(Song playing is "Break You" by Mattison)
Alkatraz discovers the rhythmic, soul catching music of Mattison
So when you think of non-traditional, many things can come to your head. I'm sitting here in my cabin in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and as the fire flickers and the smoke spills out of my mouth I see the infectious rhythm of Mattison filling my head. Yes I did say, "see." This is the type of music you have waited and waited for. Imagine if a jazz band, was mashed together with precise beats, sprinkled with Pink Floyd and dusted heavily with a 1940's female vocal. Yes, that concoction is what I hear and I have found that the band Mattison has some great music that stirs the soul and breaks free the build up of the same old stuff that often clogs our radios and televisions. Say goodbye to MTV, people.....this band is for real.
I had the chance to sit down with the members of Mattison and this is what they had to say about themselves. Also we have a bio here about them that will go into all the details of sound, responsibilities and birthplace.
Part singer-songwriter, part fat beats, and part hotel-jazz-standard-hipster-piano-trio fronted by a sinfully delicious chanteuse-next-door with a voice straight outta the 1940s. Sounds good to me. And, by the way, it sounded better than good to me. Mattison, the Brooklyn-via-Kent, Ohio trio are a strangely fascinating enigma in world of the NYC indie scene. The project is the brainchild of drummer Pete Sustarsic and songwriter/pianist Kate Mattison when, in 2003, the two friends began banging out tempo-changing songs with lush dissonant piano chords, and soon added bassist Jay Steinhauer to complete the curious sound. Each song was so different, nostalgic, and poignant; at times reminding me of my most blissfully inebriated moments in life. Their neo-AM Radio songs sound like how songs should sound: well-crafted & never calculable. Seeing them live is the real divulgence- Ms. Mattison's voice is unforgettable, smoky and warm, and the coyness in her performance had me biting at my finger. ~Avi F. (Party Revs, March 2006)
Alkatraz:
How long have you been a band?Mattison:
Since the fall of 2003.Alkatraz:
What types of music do you like as a band and also indivually? (You can have each band member answer some of these or however you want to do it).Kate:
I can find good in most music. Lately I've been listening to Madlib- The Beat Konducta, records by Nobody and anything by the Smiths. I also have been into obscure records that I found in my parents house- like old marching band music. Oh, and psychedelic albums like Love and Kaleidoscope. And Chick CoreaPete:
Pete: Some ambient music like Sigur Ros- and the new Yo La Tengo is great. I listen to most rock too- and different Jazz artists- anything from Brubeck to The Bad Plus.Jay:
I've been into experimental and electronic instrumental music for a long time now. I listen mostly to artists like Daedelus, Prefuse 73, and Dosh. Also some underground hip-hop like Antipop Consortium.As a band:
Mostly anything that's not top 40. Even though, some of that can be cool if it's good.
(Click On Picture To Go To myspace.com/mattison)
Alkatraz:
If Pink Floyd and a giant black bear were going to make a band...what would they be called and what might they sound like?Mattison:
They'd be called YIKES! And they'd sound like robot sex.Alkatraz:
What do feel about Bush and his cronies?Mattison:
Well, I think it's pretty clear that some bad stuff has gone on since his Presidency. I'm not one to make political commentary, though. I do think that people should try and be more informed and make decisions based on facts and not heated/stubborn emotions.Alkatraz:
Do you want you music to touch people and help or change them?Mattison:
It's different for every performance and/or recording. I think as long as someone understands what I'm trying to do musically, that's enough, because it's not about me, it's about the song as a piece of artwork. Whether someone loves it or hates it, at least it's getting them to listen.Alkatraz:
Are you trying to get a record deal or are you going be indie?Mattison:
Just trying to do our thing. I try not to get too caught up in getting signed to either because then you lose focus on what you're really doing it for. I'm sure if someone were interested, I'd be interested as to why they are interested, ya know?
(Click On The Picture To Go To Thier MySpace)
Alkatraz:
What in the world right now makes your music what it is, and how have you seen your band evolve?Mattison:
Everything can be influential if you really listen. Lately, I really listen to the sounds on the street or the subway. When writing a new song, I try not to think about myself- but other things that surround me- it's less internal that way. We have changed from semi-jazz/lounge trio to down-tempo beat-driven ambient apple pie. Someone once described us as Portishead meets Todd Rundgren with fat beats. I thought that was alright.
Alkatraz:
What are the plans for the future of your band?Mattison:
We'd like to do a cool tour and see the country.Alkatraz:
What's behind the name?Mattison:
It's my last name- and Pete gave us the name when we were trying to figure out what the hell to call ourselves. It took me a long time to be alright with it. I mean, it's as real as you can get, I guess.Alkatraz:
How many band members are there?Mattison:
3- Kate on keys/vox, Pete on drums, and Jay on bass.Alkatraz:
What do you feel about 50 cent?Mattison:
"In da Club" is tight.Alkatraz:
What genre of music do you what to be classified as?Mattison:
Music for the emotionally "stable."?
