I don't think that TV on the Radio is some dark mysterious band that no one can know about. We write music because it's an immediate form of communication. We're able to put on record what's happening in our times, and we want that message to be heard by the most amount of people.

Dave Sitek’s quote highlights the idea that TV on the Radio is not a band that seeks to be elusive or mysterious, but rather one that aims to create music as a form of immediate communication. Sitek stresses that the band’s primary goal is to use music to reflect what is happening in the world and capture the zeitgeist of their times. Rather than presenting themselves as an enigmatic group, they are committed to ensuring that their message reaches as many people as possible.

The origin of this quote comes from Sitek’s role as a founding member of the band TV on the Radio, known for blending genres like rock, soul, and electronic music. Sitek’s comment reflects the band's approach to creating music that resonates with the contemporary moment and addresses societal issues. He emphasizes that, for the band, music is not just an artistic expression but a tool for communication—a way to convey ideas, emotions, and experiences to a wide audience.

Sitek’s statement also touches on the democratizing power of music. By stating that the band wants their message to be heard by as many people as possible, he highlights the desire for their music to connect with listeners on a broad scale, transcending barriers of class, geography, or culture. Music, for Sitek, is a platform to engage with the world in real-time, offering a snapshot of the moment and inviting listeners to reflect on their shared experiences.

Ultimately, Sitek’s quote underscores the band’s belief in music as communication, rejecting the notion that their work is meant to be mysterious or inaccessible. Instead, TV on the Radio sees their songs as a direct and powerful way to comment on and shape the world around them, ensuring that their art is both relevant and widely heard.