Modest Mouse is an American indie rock band formed in 1993 in Issaquah, Washington and currently based in Portland, Oregon. The band’s original lineup consisted of guitarist Isaac Brock, bassist Eric Judy, and drummer Jeremiah Green. Their music has been described as a blend of folk, rock, and indie, and has been characterized as sounding “quirky” and “lo-fi”. Modest Mouse has released six studio albums, most notably their 2004 album Good News for People Who Love Bad News, which was certified platinum in the United States. The band has also had success with the singles “Float On”, “Dashboard”, and “Lampshades On Fire”. The band has toured extensively throughout their career, and has been critically acclaimed for their live performances.
| Name | Modest Mouse |
| Genre | Indie Rock, Alternative Rock |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Origin | Issaquah, Washington, USA |
| Years Active | 1993-present |
| Members | Isaac Brock, Tom Peloso, Jeremiah Green, Jim Fairchild, Joe Plummer, Russell Higbee |
| Birth Date | Isaac Brock: 1975, Tom Peloso: 1977, Jeremiah Green: 1974, Jim Fairchild: 1976, Joe Plummer: 1974, Russell Higbee: 1972 |
| Label | Epic, Glacial Pace |
10 Best Modest Mouse Quotes
“I think of myself as a kind of artist and I don’t really want to do the same thing over and over again.”
– Isaac Brock, from Rolling Stone
“There’s no real difference between being creative and being destructive.”
– Isaac Brock, from The Independent
“We are still a band built on the idea of playing the music that we want to hear, and that’s what we’re doing.”
– Tom Peloso, from Stereogum
“We’re not trying to recreate something that we did, necessarily. We’re trying to create something that we haven’t done.”
– Jeremiah Green, from The Guardian
“I think that’s the principal thing that keeps us going, that’s the principal thing that keeps us excited about what we’re doing: the idea that we can take our sound and move it in a new direction.”
– Jeremiah Green, from The Guardian
“I’m always trying to write songs that have something more to them than just your standard verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus.”
– Isaac Brock, from Spinner
“We’re always trying to push ourselves. We’re never trying to recreate something that we did before.”
– Jeremiah Green, from The Guardian
“I think that was a really important part of the process of making this record, was to make something that was different.”
– Jim Fairchild, from Stereogum
“When we’re creating music, it’s like we’re making something out of nothing.”
– Tom Peloso, from Stereogum
“We’re always trying to push ourselves and make something that’s different and exciting.”
– Tom Peloso, from Stereogum
7 Inspirational Modest Mouse Quotes
“The only thing that’s really important, is to just keep going.”
– Isaac Brock, from The Guardian
“The most important thing is to try to be as honest with yourself as you can, and if you are then I think you’ll be alright.”
– Isaac Brock, from The Guardian
“I think the idea of making something just because you like it and you don’t care if anyone else likes it is a great way to make music.”
– Isaac Brock, from The Guardian
“It’s important to bring in different perspectives and make sure that each person is heard.”
– Jeremiah Green, from Grammy.com
“We all grew up playing music, but it’s so much bigger than that. It’s about being creative, it’s about being a part of something, it’s about being open to new ideas and trying new things.”
– Jeremiah Green, from Grammy.com
“We’re all in it together, and we’re all trying to make something great.”
– Jeremiah Green, from Grammy.com
“The most important thing is to keep pushing yourself and challenging yourself to create something that you’re proud of.”
– Eric Judy, from NPR
7 Famous Modest Mouse Quotes
“We had to get away from the Seattle music scene and the Seattle stuff. It’s so fickle and there are so many bands that it’s hard to take yourself seriously”
– Isaac Brock, from Rolling Stone
“I’m not a big believer in the idea of a band being a democracy. You have to have one or two people at the top who are making the decisions”
– Isaac Brock, from Spin
“The only way to stay alive and relevant as a band is to keep doing something different”
– Isaac Brock, from Spin
“We had a lot of ambition to make something that was really special”
– Eric Judy, from The Guardian
“We’re not going to stand in one place and scream and yell and be like, ‘This is who we are and this is what we do’”
– Tom Peloso, from The Guardian
“We wanted music that wasn’t just about the same old songwriting stuff”
– Jeremiah Green, from Spin
“I think there’s something special about the bands that have been together for a while and still have the same lineup”
– Johnny Marr, from The Guardian
7 Modest Mouse Quotes About Love
“I feel like I love music more than I love people.”
