Friends Like These

The Modlins wear suits and skinny ties and play what they call “oldies-influenced indie-pop.” That may lead you to assume that the band plays obscure cover tunes from the early 1960s, but the Modlins play their own music.

The band has released two full-length CDs, Here’s to Being Happy and last year’s With Friends Like These — the latter of which just won Best Pop Album at the 2008 San Diego Music Awards.

Eric Killian plays right-handed guitar, Matt Sheridan left-handed guitar, with Stoph Rhanor on drums and Alex Smith on bass.

“Basically, the Modlins are always looking for roadies,” says Alex, when asked about employment woes in America. “We can’t pay you much, but we can pay you in love — and cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon.” He adds, “We’d love it if someone else was paying us to do this whole darn thing for a living. In the meantime, we’ll settle for not breaking up and a few free beers along the way.”

WHAT’S IN YOUR MUSIC PLAYER?

Matt: “The new Ex-Friends and Joanie Mendenhall albums. It’s not that I’m just obsessed with Matt and Joanie — I also can’t get enough of that guy from the Killers.”

Eric: “Swim Party, because their new album Pixie Dust on the Blood Range is the best thing since sliced bagels.”

WHAT SONG IS STUCK IN YOUR HEAD?

Alex: “‘Something Is Not Right with Me’ by the Cold War Kids. I just listened to their new album on MTV.com.”

BEST/WORST GIG?

Eric: “Worst gig was on the way to Vegas. Our van started smoking.”

Matt: “Which is really unhealthy.”

Eric: “Right. Overheated and broke down about 20 miles outside of Baker. No water, limited cell service, and we are all automotive idiots. After sitting for a good half hour, we tried the car again, cranked the heater, and limped our way into Vegas — only to find out that three of the four bands had canceled. We played to an audience of two — five if you count the sound guy and bartenders. But they gave us a near-unlimited bar tab, which is why it was the best gig ever. After we got back, we found a new drummer that was a mechanic.”

JOBS YOU’VE HAD THAT SUCK…

Stoph: “One month of serving fried chicken at a deli, three weeks replacing soiled factory uniforms and rugs, one day cold-calling a stack of leads from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.”

BEST THING DONE WHILE DRUNK?

Matt: “No, guys, I’ll take this one. I don’t drink.”

BEST ADVICE EVER BEEN GIVEN…

Eric: “‘Always wear a raincoat.’ Thanks, Mom.”

Matt: “But it never rains in Southern California! Eric, I don’t understand why your mom would tell you to always wear a raincoat. It’s dry here. I prefer umbrellas.”

FAVORITE QUOTE TO LIVE BY…

Alex and Eric: “Fuck it, dude, let’s go bowling.” — The Big Lebowski

BEST MOMENTS OF LOVE AND LUST…

Stoph: “We are all virgins.”

Matt: “That’s what all these songs are about.”

Alex: “Although Eric did get to shortstop once.”

TOP THREE TV SHOWS?

Eric:

1. The Wonder Years. “Because all Modlins songs are basically the thoughts of Kevin Arnold.”

2. America’s Funniest Home Videos. “Because nothing is funnier than a two-minute montage of cats falling off stuff.”

3. Friends. “Because we are.”