Today we’d like to introduce you to Ros Churchill (modenél)
Hi Ros, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Originally, Modenél began around October of 2023. Elliott Krauss and I knew each other in recent years from our high school Spanish class. Being seniors that year, we were allowed one “music day”, during which our table played “Landslide” for the class. After that, he decided that we had had just enough fun to get together again for his college applications. I remember feeling so honored to be chosen for the task, knowing I was in way over my head. That’s alright. I recall coming over to his house one day to sing parts of two songs he’d had written for a while, before any ideas of us. I was immediately drawn in by his technique and mysterious writing. The guitar seemed to play him with sheer power and finesse. Something I had a taste of then but still can’t seem to get over. In those days, it was an old skeleton of what seemed like a small project to me. Though Elliott’s clear intention was always a booming orchestral sound, closer to our five-piece ensemble today. From there, we would continue operations during free periods of the school day, in and out of the practice rooms of Hillsboro High School. Often allotting ourselves play time during concert band and music theory classes, thanks to the mercy of our teachers, Ms. G and Ms. Rogers.
As that winter approached, we kept on writing new songs while reading countless arrangements of Carol of the Bells for our concert band show. It was then that I learned my strong ineptitude for the snare drum, prompting Elliott and I to expand in personnel. Toby Silverman was both a familiar face and a sort of hidden treasure to us. We’d always known the guy as a masterful guitarist, no doubt. Though his background lent him the necessary rhythmic skill to make for our drummer. After a couple of sessions with Elliott, Toby slept countless nights in the drum kit. Soon making his bed upon the ride cymbal. Instilling those swift, resonant hits as a unique staple of Modenél’s sound. Toby’s style succeeded beyond musical prowess however, spilling graciously into the endearing friendships he’s made with fellow musicians. Rangi Sweetman came to us then, as a saving grace. There was seriously no other bassist for the job. As the true backbone of the band, whatever Rangi touched became instantly a more interesting and important instrument. We’re lucky he agreed to be our bassist, although his recent debut on Native American flute proved to be equally impressive.
After our first two shows in local basements, we ventured further, to places like DrkMttr. I know we all appreciate a live setting, especially as we crept our way above the ground floor. Our highlights include: great sound guys, the people that show up to shows, and hearing the bands we play with. Proving that community really is what makes the Nashville music scene, it’s good to see what people like to do. Recording music proved to be a huge and meticulous process. Nathan Krauss was my first formal introduction to studio production. Being Elliott’s little brother, he possessed the same creativity and ridiculousness needed for a project like this to keep going. As an initial co-writer and producer, Nathan’s intuition and ear have a foundational status within Modenél. Working double-time now as our keyboardist/piano player and executive producer. Modenél has three singles out, with an album coming in the next few months. Produced by Nathan and Elliott Krauss, we’re forever grateful for the life that’s been put into this project.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We were lucky to have had such smooth beginnings. Elliott was pumping out songs left and right, I would revise some parts, and then there’s something forever. We still do that, both separately and together. But now that we’re in college, writing is everyone’s game. None of this is struggle, but maybe just what you have to endure to earn development in sound. I suppose that starting this band half-way into the last year of us all being in the same place created stricter deadlines. I wouldn’t say we don’t have those now, but we more so appreciate the time we have being physically together. The thrill of live human performance is unmatched. And thank goodness for it. Elliott and I both agree it’s changed our writing process too. While solitude does refresh one’s mind, there is a difference in being able to bounce not only lyrics or melodies off of someone next to you, but also plain fragments of ideas. Our song “Marble Man” is something I think we came up with while staring at Elliott’s kitchen countertops. I can’t imagine the anticipation of a text delivery while sitting on an idea that absurd. These songs are also referential to people we know, so it’s important we all talk to one another. This may also be an activity best practiced face-to-face. Although Rangi will always have a story wherever you are, so no bother.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
If nothing else, we specialize in the collaboration behind songwriting and production. Rangi has always emphasized the significance of writing parts that sympathize with one another while maintaining one’s style. This is reflected heavily in his own bass lines, where they are distinct but complimentary to the other instrumentation. This is a tenant we all try to keep in mind when playing, writing, and mixing. A song can be anyone’s, but it can’t be Modenél without the careful input of everyone playing. Elliott’s mind is also like a porky vat of inspiration. We all like lots of different things, and they wouldn’t always seem congruent with one another. Toby’s a big fan of D’Angelo and Elliott likes Nickelback, somehow there is a happy middle ground.
I’d say I’m most proud of the creative decisions we get to make. There is a mutual understanding of malleability when it comes to our songs. In that, it will be evolved by the people who play it. Recently we were layering harmonies for a song that I’ve often been ready to just jump ship on recording. However, it’s quickly becoming the coolest thing I’ve ever done because of the trust and open-mindedness my writing partners have allotted me. It’s so fun to be fed vocal lines, record it, and then pretty quickly hear the stereo version of what you only previously were working out in your head.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
We enjoy live shows for a variety of reasons, but the easiest one being the opportunity to meet who we play with. Often bands we’ve seen before, or have distant connections to, but always fun to see. We get to learn from each other, and see a stellar show beforehand. There is a more humanizing sense of camaraderie when we’re able to speak to the bands we played with afterwards. It’s a cool experience to have just seen them perform, and then also be able to connect with them through conversation. Whether we liked each other’s music or not, there are profound linkages to be made anyways. Like, “Here is this 35 minute expression of ourselves, but we are also people in the same place at this same time”. That is special to me. We just played with Slodeo at the East Room, and they were fantastic. Rangi, Toby, and I have followed them for a little while and we’re proud to see them now. It’s certainly impressive to have put on the show they did, but we were happy to talk about our lives and pedals afterwards too.
Something else that comes into play here is our family. I know we all have family members that we can look up to in terms of character, and that absolutely reflects in a band setting. The people we have lived with, or have grown up around, profoundly impact how we go about music. They teach us lessons whether we want to learn them or not. Whether we momentarily revere what we’ve known or despise it, there is sanctity in our unique experiences. I’m just saying that we follow a different path than Hanson, and it seems to have shown in our sound too. In total, we are proud to support each other through thick and thin, purely on the bonds we’ve made while playing our music.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5CC2Dc8WZL5ZPB2E2rSNxH?si=iTNZHlbcQ3aivocx4AVg4g
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modenel_band?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@modenelband?si=lz3OnSfDyCvwI-wH
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/moden%C3%A9l/1749199431
Image Credits
Ian Talbet
Seamus Purdy
Lily Fryling
