By Nicholas Jason Lopez
As the lockdown of 2020 intensified, it got Andy Warren and Joshua Hogan to turn up their creative juices, as they began to write up songs that encapsulated their feelings of fear, uncertainty and hopes for a brighter future amidst a dark present.
The duo – formerly of The Mowgli’s – were sonically inspired by alt-pop phenomenons like Bleachers, Tame Impala and Glass Animals, but with the urge to make good music without genre-specific “rules” at the helm, they explored everything from surf-rock to sunny pop.
Branded “Modern Original” with Warren on drums and Hogan on vocals/guitar, they used what they learned from their time in The Mowgli’s and carved their own unique path through, with the release of their four-track self-titled EP, featuring the singles “Turn It Around” and “I’m An Alien.”
The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with the duo about what they’ve been up to lately and more.
Music Bugle – What was your goal for your self-titled EP?
Andy Warren – We wanted to make something straight from the heart. We’re living in a unique time and these are just a few stories from our perspective. We always try to keep an optimistic tone in our music and most of all, we want to keep it fun.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?
Joshua Hogan – We grew up listening to alternative and rock and punk music, so in a way, it’s nostalgic for us.
Music Bugle – How would you compare your work with Modern Original to that of The Mowgli’s?
Joshua Hogan – Modern Original and The Mowgli’s live on the same street, but their houses are very different. With Modern Original, we’ve been able to experiment a little more in the studio. We have a lot less cooks in the kitchen, so it feels a little more personal.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Andy Warren – Everything came to a halt for us. We had tours planned, along with several other shows that were cancelled. The time off allowed us to really take a look at ourselves and the direction we were heading. Now, we’re building a new band and we’re excited to start playing shows again.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Joshua Hogan – Remi Wolf, Fousheé, Haim, Grouplove and Glass Animals.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Andy Warren – “I just felt like running,” from Forrest Gump.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a break?
Joshua Hogan – Malibu.
Music Bugle – What do you hope for as 2022 begins?
Joshua Hogan – We hope to keep building our community and play shows. We’re going to keep writing and recording and smiling.
Music Bugle – What has been your hardest challenge lately?
Andy Warren – Sometimes, it’s hard to just get through the day, so we take it one day at a time. It was really hard to accept The Mowgli’s breaking up. We realized the band had become our identity and now, it was almost like starting over completely. We’re keeping our heads up and counting our blessings.
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?
Joshua Hogan – Social media is a great way for musicians to connect with people all over the world, but it does have its dark side. It’s important to understand that and learn to navigate it all.
