Matthew Santos Interview

We don't have so much about Matthew on the blog so far.

So I decided to put this interview up.
I know it's from March
but hey, it's still cool

Check out what he has to say.

Natalie Gottlieb: How did your collaboration with Lupe Fiasco begin?

Matthew Santos: We met at Chuck E. Cheese's. No, really, it was kind of coincidental. We met though a mutual friend of ours who is my sound engineer [Greg "G-ball" Magers]. They were working together on "Food & Liquor." At the time, it was before everyone knew about Lupe.

NG: How has that changed your life? What's different?

MS: Dramatically! I'm on TV now. I'm going to be a part of one of the biggest tours this year ["Glow in the Dark"]. This immense wave of exposure has propelled me into a whole other level of professionalism. It has influenced me greatly as well as schooled me on the industry. It's hard to be the face of your music. You have to find a balance between the face of your music and being yourself. Your own person.

NG: I found an article from the "Columbia Chronicles" and pulled a quote from you: "the industry is full of bullshit." What kind of impact do you want to have upon the music industry?

MS: If possible, I would like to be a positive influence on the way people do business. More specifically, I want to promote honesty. The industry is doing the world great injustice when record labels only look for what sells. We need corks to get rid of them for artists to be universally acceptable. I've seen greed, especially when people start to recognize your fame. Everyone starts to want a piece of you. I would like to stand for more creative edge as every artist does. The greater good express themselves uniquely.

NG: Aviva, how did you become a part of the Matthew Santos band? Did you guys meet at school?

AJ: I knew Matthew went to Columbia, but we actually met at Gourmand Café. He hosted a weekly open-mic every Thursday night. Seth Gruenwald, our cello player, suggested that we play together. Everything clicked from the start. We've been playing together for over three years.

NG: How do you feel about the exposure Matthew is receiving from working with Lupe? Have things changed for the band? For you, personally?

AJ: Overall it's been very positive. I like the aspect of artists being willing to work in musical vein. Matt's making a name for himself in the hip hop world. I think that's cool. I'm glad he's not scared to step out of the genre. Things are picking up and we just have to stay flexible as these wonderful things come and jump on board without fear.

NG: If someone stole your iPod, what would they find under "Recently Played?"

MS: I'll be honest with you. Britney Spears. Just kidding, that's not under my "Recently Played." I've been listening to Andrew Bird's "Armchair Apocrypha," New Buffalo "Somewhere Anywhere," Portishead "Dummy" and Muse.

NG: Who are your major influences?

MS: There have been a few: Martin Sexton, Ray LaMontagne, Jeff Buckley, Björk, Radiohead and Paul Simon.

AJ: Jonie Mitchell, Björk, my favorite artist! India.Arie. It really depends what instrument is driving the song.

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also check out Matthew's MySpace

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