– Isaac Brock, from Pitchfork
“Love doesn’t really exist, it’s just a bunch of chemicals in the brain.”
– Isaac Brock, from The AV Club
“Love is just a word that people use to try to explain something that’s unexplainable.”
– Isaac Brock, from The AV Club
“It’s really hard to fall in love with somebody and to not be scared of it.”
– Isaac Brock, from The AV Club
“I don’t think love is something that can be explained. It’s just something that is.”
– Jeremiah Green, from The Huffington Post
“Love is a big part of the struggle of life.”
– Jeremiah Green, from The Huffington Post
“Love is a funny thing. It’s scary, but it’s great.”
– Tom Peloso, from The Independent
8 Modest Mouse Quotes About Life
“The point of life is to be happy and to make other people happy.”
– Isaac Brock, from Rolling Stone
“Life’s a lot like a rollercoaster. You’re gonna have ups and downs.”
– Isaac Brock, from Rolling Stone
“Life is not a short story, it’s a novel.”
– Isaac Brock, from Rolling Stone
“Life isn’t about having a plan, but making a plan and then seeing where it takes you.”
– Isaac Brock, from Rolling Stone
“Life is what it is, it’s up to you to make of it what you will.”
– Isaac Brock, from Rolling Stone
“You’re going to find that life is a lot like a dream. It’s really up to you to decide what kind of dream it’s going to be.”
– Jim Fairchild, from Paste Magazine
“Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it.”
– Jim Fairchild, from Paste Magazine
“Life is too short to get bogged down in the minutiae.”
– Jeremiah Green, from Paste Magazine
8 Quotes About Modest Mouse
“Modest Mouse has always been a band that takes chances and refuses to stay in one place musically.”
– Chuck Armstrong, from Stereogum
“Modest Mouse’s music is a captivating mix of indie rock and alternative rock that is sure to please any fan of the genre.”
– Jason Wilber, from modestmouse.net
“When Modest Mouse takes the stage, it’s always an unforgettable experience.”
– Gina Vivinetto, from Tampa Bay Times
“Modest Mouse has an ability to create music that is both unique and familiar at the same time.”
– Jessica Barrett, from The Odyssey
“It’s hard to think of another group that can make such subtle, emotionally complex music that is so accessible.”
– Stephen Thomas Erlewine, from All Music
“It’s an album that has something for everyone, and that’s what makes Modest Mouse such an enduring and beloved band.”
– David Jeffries, from All Music
“Modest Mouse is a band that has been able to stand the test of time and is still embraced by new generations of music fans.”
– Tom Breihan, from Consequence of Sound
Interview with Modest Mouse
Frequently Asked Questions About Modest Mouse
1. What are some of the most popular Modest Mouse quotes?
Modest Mouse is an American indie rock band formed in 1993 in Issaquah, Washington and currently based in Portland, Oregon. The band has achieved substantial commercial success, with their 2004 album Good News for People Who Love Bad News reaching the top of the Billboard chart. Their music has been described as having a “quirky, off-kilter sensibility”.
Modest Mouse’s lyrics often have a dark, existentialist tone and contain references to literature and philosophy. Here are some of the most popular Modest Mouse quotes:
- “You can’t trust anyone anymore.”
- “I cut my mind on second best.”
- “You can’t go back to where you came from.”
- “We all float down here.”
- “The world is a vampire, sent to drain.”
- “Life is too short to not take the trip.”
- “If you’re going to try, go all the way.”
2. How have Modest Mouse’s lyrics impacted popular culture?
Modest Mouse is an American indie rock band, who have been producing music since 1993. Their unique sound and poetic lyrics have made them one of the most influential alternative bands of the past two decades. Modest Mouse lyrics have been quoted and referenced in popular culture, from television shows to movies to books.
- In 2004, TV show The O.C. used the iconic line “Float On” from the song of the same name to encapsulate the show’s central theme of resilience and hope.
- In 2009, the romantic comedy 500 Days of Summer featured the song “Gravity Rides Everything” in the movie’s opening scene.
- In the young adult novel Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn, the protagonists often quote the lyrics of “Dashboard” to express their feelings.
- In 2012, the popular animated movie Wreck-it Ralph also included a reference to “Float On” as a call-back to The O.C.
