Citizen is a rock band from Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio.[1] The band consists of five members: Mat Kerekes (vocals), Nick Hamm (guitar), Jake Duhaime (drums), Ryland Oehlers (guitar), & Eric Hamm (bass). They are currently signed to Run For Cover Records.
Formation and early releases (2009–2012)
Mat Kerekes first formed the band in 2009. In May 2011, the band made an appearance at Bled Fest.[2] After signing with Run For Cover Records in March 2012, Citizen began recording a Split EP with labelmates Turnover. Run For Cover Records States that this Split marks growth and maturity for both bands as they go from up and coming locals to established national artists.[3] After the release of Citizen and Turnover’s split EP on May 22, 2012, Citizen and Turnover went on a summer tour, along with the band Light Years.[4]
In September 2011, Citizen released an EP titled Young States which was then reissued the following year in September 2012 by Run for Cover Records. Shortly after the reissue of Young States Citizen went on a supporting tour with bands Aficionado and Mix tapes, followed by a tour with Such Gold, Mix tapes, and Rain dance. Finally, Citizen went on a brief fall headlining tour with State Champs and Candy Hearts as supporting acts. [5]
Youth (2013–2014)
In February 2013, Citizen began recording their debut studio album Youth in studio 4 with producer Will Yip and released Youth on June 11, 2013. Youth features ten tracks along with a bonus acoustic version of their song “How Does It Feel?” In an interview with Beyond the Pit Press[6], when asked how Citizen came up with the title of their album, guitarist Nick Hamm stated that Youth is a coming of age record. After the Release of Youth Citizen played on the 2013 Vans Warped Tour. Following the Vans Warped tour Citizen played a record release show for Youth in their Hometown of Toledo, OH. In June 2014, the band announced they would be going on a fall tour in support of Youth, starting early September in Toronto, Canada, and ending mid-October in Cleveland, Ohio. The tour was supported by the bands You Blew It!, Hostage Calm, Praise, and True Love[7].
Everybody Is Going to Heaven (2015)
On April 26, 2015 Citizen announced plans to release their second full-length album, Everybody Is Going to Heaven, on June 23, 2015 via Run For Cover.[8] Before the release of Citizen’s Sophomore Album Everybody is going to Heaven,Citizen premiered a music video for their song Stain which appears on the album. [9] The album was made available for streaming via Run for Cover’s Bandcamp page on June 9, 2015.[10] The album charted at number 2 on the Billboard Vinyl Albums chart.[11]
As You Please (2017–present)
During October 2017 Citizen released their third album, As You Please, with Run For Cover Records. Soon after the release of their third album Citizen began the As You Please Tour, accompanied by Sorority Noise and Great Grandpa.
