THE HISTORY OF AN UNKNOWN BAND
In March 1974, Hilly Kristal, owner of the legendary New York City music club CBGB, said after seeing the band Television perform at his club, “I think this is the beginning of new wave.”
This “New Wave” moved through the 1970’s and into 80‘s — influencing bands like The Talking Heads, Patti Smith, The Ramones, Blondie, and MODE / IQ.
Wait. You ask? Who is MODE/IQ? Well, this is their history, THE HISTORY OF AN UNKNOWN BAND.
We begin in 1979, when Nicholas and Lucian, two creative spirits who viewed the world through their own unique prism, first formed Mode/IQ.
The band took their name by combining, the words Mode “a manner or style, a frame of mind, thought or existence” with IQ ” intelligence quotient, the use of perception or awareness.” Their concept was to make music from the heart and play gigs that transformed performance spaces into art events. Their look and sound were wholly original. They designed their own posters, created their own sets, and even styled their own hair.
The bands shows were known as “Modes”. Theatrical and concept orientated, the shows were orchestrated for full integration of site and sound — a hypnotic convergence of love, life and art.
Their first mode was “The Coward 81” (cira 1980) performed at Max’s Kansas City. From here the band quickly developed a cult following, selling out New York clubs like The Pyramid, S.A.N.F.U., Danceteria and CBGB.
The history of an unknown band, documents a unique time in music and New York City. Through never before seen, original archival footage of gigs, rehearsals and interviews, we will trace the band’s journey. We will walk in the bands shoes, following their ups and downs, as they move from unknowns, to almost signing a record deal. From selling their single “Factory Worker” to Suntory liquor, to almost winning the BMI song contest, and ultimately to opening for A Flock of Seagulls. Ahead of its time, Mode/IQ continues making music — watching and waiting for history catch up.
The history of an unknown band, documents a unique time in music and New York City. Through never before seen, original archival footage of gigs, rehearsals and interviews, we will trace the band’s journey. We will walk in the bands shoes, following their ups and downs, as they move from unknowns, to almost signing a record deal. From selling their single “Factory Worker” to Suntory liquor, to almost winning the BMI song contest, and ultimately to opening for A Flock of Seagulls. Ahead of its time, Mode/IQ continues making music — watching and waiting for history catch up.
This is the history of Mode/IQ . The history of an unknown band.