We first worked with Mattstagraham on our 2022 Christmas Roundtable and I knew I had to work with him on a more official interview. I love when you come across a musician or band that instantly clicks with you, and I became such a fan of their music. Take a look below and check out what all we had to talk about when Mattstagraham sat down with BareBones Ent.
BBE: How would you best describe your music to new listeners?
Mattstagraham: I usually jokingly describe it as loud and abrasive, but I would maybe say something like emo with punk influence!
BBE: If you had to play one of your songs to someone, which song would you choose to show them to reel them in?
Mattstagraham: It depends on the day! Today I would show someone “Snack Black” off of my first record. That song just captures everything about my personality I feel like.
BBE: Now before we really dive into this interview, I just want to tell you (even though it’s a little older now) I love “I’m Soft”. I feel it speaks to me and my wife says it fits, so all the thumbs way up!
Mattstagraham: Thanks! That song was purely supposed to be an internet joke and then it got way ahead of me, and I’m glad it did. Love that so many people resonate with it.
BBE: What is it about your music that draws you personally to enjoy making it? Would you consider it more storytelling or sharing your own experiences?
Mattstagraham: This kind of question is always hard for me, because I feel like when I’m writing alone it just sort of happens. I have this idea in my head of a particular lyric melody and instrumentation that conveys a feeling, and then I just sort of try to translate that. I usually come up with lyrics last because I write to suit the feeling that the instrumentation is getting across. Whether it’s storytelling or sharing my own experience depends on what I feel suits the song that day!
BBE: One of the things about your music I really enjoy is that there is such diversity to them. There are songs with some more humorous tones, deep songs, fun songs, etc. Do you kind of aim to hit various feels on your albums or does it just come together naturally in that way?
Mattstagraham: I like to tell people that MattstaGraham is all of my various personality traits agreeing to write cohesive music and then sort of missing the mark. I tend to ignore the idea of cohesion and stay true to how I’m feeling in that moment, which leads to the music and themes going sort of all over the place. I like it that way though. People aren’t one dimensional and I think the way I put albums together stays true to that thought.
BBE: You are around a year into your album cycle for Prescribe Whatever. Looking back what was recording that album like for you?
Mattstagraham: Honestly? It was kind of miserable. I record everything that I release alone in my home set up and we were just getting out of covid, so I was unsure what kind of world I was about to put this record out in.. I should’ve been more excited but it kind of felt like a task rather than an enjoyment, and it didn’t help that I was having a long lasting depressive episode for the whole duration of recording. Production-wise, the record kind of suffered because of where I was at mentally.
BBE: Are there any songs on the album that you are especially proud of? Why?
Mattstagraham: I think “Bored With Myself” and “Armchair Philosopher” are up there for me. They aren’t particularly my favorite songs, but I was pushing myself to write songs that weren’t just fast and chaotic, but also could sit well with the rest of the record. On the opposite note, I was really proud of the lyrics I wrote for “Everything At Once”. I feel like that song definitely encompasses the mental struggle for me.
BBE: You are getting ready to head out on a small run of dates in March. What is a Mattstagraham show like for anyone that hasn’t been before?
Mattstagraham: If I could choose two words, they would be loud and silly. I like to have fun with it, and I don’t take myself too seriously.
BBE: Are you planning more shows for 2023 that you are able to share?
Mattstagraham: Soooort of? I really want to work on at least one more string of dates this year, but it’s a little hard paying credit down and getting ready for my wedding in October!
BBE: What is the best way for fans to keep up with your announcements and connect with you?
Mattstagraham: At this point, probably Instagram is the best bet but I’m working on a landing page so that you can find anything of mine through MattstaGraham.com eventually!
BBE: One thing I have seen on your socials is you’ve really gotten down these fun and entertaining videos. Has there been one that was especially fun or difficult to record? Why was that?
Mattstagraham: I wouldn’t say any of them were difficult to record, but they definitely get difficult to commit to while I’m having a depressive episode. I think that’s really the only thing that gets in the way.
BBE: Anything else you would like to add?
Mattstagraham: I don’t often say it, and I definitely need to remind myself of it more, but everyday someone’s listening to what I put out there is another day I’m grateful. Thanks to anyone out there who’s giving me a chance.
