Citispeak: The Indie Rock Storytellers

Citispeak is an American indie rock band known for their narrative-driven lyrics and anthemic guitar sound. Formed in Chicago in 2012, the group achieved a significant commercial milestone with their 2018 album Neon Static, which debuted at number 15 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart.

Early career

The band's founding members, vocalist/guitarist Leo Vance and bassist Mara Chen, met while studying at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After relocating to Chicago and adding drummer Samir Patel, Citispeak self-released their debut EP, City Limits, in 2014, which caught the attention of local independent label Rust Belt Records.

Breakthrough

Citispeak's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their sophomore album, Neon Static, released via Rust Belt Records with distribution through The Orchard. The album's lead single gained traction on alternative radio, propelling the record to sell over 100,000 copies and earn a gold certification from the RIAA.

Key tracks

Midwest Echoes — This driving single from Neon Static became the band's first track to chart on Billboard's Alternative Airplay list.

Broadway & 9th — A fan-favorite anthem that showcases their signature blend of heartland rock and modern indie production.

Static Interlude — The atmospheric album track highlighted their willingness to experiment with song structure and texture.

Paper Arrows — Featured in the soundtrack for the video game "Forza Horizon 5," introducing their music to a global gaming audience.

Following their breakthrough, Citispeak toured extensively and collaborated with producer John Congleton on their 2021 album Feedback Loop. This record saw the band exploring denser, more sonically ambitious territory while maintaining their core lyrical focus on urban life and personal connection.

For fans of Citispeak's earnest, guitar-based indie rock, similar artists featured on our site include The National for their baritone-led, atmospheric rock narratives. The War On Drugs shares a similar expansive, heartland-inspired rock sound. Listeners also enjoy Alvvays for their blend of jangly guitar pop and introspective songwriting.

The music of Citispeak is a staple on alternative rock radio stations and independent music radio stations across our network. Their catalog, from early EPs to later albums, receives consistent airplay, reflecting their enduring appeal to the indie rock audience.

You can discover the evolving sound of Citispeak by tuning into the rock and alternative stations available on onairium.com, where their key tracks and latest releases are regularly featured in the rotation.