CITIZEN ZERO

“It's been a quick climb for the guys in Citizen Zero. In only a couple of years, they've already gotten to the point where they've got the sound of a polished rock band. That's something that takes quite a while in this town – if you're even that lucky,” writes Detroit entertainment magazine Real Detroit Weekly. While it’s true that Citizen Zero has experienced a meteoric rise in Detroit’s rock scene, it has not been without overcoming obstacles that would have stopped other bands in their tracks. Having survived the untimely and tragic death of their brother and lead guitarist Matt Dudley in April 2012, the band is back on stage and focusing their energy on creating the fist pumping, anthemic modern rock that continues to garner them a large and loyal fan base. Formed in 2010 by three Rochester Hills, MI brothers – Greg (bass), John (drums) and Matt (guitar), the Dudleys displayed an extraordinary chemistry rare among musicians, but natural to the blood brothers - who jammed together in their basement since early childhood. With the addition of Rochester Hills neighbor and charismatic lead vocalist Josh Mayle, Citizen Zero was born. The gifted four-piece quickly gained the attention of Kid Rock’s recording engineer Al Sutton. Recording their self-titled debut EP with Sutton at his acclaimed Rustbelt Studios in early 2011, Citizen Zero were on track to be Detroit’s next break out group. Talent buyers took notice and added the young band (at the time aged 16 – 22) to high profile festivals across the State, including Arts, Beats and Eats, Detroit Riverfest, and Port Huron’s Blue Water Festival. In early 2012, the future looked exceptionally bright for Citizen Zero. With headlining shows at A-List venues including The Crofoot Ballroom, Magic Bag and Emerald Theatre plus a stunning new music video (and YouTube hit) for their single “Destroy Me Beautifully” under their belts, they returned to the studio with Sutton again at the helm. Working with a crew of Detroit music heavyweights that included Sponge’s Vinnie Dombroski and Kid Rock backing vocalist Herschel Boone, Citizen Zero’s sophomore release was evolving into a stellar sonic achievement. The tragic loss of eldest brother Matt struck the band during the recording of their EP, and brought about a critical crossroad – whether to disband the group or to draw on their inner strength and move forward. At this critical and extremely painful time, Citizen Zero’s music became as much about creative expression as about healing for the devastated band members. Determined to continue their dream, Citizen Zero recruited guitarist Sammy Boller as Matt Dudley’s replacement. No easy shoes to fill, Sammy Boller was already a YouTube guitar hero, with thousands of hits on his self-released guitar videos. A University of Michigan music student, Boller is not only technically impressive, but exhibits an unbridled passion and joy for playing. With Boller on board, the band went back into the studio to finish work on the EP that Matt Dudley started. Citizen Zero creates thoughtful and meaningful modern rock. Their songs sound like instant classics without being dated; that sound relevant but are never trendy. And most importantly, Citizen Zero ROCKS. Detroit Rock Blog heralds Citizen Zero as “Detroit’s next great hard rock hope”, with songs that “will stick in your head like your ex’s phone number from the first listen.” Citizen Zero’s enduring commitment to their music is a living tribute to their fallen brother. Their sophomore EP, "Life Explodes", will drop in October 2012, a triumph both sonically and personally for the resilient young rock musicians that are Citizen Zero.