Hey guys! How are you? A few weeks ago I've introduced you to Cincinnati pop/rock trio PUBLIC. They released their gorgeous single Perfect and I got the chance to ask the band's drummer Ben some questions so we can get to know them a bit more! The guys are currently in the studio working on more awesome music and may release their first full-length album in 2017!! Check out the full Q&A below!

1.    How did you guys meet and decided to form the band?
John and I have been buddies since childhood. We started jamming  super hard on Led Zeppelin when we were young teens and by the time we were in high school, we had the itch to start a band. We met Matt while playing in the high school jazz band, and things just fell into place right away.

2.    I adore the feel-good vibe of your new single Perfect. How was the process of making this song?     
Thank you! John wrote this song in his bedroom. It started with the main guitar riff, and developed quickly into a simple love song for the women of today. Women are faced with truly challenging standards set by pop culture (specifically through social media) and this song is an encouragement not to feel pressured into fitting that “perfect” mold of what a woman “should” be.

3.    Out of the songs you’ve already released/written which means the most to you and why?    
For me, “Make You Mine” is a really powerful song. It’s about the innocence of being in love. The “holding hands” stage of a relationship. Our modern culture tends to steamroll over that stage, but I think that level of romance is incredibly important and ought to be valued and savored. 



4.    What are your musical inspirations?     
As a band, we really love pop bands like Maroon 5 and (especially recently) DNCE. They kill it in the world of pop and write such great tunes. For me, as the drummer, I am really into older dance music and funk. I am heavily influenced by bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, Chic, and Jamiroquai. Such good grooves - I can’t help but be really inspired.

5.    How has your sound evolved since you first began playing music together? And how would you describe it now?    
When we first started, we were far more “indie” sounding. That definitely shows up in our first EP, “Red.” As we developed over the next few years, we realized how much we loved pop music and naturally gravitated toward a tighter, more focused “pop” sound. And now, moving forward, we identify with the sound of straight-up pop artists like Maroon 5 and DNCE.

6.    You’ve played at several festivals and opened shows for great bands such as Walk The Moon and Twenty One Pilots. From all the places you’ve performed which one had the best crowd?   That’s a tough decision, so many cities have given us an amazing response. I say that our best crowd to date was in Ohio (our home) last summer when we opened for Walk The Moon. It was our largest crowd to date and it felt so special to be sharing the stage with them. Since they are also from Ohio, the crowd was just crazy and we had a blast.


7.    What has been the defining moment of your musical career so far? 
I’m not sure we can name a single moment, but we can definitely name some highlights - touring with Walk The Moon, getting to open for Neon Trees in Delaware with less than 24 hours notice, releasing “Perfect” and beginning this new era of PUBLIC.

8.    If you were given the chance to pick one artist/band to tour with which one would it be and why?    
We recently played a few shows with Daya, and that was just fantastic.  We’ve been really digging her album that just came out, and her crowd seems like a perfect fit for us. I think that would be an awesome opportunity.

9.    What can we expect from you in the months to come?    
More music. We are currently in the studio working on a few more singles. We are looking at possibly releasing our first full-length album in early 2017. So excited about these new tracks, can’t wait to share.

10.    What’s your favourite song of 2016 so far?   
“High and Low” by Empire of the Sun. No question about it, I am in love with that track. Their new record comes out soon and I am so pumped. Seriously can’t wait.


PUBLIC are: 
Vaughn Ben Lapps Matt Alvarado

Facebook/Instagram/Twitter : @publictheband