Interview

Please excuse the brevity of this piece. The interview was supposed to be conducted in person, and I'm sure I've could've gotten a lot more out of Matt. Unfortunately, there were some complications and it didn't go down. Matt was deeply apologetic, but perhaps next time we'll get to sit down and talk about the new record. The show in Minneapolis at the Fine Line was wonderful, nonetheless, and I can't wait until Matt rolls back into town.


EP: I know the band has gone through its share of members. Where did you all meet and when was this current line-up finalized?

Matt: Nothing ever seems fully finalized. Cities and touring and time are all temporary.
I met everyone in New York. One by one -- through strange social circles. I legitimately hope that we can be together as long as it makes sense. Although nothing really makes sense these days. I'd really love a nap.

EP: PA? What's the story behind it. I always figured it had everything to do with you living in a Philadelphia for awhile…but I've read otherwise.

Matt: It's from Philadelphia. But it's the sound of it that I liked. When I was too small to know any better, I loved the way Magnum PI flowed out of the mouth. I wanted that for myself before I knew better. I believe that there are times when I could use a better personal editor.

EP: How did you end up hopping on tours with bands like Guster, Keane, and Liz Phair?

Matt: I don't know. We toured with a slew of different kinds of bands. I don't know how any of them specifically happen. It just seems like we keep playing shows. Did I mention how I love napping?

EP: What has been your favorite tour thus far, headlining or otherwise?

Matt: We loved touring with Youth Group. They were exceptional people. That's more important than anything -- touring with bands that are cool. We spend most of our time driving, or killing time.

EP: I've read that you had a stint writing for the Oxygen network. How did that come about?

Matt: I don't like that stint. Pure soul-lessness. I intentionally tried to make bad music. That's wrong. The whole thing was wrong. I regret that except for the fact that it funded some early tours...But it would be high on the list of things I wish I'd never done.

EP: You released 2 albums and EP on Polyvinyl and then started recording at Altitude. Any reason for the switch?

Matt: Polyvinyl's awesome. I just wanted a change. After Philly, I wanted everything to begin again.

EP: You guys were one of Rolling Stone's ten bands to watch in 2005 right before Several Arrows Later was released. How did that affect you guys? Did you notice more people at shows or a pick up in album sales?

Matt: I try not to pay attention to this part of the thing. I don't want to gauge ourselves with the arbitrary. We can only be ourselves. I try not to even pay attention to record sales.

EP: You've done great covers – "Champagne Supernova" and "In The Aeroplane…" from Wintersongs. Considering recording and releasing more? People seem to really dig them.

Matt: I've thought a few songs I'd like to take a try at. Some Donovan songs, some Vashti Bunyan songs...A lot of the good ones have been taken. It's hard to hear when someone covers a song that you wanted -- that Scarlett J. is doing a bunch of Tom Waits songs. And Versus already covered Shangri Las by both the Kinks and ELO.

EP: It's been a year since Several Arrows Later was released. Have any songs written or recorded yet for a new album?

Matt: The new record's done. It's tentatively called "Last Light". It's been the strangest experience. In the end good -- but so strange. I also have half of the following record written. I don't why it is, but I'm really into writing songs right now. I should probably get a hobby.

EP: You guys are booked solid until early December. Any cities you always look especially forward to playing?

Matt: I think I'm going to prioritize cities that don't steal from us. If you don't steal our stuff -- then we automatically love you.

EP: I have to ask this to everyone I interview…Who have you been listening to lately?

Matt: T-Rex, Phoenix, Sparklehorse, John Lennon, Be Your own Pet. Those have been heavily over the last week.