Written by Sandeep Sehbi 

Patrick is a pretty rad guy, with a lot of talent. He’s got a powerful voice, a ton of energy, and his lyrics are very thoughtful, revealing and honest. If he does go on tour with Mike Defendant, it’ll definitely be one of those experiences he’ll never forget. Utopia Real Estate is one of a cluster of emerging folk-punk acts coming from right here in Columbus Ohio. Tour-ready and high quality, I’ve got my eye out for their next move.

TUNED UP: Where did the name Utopia Real Estate come from?

Patrick: The name is actually a reference to a Pat the Bunny album. One of my favorites. ‘The Volatile Utopian Real Estate Market’

TUNED UP: How long have you and Jordan been playing together?

Patrick: Jordan and I have been playing together for a few months. I’m not sure how long exactly. He came to the first show I played out here with Mike Defendant and after that I sorta asked him if he wanted to play music and that kinda started the whole thing.

TUNED UP: Who would you say your top 3 influences are for the group?

Patrick: As for influences, I’m not sure what they are as a group, but for me personally a lot of it comes from dealing with anxiety and depression issues from the past five years and sorta using music and other things to kinda cope with that.

TUNED UP: How long have you been listening to folk punk?

Patrick: I started getting into folk punk like maybe 3 or 4 years ago. I was just sorta hopping through Youtube playlists one night cause I was listening to Choking Victim and Johnny Hobo was in a playlist and I thought it was some of the coolest shit ever.

TUNED UP: I noticed you’re super into a lot of genres, is there anything you’re not into?

Patrick: I feel like theres something dope to appreciate in everything. Like I can go from Smokey Robinson to Montana of 300 to Nausea back and forth and it doesnt bother me a bit. And those are entirely different from each other haha.

TUNED UP: I heard you’re thinking about going on tour in 2016, whats the deal with that?

Patrick: I’m highly considering the tour. I think it’d be an awesome thing. Mike Defendant is a really awesome musician and person nonetheless and he was the one who invited me. I was a bit iffy at first but like I’ve been thinking about it and I had this sort of like sudden realization and I just decided “Hey fuck it, I’ll go on tour. Maybe it’s what I need.” I think it’d be sweet as hell.

TUNED UP: You’ve been really active in the DIY scene here, what are your thoughts about it?

Patrick: I love the DIY scene here no doubt. Much respect for everyone in it. And much respect for you too. I used to be like so eh about shit but after going to THWNN for the months I have been I’ve definitely had a great deal of awesome conversations and have made plenty of friends in the process. It’s a dope thing really.

TUNED UP: Who are you listening to right now?

Patrick: Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Holy Shadow. The “Recorded at the Farm” album he has on his bandcamp has been my go to for a couple of weeks now.

TUNED UP: What’s next for you?

Patrick: I honestly have no idea what’s next for me. I feel like shit’s been changing in a kinda interesting way. Like the whole process of watching it unravel is pretty fascinating but pretty terrifying. I hope good things are coming but honestly… I’m ready to see what happens, whatever it is.

Relevant Links:
https://www.facebook.com/utopiarealestatemsuic
https://utopiarealestate.bandcamp.com/releases