Jammerzine has an exclusive interview with the vocalist of The Modbeats, Philip Dunn, as well as their new single ‘Frankie’ dropping today, from their debut LP dropping September 5 via Mayleen Records.
A posh mix of beats past and melodies present, The Modbeats are that beautiful bridge of niche, nostalgia, and nuance all in the guise of four proficient musicians with a singular goal: to make amazing music.
As a band so young, to find that sound and that mix of ‘it’ and ‘now’, The Modbeats are helping to shape the indie scene as much as define where it should be going.
In this interview, we talk with Philip about that and more, as well as their new eponymous album, which comes out this September (pre-save HERE).
Check out our other features with The Modbeats HERE.
‘Frankie’
‘Frankie’ is one of those tracks that start with that ‘you had me at hello’ moment when the band kicks in all at once with that slight Mersey sound meets Ameri-Rock-Ana and retro guitar rock jangly with hooks and relentless with pop-fueled adrenaline. This is music for everyone from a band that relates to anyone.
Frankie Avalon isn’t just an icon; now he’s immortal.
About ‘Frankie’
Written during the waning days of the pandemic, “Frankie” was born from a longing for joy, connection, and escape. “We suspect that those who reside on the coasts will dig the vibe verbatim—hopping in the convertible with your best friends, getting the hell out of the city, and heading to the shore blasting rock ’n’ roll en route to one hell of a party,” the band shares. “Perhaps at said party you meet someone who will change your life? Perhaps you don’t.”
It doesn’t matter… You take your chances. You plead your case.” Produced in Asbury Park, NJ while recording their debut album, “Frankie” was written and composed by Philip Dunn and recorded using his Fender Stratocaster, including on his favorite part of the track: the Chuck Berry–meets–Eddie Van Halen-meets-Beach Boys inspired solo.
“It’s a fun song. A summer song for blasting in the car, hopefully en route to a party with some rockabilly music!” The lyrics paint vivid scenes of moonlit drives, rebellious parties, and rock-fueled romance: “There’s a rockabilly party on a Saturday night / Driving up from Philly beneath the pale moonlight / ’57 Chevy rolling on to the shore / Nights like this are getting rare anymore.” At its heart, “Frankie” is more than a throwback: it’s a reaction. Echoing the spirit of Jim Morrison, they declare: “We’re gonna have our kicks before the whole shithouse goes up in flames.”
About The Modbeats
The Modbeats are a high-voltage four-piece made up of Philip Dunn (vocals, guitar), Scott Matison (bass), Fizz (drums), and Joe Mandia (guitar), breathing new life into classic rock through a bold blend of surf, jangle-pop, blues, rockabilly, and psychedelia. Since forming in 2023, the band has carved out a distinct space in the modern rock scene with their music, which has been featured on WXPN’s Power Pop Extravaganza and received praise from outlets like The Philadelphia Inquirer, Rock at Night, Grimy Goods, and Powerpopaholic.
Their electrifying live shows and unmistakable sonic identity also earned them a coveted spot on Music Connection’s Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists and Bands of 2024.
LINKS:
https://linktr.ee/themodbeats
https://www.themodbeats.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7wlZPDXxASph9IAgnrqvRC
https://www.facebook.com/themodbeatsband
https://www.instagram.com/themodbeats/
https://www.youtube.com/@TheModbeatsBand
