Erase every idea you have of a “boy band”.
Placed together by iconic label Island Records, Citizen Four, made up by Carson Boatman, 22, Austin Percario, 20, Conner Boatman, 19, and Josh Levi, 17, don’t want to get boxed in by other people’s perceptions. They’re goofy and professional, diverse and authentic, with killer harmonies and a laid-back vibe that are sure to help them step outside – and change – the boy band model.
“I have three other really talented dudes I can rely on,” says Austin about his band mates. “We’re like a bunch of brothers.” For actual brothers Carson and Conner, the sentiment is literal. “It’s so cool going through this experience with someone I’ve known since birth,” says Conner. Carson agrees, laughing: “I get to keep tabs on my younger bro.”
Coming together from Iowa, Texas, LA, and New York, the band members are as dissimilar as their backgrounds. Carson is actor and fitness enthusiast. Austin is an outspoken and spiritual songwriter. Conner is an adventure junkie who loves riding horses, swimming, and camping. And Josh is a Texan social media superstar with an “old soul” who likes to push cultural boundaries. Austin and Josh were finalists on seasons one and three of “The X Factor,” respectively, with Austin also competing on “American Idol.”
“We have these four different voices – literally and figuratively,” says Josh. “It’s so cool when we come together.”
Their influences are diverse, too, from Beyonce and Years and Years to Michael Jackson and Tim McGraw. The sultry vocal stylings on the group’s cover of Rihanna’s “Needed Me” are reminiscent of Usher or Zayn, another major inspiration.
“We want to push people’s expectations; to be honest and up front about our individuality,” says Austin, who is openly gay. Each band member shares Austin’s refreshing commitment to inclusivity, highlighting music’s unique capability to impact all kinds of people. “We’re all excited to see who we can reach both individually and together,” says Conner.
With robust social media followings, the members of Citizen Four certainly know how to reach fans. As a group, they bring out one another’s best qualities – from a particular vocal tone to a new level of confidence. Ultimately, the boys of Citizen Four want to shift perceptions, develop connections and, most of all, make music that means something.
Citizen Four’s tracks
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