Indie rocker Matthew Pop is a true industry survivor, producing impassioned music since 1997. Living in Brooklyn, New York with his wife Haley Bowery, he works at random jobs to support his musical addiction.
Check out my earlier article on Lights Out
-Mark-
Background
1) When did you first decide to get into music? And why?
I was 14 when i 1st started writing songs. i was always intensely passionate about music. At 15 i was in my first band, recording and performing around new york city.
2) Who are your major influences?
Growing up? – Superdrag, Teenage Fanclub, Ash, Big Star, The Replacements, Guided By Voices, The Beatles, The Raspberries, Fountains of Wayne, Lemonheads, Weezer, Smoking Popes, The Muffs, Hum, Failure, Matthew Sweet, Cracker, The Pixies, Cheap Trick, The Ramones,
3) What else are you doing when you’re not working on your music?
Right now, unfortunately, im working as a slave in a restaurant kitchen for very little money.
if i am ever off, i like hanging out with my rock and roll wife Haley Bowery
4) What has been your biggest struggle so far?
My whole career has been a struggle, i guess just getting people to hear me and keep up the support.ive never really sold any records – at home or on tour – even with the whole lights out thing. people find a way to not buy it. if they only knew how poor i am, haha.
Musical Style
1) How would you describe the genre of your music?
Indie/Powerpop
2) What do you think makes you stand out in your genre?
Probably the songwriting, though im not sure i stand out THAT much.
Hopefully I stand out melodically. Melody and harmony are really important to me. I am always challenging myself to compose something really unique and familiar at the same time.
Lights Out
1) What inspired you to write this song?
Lights out is about a failed relationship. Plain and simple. I was dating this girl and when we fought, she would always say the harshest things. Her bedroom walls were painted blue. And the light on her ceiling was super bright. Like really really bright.
Current News
1) What other projects are you working on now?
The Aquatic Safety is a lofi bedroom side project ive been messing around with over the last year or so. also, i play bass for Haley Bowery & The Manimals and drums for Bastard Chosen, both bands from brooklyn too
Looking Ahead
1) What are your future plans as a musician?
find a way to make some money fast. also, ill be putting out a b-sides comp, digitally, next month.
I have also recently decided to begin working on a new record that would come out next year. I have a lot to write about and I want to take my time and make an amazing album. I would also like to be able to travel to Europe and South America and perform since that’s where most of my fans are. But I need to save a lot first. Or win the lottery.
And Finally…
1) Any last words to your fans and readers of this blog?
if everyone buys one song, i can have dinner tonight! 🙂
To buy his digital album Lights Out: The Best Of Matthew Pop, you can visit his website here: http://matthewpop.bandcamp.com/
You can also check out his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/matthewpopmakesmusic
