PCM's Kristyn spoke with singer/songwriter Matt White about his new album "Best Days' that is in stores now! They also spoke about the future of music and one of Matt's funny habits!

Kristyn: Hi Matt, How are you doing?

Matt White : I am good. Where are you from?

K: I am from Delaware.

M: Oh, you have a southern accent

K: Really?

M: Yeah.

K: I have never heard that before (laughs)

M: Oh no?

K: nope

K: So, let's get started with the interview. While I was looking at you online, on Myspace.com they consider you at least in part to be a surf musician. What do you think of that category and what are some of your thoughts on musical categories in general?

M: Actually, I put that up there. Yeah, I couldn't classify myself so I just put that up there. I couldn't classify it, so I just put acoustic, pop, surf.

K: Oh okay.

M: I mean, it is acoustic, it's pop, and then there was no other kind of options, so I picked surf.

K: I see.

M: But I cannot surf however!

K: Have you tried?

M: I'm from New Jersey, so we don't really have…I mean we have the shore, but that is not the same thing.

K: Yeah, the Delaware beaches are the same way.

M: Actually, we played in Dewey Beach last year.

K: Oh okay, that is cool. Did you play at the Bottle and Cork?

M: No, I believe it was at the Rusty Rudder.

K: I also read that you started taking piano lessons at age three

M: Yes, I was three.

K: How much did your parents support your musical education?

M: They were very supportive. You know, my sister is a violin teacher and a very accomplished violinist. Everyone in my family was very into music.

K: That is cool, have you always wanted to be a musician?

M: I am not sure I would say I have always wanted to be a musician, music was always such a big part of my life, that I didn't really know anything else.

K: So, have you had any other types of jobs along the way?

M: I've parked cars and stuff like that

K: So, just odd jobs.

K: Well, I see that on your new album four of the songs have very elemental one word titles. For example "Play", "Love", "Miracles", and "Paradise". Can you explain what it is that moves you to give one song just a single word title?

M: I think that there are so many different ways of saying a song title. I mean some people say, Oh this song " Do you believe in love at first sight" which is "Best Days", so I think I just wanted to give them the easiest kinds of words to remember maybe from me.

K: I see, Well, I think it seems to make them stand out a bit more.

M: Right

K: What comes first when you are writing? The melody? The hook? The lyrics?

M: For me definitely the melody and the hook. Lyrically I think I have to work on that more. The melody is definitely something that comes to me more naturally.

K: I have also read in many places that you draw on your own life experiences to write your music. Which one experience would you say would be one of your personal favorites?

M: I would have to say just being in college and being young and that is definitely a big theme of the album. It is kind of the years between childhood and adulthood, you know. Just trying to find yourself and I think you are still searching even into your forties. It's like you grow up and you go to college and it's so fun and amazing and then you are expected to be an adult and it just sucks!

K: Yeah, I can definitely agree with you there. (laughing)

M: It sucks! (laughs)

M: So I think I was trying to latch onto those themes.

K: From the looks of things you are quite busy these days, with a tour, and an album release. Tell us a little bit about your life right now. What do you like to do in your spare time?

M: I like to sleep in my spare time. I get on the computer a lot.

K: Are you a gamer at all?

M: No, I probably should be because I would probably get addicted to it.

K: Well, it can definitely be addicting.

M: But, you know, we are in Austin, TX right now and I am just relaxing before the show tonight.

K: That is cool, I actually had a friend that just got back from Austin, TX!

M: Yeah, it is wild!

K: Speaking of wild, have you had any crazy road experiences yet?

M: The RV broke down, but that is about as crazy as we like to get out here. This is a singer/songwriter tour, it isn't a Motley Crew tour (laughs) it's pretty mellow.

K: Are you coming to the Philadelphia area anytime soon?

M: Yeah, I think so. In November we may be coming there.

K: Oh, well that would be awesome.

M: Either Grape Street, or North Star Bar.

K: We would really like to get a chance to review a live performance.

M: Yeah, that would great!

K: I see that you have been compared several times to Jeff Buckley, John Mayer, and Maroon Five. How do you feel about those comparisons?

M: I think they're great!

K: Definitely good company to be in!

M: Yeah, it's good company to be in. I am happy about that, it is better that then Clay Aiken.

K: Yeah (laughs)

M: and let's see who else, you know that kinda thing! (laughs)

K: Yes, I think I know what you are getting at (laughs)

K: Rolling Stone magazine has named you one of the "Artists To Watch For" in the future. What has that been like for you?

M: That was an amazing kind of honor. I still can't even believe that they did that. That was really exciting!

K: Your music has been featured in some of the most popular TV shows that are on right now like MTV's Laguna Beach, One Tree Hill, Men in Trees, and the ABC Fall Preview, so that must make you feel pretty good!

M: Yeah, that is pretty amazing. I couldn't believe it.

K: Why do you feel they chose your songs?

M: I don't know really, I think the themes that I right about are very personal hopefully. They can identify I hope.

K: Definitely! It was fitting when they showed the previews on TV, and the song is playing the background and you are like " Aww, it fits!"

M: Yeah right

K: I think it fits together well. I was reading one of your reviews on RollingStone.com and it says you are a former opera student and subway busker.

M: Yeah (laughs)

K: So, did you make much money doing that?

M: No, but I wrote an opera when I was very young, so that is why they said that. I trained musically classically. So, I studied the Suzuki method which was like a classical kind of way that they teach students growing up. And then I kinda of got into making my own jazz and blues kind of style.

K: So, what brought you away from opera?

M: I don't even remember actually. I guess just getting into classic rock. I was always into music, from the time was five years old. I mean, I knew who Bob Dylan, and Led Zeppelin were, Fleetwood Mac, and all these bands. Which is somewhat bizarre for a five or six year old to know.

K: Right, but I am guessing you pulled some influences from there.

M: Right.

K: How do you feel about the direction of music these days and where do you see yourself?

M: I think it is great. I think there are tremendous artists coming out. The Colbie Calliats, and I really like that dude, John McLauglin. You know Regina Spector. It is tough because it is an interesting time, by everyone being so radio driven. So, it like sometimes you have to be careful that things do not become over produced.

K: How do you feel about music downloading versus going out and actually purchasing the CD?

M: Hey, I say whatever. If they are listening, that is fine with me.

K: I agree. I take that you love getting out there and playing shows.

M: Yeah, I mean I don't care, I would give me CD away for free if I could. To be honest with you.

K: Yeah, well it is definitely a way to connect with the audience. If they like what they hear they will go out and buy the CD.

M: Yeah, exactly.

K: What is it like playing live versus your studio performances?

M: It is definitely great playing live, but I do enjoy both.

K: That is good. Can you tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know already?

M: I twirl my hair.

K: What was that? (laughing)

M: I twirl and twist my hair

K: Oh okay. Nervous habit?

M: I don't know (laughing)

K: What kind of influences do you draw from when recording the new album?

M: Mostly a lot of classic rock stuff mostly.

K: Well, that is all the questions we have for you today. So, is there anything else you would like to add?

M: No, hopefully I will be in Philly soon.

K: That would be great! We look forward to checking out your show. Thanks so much for talking with us.

M: I appreciate it, Thank you so much. Myspace me!

K: Okay, we definitely will!

M: Awesome, have a good day

K: All right, thanks so much

M: All right, bye bye

K: bye bye

Check out the video for Matt White's song "Best Days":

 

Best Days Matt White DVD