City Shapes are an alternative punk band from New Jersey.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Domenic Maggi - Vocals, Guitars, Bass
John Mento - Drums (For studio)

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to City Shapes? How long has the band been around?

Before this I had an acoustic pop-punk thing going on called The Thought Is Gone when I was 14/15 but I never played shows and I just recorded crappy acoustic demos. Now I have City Shapes which has been around for almost exactly one year.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

City Shapes is the name/theme of my bedroom when I was 2 years old.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I (Dom) write all the songs. The themes are pretty much me trying to deal with various changes around me, whether it be all my friends being party-goers and me just sitting in my room. Or not being able to believe in myself sometimes or any religion that I know of at all. I feel the topics will always change as my life keeps on going since I write pretty autobiographical.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Tigers Jaw, Northstar, Senses Fail (doesn't really show but they do), Deftones, and Balance and Composure.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

Yup! Seeing I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business in Philly with Into It. Over It. and Mansions in 2012.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

I'm still trying to figure out my thing with that. But I pretty much just sing to CD's in the car on the way to the venue/house/bar.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

Either recording with Ace Enders (The Early November, I Can Make A Mess) or playing at the Stone Pony in NJ.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

I would love to tour with the Red Hot Chili Peppers since I personally think they've got the best songwriting chops out there. They're also my favorite band of all time. As for someone closer to my sound I'd love to tour with Jimmy Eat World. They put on an awesome live show but it's still raw. Definitely one of my favorite bands.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I'll have a new EP of songs called "I'll Stay Quiet" coming out soon. One of the songs is up on my bandcamp at https://cityshapes.bandcamp.com