Skyscraper.” Haha.
Parker: I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
Kelechi: Man, it’s pretty hard to pick one favorite song to sing. Um…but… Justin Bieber’s “Catching Feelings” is dope!
What are your hobbies?
Parker: Spiderman!
Patrick: ::heavy sigh:: Parker, not everyone likes Spiderman dude. It’s all about Superman.
Kelechi: Actually…none of the above. Guys are we really doing this?
::everyone laughs::
Parker: I love to beatbox and ride motorcycles.
Russel: Well, I love going to the movies, riding roller coasters and working out.
Patrick: Oh yea. I’m always working out. And I’m addicted to following international gymnastics and trashy reality TV.
Calvin: I do visual art. Draw. Paint. You know, that kind of stuff. I love all art forms.
Kelechi: I don’t really have any hobbies…unless you count getting together and singing with these guys every day.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
Patrick: The really cool thing about Citizen is that we are five very different guys from 5 totally different backgrounds who have come together to jump-start this movement of the unification of pop music.
Kelechi: Because of this, we are inspired and influenced my groups like Maroon 5 and Coldplay. And other artists like Bruno Mars, Adele and Cee-Lo Green, for their artistic integrity, vocal talent, and universal approach.
Parker: Yea. For example, take The Black Eyed Peas’ song “Where is the Love?”It was great to see them put a call to action out to the world, and really get people thinking about things bigger than just the song.’’
What’s your favorite part of performing?
Calvin: I love that we get to be a part of a shared experience with the crowd. We truly witness the power of music.
Patrick: There’s nothing like looking out into the crowd and realizing all of our hard work is finally paying off.
Are you currently working on any new songs?
Russel: Yea! We’re so excited to be working on originals. It’s really our favorite hobby. We’re working with dynamic producing powerhouses The Monsters and The Strangerz and MJ&iRok.
Kelechi: We also worked on a dope cover of Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been” with Joe “Flip” Wilson, who was music director for both Beyonce’ and Lady Gaga.
Will you tour?
Russel: Definitely!
Parker: It’s just a matter of when.
Patrick: We’re working on perfecting our sound right now.
How did you come up with the name Citizen for the band?
Kelechi: Well, to be honest, Calvin and Parker came up with the name.
Parker:We all tried to come up with a name and none of us could think of one. We finally said, “okay, everybody go home, brainstorm, and have 5 tomorrow.” Calvin and I came in with Citizen being our top choices.
Calvin:There’s a song by Stevie Wonder called “Sir Duke.” The first lyric is “music is a world within itself, with a language we all understand.” I really loved the idea that we could all be citizens in the world of music.
What made you decide to audition for X-Factor?
Russel: X-Factor was a no-brainer for Citizen because it’s one of the few shows out there that allows groups like us to be seen as if it were our own concert.
Patrick: We definitely respect how the show presents the artists, as if they’re already Superstars.
Parker: Yea, X-Factor shows America what a real performance would and should look like and that is how we wanted to be seen.
Calvin: Lets be real, X-Factor is the most appealing nationally recognized outlet for singing groups out there today…
Kelechi: It would have been foolish for us to pass up that opportunity.
What was running through your head when you walked onto the stage and saw the judges sitting in the front row, staring ONLY at you?
Patrick: Holy shit! A dream come true.
Parker: Same. It was like a “Wow… We’re here. Lets do this.”
Russel: All I remember was seeing girls. …everywhere.
Calvin: Honestly I can’t remember. My mind goes blank when I’m in front of a crowd. It’s such an out of body experience.
Kelechi: I just remember praying to God I didn’t forget any words. And I had to piss reeeeally bad.
What was it like having your audition in front of thousands of people?
Patrick: It was mind-blowing the support we got. As you can see, on TV, I got a bit carried away
Russel: And we’re so humbled and thankful for the experience and chance of a lifetime.
How have your fans of the band reacted to seeing you on National TV/Hulu etc?
Kelechi: We’re getting great fan tweets from Brazil, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Spain, France and more!
Calvin: One of our fans tweeted “you guys where amazing and Simon can just hush”
Russel: They’ve been so awesome, and given us so much love and support.
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