Ex Models

Ex Models

Ex Models are a Brooklyn-based American group formed in 1998. The band centres on brothers Shahin Motia and Shahryar Motia and is associated with no wave-influenced post-hardcore, as well as noise rock, experimental rock and post-punk. They start while the Motia brothers are still in high school, then reunite after college to make their first album.

Career

Their first album, Other Mathematics, is released in 2001 on Ace Fu Records. The group’s lyrics cover subjects ranging from sex to the philosophy of Jean Baudrillard, including his ideas about simulacra. Their second album, Zoo Psychology, follows two years later. By that point, bass player Mike Masiello leaves the group and Zach Lehrhoff joins, contributing vocals as well as bass guitar or guitar.

By 2005, Ex Models are reduced to the duo of Shahin Motia and Zach Lehrhoff. That year they release Chrome Panthers, which marks a shift towards a more repetitive and minimalist style that the band describes as “Fundustrial Noise”. Drummer Kid Millions of Oneida contributes on record and sometimes live.

Line-up changes and related projects

In 2007, the “classic” line-up of Shahin Motia, Shahryar Motia, Zach Lehrhoff and drummer Jake Fiedler performs in New York City’s East River Park. The reunion with Fiedler is short-lived, and the remaining three go on to perform as Knyfe Hyts, a more metal-oriented project.

Ex Models remain active in the Brooklyn music scene and the members appear in other bands and side projects. Shahin Motia plays with The First Lady Of Cuntry and the Cunts, and is also a member of Oneida in 2010. Zach Lehrhoff plays in The Seconds and Pterodactyl, and works with Marnie Stern.

Members

Current members are Shahin Motia and Shahryar Motia. Other members and contributors include Zach Lehrhoff, Jake Fiedler, Mike Masiello and Kid Millions.