(Lynn Lane photo)

Micaiah Walker, frontman for pop/rock outfit VerseCity, knows his isn’t the average Houston band.

“To be honest, I’m not so sure we’ve been completely accepted by (the local scene),” he says. “In the beginning we tried to force our way in by any means necessary. Now we realize all we can do is worry about us and be the best we can be.

“Houston will always be home to us. But we have much bigger aspirations.”

The band released its second studio album, Hybrid, earlier this year. It’s a slickly produced collection of big, commercial tunes designed for sing-alongs and radio play. Tunes Home and We Are Over would sit comfortably on any top 40 playlist. And, yes, the sound has helped carry them beyond Lone Star borders. A rejiggered cover of Ke$ha’s Tik Tok, which started as a joke, went to No. 7 on the Indonesian radio charts. (Raw videos of the tune have racked up thousands of YouTube views.)

The band’s success hinges on that unabashedly mainstream sound and Walker’s cover-boy looks. They plan to release more singles from Hybrid and spend much of 2012 touring:

The new album was a long time coming. What took so long?
We started recording this album literally the week after we released our debut album, Epic Sunrise, but we ran into some timing issues with our studio. The success of Tik Tok Rok again held back the progression of the album because we started doing a lot of shows. There were a lot of disagreements within the band about the direction of some of the songs. We decided to give the album a break for a few months, let the studio finish mixing and come back with a clear mind.

What’s the biggest difference, sonically, from the first record?
Everything, honestly. But the biggest change is in the production. Our first album was largely self-produced, but on this one, we worked with local producer MD Thompson.

There’s obviously a statement behind the name Hybrid, right?
One of VerseCity’s biggest assets is also the reason for much of our criticism — that we play so many different styles of music. But ultimately, whether it’s pop, soul, heavy or soft, it’s all a form of rock music.

VerseCity is relentless in terms of promotion. What advice would you give to a fledgling Houston act?
Professionalism and image. A lot more people will remember and respect you if you look professional in every aspect. Also, don’t be lazy. Get out and do the things other bands are not willing to do and make the most out of every opportunity.

With the year coming to a close, what are some of your most shining 2011 moments?
Sharing the stage and literally performing alongside Slim Thug was pretty cool, but the most memorable moment was when our song No Better Reason hit No. 1 on the rock charts in Indonesia.

VerseCity: 7 p.m. Saturday at Numbers, 300 Westheimer. With A Midnight in Chicago, 38 Caliber Hero, Lost Element.