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Aqualung
an Interview by Auralgasms - February, 2007
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British artist Matt Hales has his work cut out for him. How does one follow up on the success of Strange and Beautiful? The record earned him critical acclaim, adoring fans and several prominent appearances in TV and film.
His new CD, Memory Man is due Mar 13. On the strength of the lead single, Pressure Suit and a massive US tour with Pete Yorn, he is certainly off to a good start.
Matt was kind enough to chat with Auralgasms about his musical background, the recording of the new record and how to 'get your thing out there' musically.
Why did you choose a band name for your solo project rather than going by Matt Hales?
Being called 'Matt Hales' seemed a bit limited, a bit too 'singer-songwritery'. I liked the idea of a more enigmatic name for the project that generated less explicit musical expectations.
Was the name chosen in homage to Jethro Tull or the actual underwater breathing apparatus?
The Tull thing was a bit of a surprise. I was thinking much more underwater/outerspace slomo atmospheric and less fluteprog.
What is Da Fook Mo a Dib?
I do know, but i can't tell you.
Discuss some of your other bands like Mecano Pig and Ruth. Can die-hard fans actually pick up some of this earlier music?
Depending on exactly how die-hard they are, yes. The 45s stuff is easy to find, the Ruth stuff a bit harder. Mecano pig which was my school band only put stuff out on cassette, so that would be a challenge.
Explain the relationship with your brother Ben. You had several bands together, and then you go solo and bring your brother on tour with you.
Ben and i have been brothers for 33 years and making music together for about 30. When i started Aqualung i really wanted to work on my own for a change, but Ben was always involved as a sounding board/trusted advisor. It was always likely that he would become more and more involved once the solo novelty wore off.
I understand you and Ben got your start doing Police covers. What did you think of their Reunion performance at the Grammys and their upcoming tour?
I didnt see them play. I was a big fan when I was younger but it kinda wore off. They really were/are a peculiar band. Without their collective self belief they wouldn't have amounted to much i don't think.
They just decided to be big and they were somehow. When you listen to the actual albums, they're really patchy, expedient; but always 2 or 3 wonderful pop songs.
They'll put on a good show i should think. Will Sting bring his lute?
Explain the decision to release a compilation CD after just 2 albums.
It was the best way to catch the US up with the rest of the world. If i'd put both full albums out here it would have been 4 or 5 years until i got to make a new album and i would have gone mad.
How do you find that you are received in the US as opposed to the UK in both record sales and touring? Do you find it harder for a UK band to break through here?
The weird thing is how similar it feels whether i'm in the US, Japan or home. Seems like we bring a kind of Aqualand with us wherever we go.
I think it's hard for musicians to break through anywhere. Takes a lot of work/faith/luck. I always keep my expectations modest. That seems to help.
What have been your favorite and least favorite cities to play?
We've had great nights all over the world but some stand out. Tokyo for the whole bladerunner gastronaut deal, New York for feeling like you're in a 70's movie, Austin for the great outdoors and the healthy glow.
You have toured with artists as diverse as The Perishers, Cary Brothers and Pete Yorn. Who do you consider your musical contemporaries? Are you more of a singer-songwriter or a Britpop act?
I do write songs and sing them, but i think as a producer and arranger ,I'm more into making soundscapes and drama and atmosphere that has more in common with band-style projects.
My favourite artists are Wilco, Radiohead, Abba, Rufus Wainright, Paul Simon, Cocteau Twins, Cornelius, The Meters: A little bit of all that goes into Aqualung.
You have had your songs promoted in VW commercials, feature films such as Wicker Park and A Lot Like Love and TV shows like The OC and Scrubs. Which are you most proud of and which do you think was most responsible for opening up your music to a new crowd.
Watching Nip/Tuck at home, hearing myself singing as someone got their face peeled off. I was proud.
You have collaborated with Tiesto for a track on his CD. You have a great voice suited for techno music. Do you have a dream artist to collaborate with?
Is that like having a great face for radio? Working with Tiesto was great. He's a proper superstar.
I did something with Ferry Corsten too which was fun, and Nitin Sawney and Takagi too; All splendid musicians.
I would love to do something with Cornelius, or maybe David Sylvian.......
We are looking forward to the new CD. Pressure Suit is one of our most played tracks on Auralgasms Radio the last few weeks. I should have the full length in a few days, but for now, tell us what we can expect. Is it any different in sound or in songwriting style from your previous releases?
Glad you're enjoying Pressure Suit. The new album is called 'Memory Man' and i'm really happy with it. I wanted to push into some new territory as a writer and producer with the new album: more drama, more force, more textures and atmosphere. I even tried a fast song, which is definately new for Aqualung.
You are currently touring with Pete Yorn and a few headlining dates in between. What other touring and promotional push will you do for the new record?
All the usual things - touring and more touring. We'll release 'Memory Man' all over the world so we'll be doing a lot of travelling; hopefully an adventurous year ahead...
What are the struggles and triumphs of a rising artist in the Internet age?
Same as ever i think. You have this thing you do that you love, that you think other people might love too, but how the fuck are they ever going to hear it?
The internet is the new word of mouth, the new community, the new shop front and as such is instrumental in getting your thing out there, but the botom line is unchanged.
If there's something about your music/art/thing that speaks to others, and you're smart and determined, you can make it.