We recently sent some questions to Matt from 1995, an impressive young band who have just released there first EP Guilt.
Here's what he had to say:
Been around since?
Late 2007.
Current line up?
Matt (Vocals//Keys)
Adrian (Guitar//BVs)
Dave (Guitar)
Jordan (Drums//BVs)
Chris (Bass)
Where are you based?
Central Auckland
Musical history?
Matt and Jordan have known each other since childhood. Chris, Adrian and Jordan met in 2002 at Wanganui School of Design. Dave joined the band early 2007, after coming to see us play as a four piece.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Hip hop has always been a huge influence on a lot of us, growing up we listened to quite a bit of it so it’s inevitable that it is still a big influence on the music we make and of course still a big part of what we listen to today, Also trawling the net looking for new interesting stuff to inspire you is a good way to pass the time… At the moment: SALEM, early My Bloody Valentine, O Children, Batman tiddabades, Popstrangers, The Prids, HEALTH, Nirvana, A Place To Bury Strangers & The Horrors.
What is your writing/recording process?
The writing process has been somewhat of a mystery to us – tunes mostly came out of jams we recorded during practices. It’s been a group effort from the inception. We’re always exploring new methods to avoid the "too many cooks in the kitchen" situation.
Your Dream Collaboration?
That would probably depend on which of us you talked to I guess, Some of us might say ODB and some might say QOTSA. I think collaborating is one of the greatest ways that any musician can develop & improve what they do. We recently had some remixes of our tracks done by T-Bones and by Scratch 22. It’s a crazy thing to have someone else take your music and have creative license to do with it what he or she wants. They came up with some great stuff.
Tell us about your new EP?
We recorded ourselves in the lounge of Queensbridge, which is our rehearsal space turn flat. A couple of gigs we played provided us with the money to buy some basic recording equipment. We got it mastered by Angus Mcnaughton to put a professional finishing touch on it and did the cover art ourselves. A Wanganui classmate of ours, Tane Williams, created the art for the CD and poster.
It was all very DIY, which has both its advantages and disadvantages.
Is this your first release?
This is our first E.P. We had previously sent the odd tracks to B’net radio.
But I guess an E.P is a great first step for any band, you can introduce your sound to an audience without great cost.
If you could have any original vinyl release in the world what would it be?
Holy Crap what a question. Again, depending on which of us you talked to would depend on the answer you’d get. I think any original Stooges stuff, Woody Guthrie or The Pixies.
Of all the instruments you own, or have owned, what is your favorite?
We recently purchased a Roland TR707 drum machine, which creates some exciting possibilities for new sounds.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learnt musically in the last year?
I think just to keep going and make music for your own taste; no matter how much you try you can’t make music that will appeal to everyone. I think especially when you’re doing something a bit different to what everyone else is doing. Some people will always love it and some people will always hate it.
What has been your favorite show to date?
Probably our first Wellington gig, most of us are from there so it was part just the novelty of going and playing a show there. We arrived to a modest ground-level setup at the venue but the place packed out and it became difficult not to injure people with our instruments. People were singing along – it was pretty crazy being on the other side of something like that. And recently we helped The Checks launch their album at the Bacco Room; they had an amazing sound guy and great PA. Those things always make the biggest difference.
If you could share the stage with anyone (band or person) who would it be?
I think it’s cool just being able to make music and play music with four of your best mates.
The future holds…
We're currently working on our second EP, which we’d like, to release before the end of the year.
Then try our luck overseas; hopefully record an Album over there.
The state of music in NZ is…
We think it's pretty healthy at the moment. There are some great new bands doing some interesting things musically.