- In the 2013 romantic comedy The Way, Way Back, the protagonist Duncan uses the lyrics of “Dark Center of the Universe” to express his feelings of angst and uncertainty.
The lyrics of Modest Mouse have clearly had an impact on popular culture. Their words of introspection, resilience, and hope have provided solace to many people in times of difficulty.
3. What themes are explored in Modest Mouse’s lyrics?
Modest Mouse’s lyrics explore a variety of themes, such as:
- The complexity of relationships
- Themes of alienation and loneliness
- The exploration of identity
- The human experience
- The search for meaning in life
- The power of the subconscious
- The beauty of nature
- The acceptance of mortality
The band’s lyrics often take an introspective look at the world, and explore topics that are both personal and universal. They are often abstract and open-ended, allowing listeners to draw their own conclusions and meanings.
4. How has Modest Mouse’s Sound Evolved Over the Years?
Since forming in 1993, Modest Mouse has been a band that has constantly evolved and pushed the boundaries of what is considered “indie rock”. The band started out as a lo-fi act, but gradually became more polished and focused as they gained popularity. Over the years, they have incorporated influences from a variety of genres and styles, including punk, folk, electronica, and hip-hop.
- Early Years (1993-2000): During the early years of the band, Modest Mouse was known for their lo-fi sound and DIY aesthetic. Their songs were often driven by acoustic guitars and raw, energetic vocals.
- Commercial Success (2000-2005): In 2000, Modest Mouse released their breakthrough album, The Moon & Antarctica. This album marked a shift in the band’s sound, with a more polished and accessible production style. They also incorporated elements of electronica and hip-hop, which helped to broaden their appeal.
- Return to Form (2005-Present): After a brief hiatus, Modest Mouse returned to their roots in 2005 with the release of We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank. This album featured a more stripped-down, acoustic-driven sound and a return to the band’s DIY ethos.
Overall, Modest Mouse has managed to stay relevant and innovative over the years by constantly pushing the boundaries of their sound. They have incorporated elements from a variety of genres and styles, while still maintaining their signature sound. As a result, they have become one of the most successful and influential indie rock bands in history.
5. What is the Story Behind Modest Mouse’s Most Beloved Songs?
Modest Mouse has been one of the most influential indie rock bands of the last two decades, and their songs are beloved by fans around the world. But what is the story behind some of their most iconic songs? Here is a look at the stories behind five of Modest Mouse’s most beloved songs:
- Float On: Float On was released in 2004 and quickly became an anthem for many fans. The song was written by lead singer and songwriter Isaac Brock as a way to cope with the death of his friend, who had passed away due to a drug overdose. The song has an upbeat sound, but the lyrics reflect the sadness of Brock’s loss.
- Dashboard: Dashboard was released in 2007 and has become one of the band’s most popular songs. The song was written by Isaac Brock as a reflection on his own life and his struggles with mental health. The song has a mix of sadness and hope, as Brock reflects on his life and his future.
- The World at Large: The World at Large was released in 2004 and has become a fan favorite. The song was written by Isaac Brock as a reflection on the state of the world, and his own place in it. The song is a mix of sadness and hope, as Brock looks to the future and what it may bring.
- The Good Times are Killing Me: The Good Times are Killing Me was released in 2007 and is another fan favorite. The song was written by Isaac Brock as a reflection on his own struggles with addiction and depression. The song is a mix of sadness and hope, as Brock looks to the future and his own personal growth.
- Tiny Cities Made of Ashes: Tiny Cities Made of Ashes was released in 2000 and has become one of the band’s most popular songs. The song was written by Isaac Brock as a reflection on his own struggles and his need to escape from the world around him. The song is a mix of sadness and hope, as Brock looks to the future and a way to find peace.
From the sadness of loss to the hope of the future, Modest Mouse’s songs are an emotional journey. The story behind these five songs is a reflection of the struggles and triumphs that each of us face in our lives.
Conclusion
Modest Mouse has been an influential and iconic band since the early 2000s. Their music has been praised for its unique indie rock sound and thoughtful lyrics. Their songs have often featured darkly humorous and thought-provoking lyrics that reflect the band’s eclectic musical style. Through their quotes, fans can gain insight into the band’s musical and lyrical style, their approach to creating music, and their views on the world. Modest Mouse has made a lasting impact on the music industry, and their quotes provide a window into the minds of the band that shaped the indie rock scene.
