The sun has been shining, summer is hopefully just around the corner, so why not check out something fresh music wise, from across the pond in America. Matthew Glenn Thompson is about to release his second single, ‘Ordinary Girl’ over here, which he hopes will help him make his mark on the UK market. We caught up with the singer-songwriter, and put him to the test with our ‘15 Questions’. Read on to see what he had to say!
How would you describe your act, in the style of an advert?
“Relationships have got you down? Got an old Marshall, an Epiphone, and some time on your hands? Read on for more information on our wankerless 5-step program to releasing anguish, and getting your shit back together.”
If you could read one newspaper headline about yourselves in 2010, what would it be?
“MUSICIAN TRAPPED IN REFRIGERATOR EATS OWN FOOT”
If a radio station gave you control of their shows and playlists for a day, what would you do?
I spent hours as a kid doing fake radio broadcasts on a tape deck at home. Fast-forward to now, I’d delve into my record collection for some true gems, assemble a panel of bartenders, and have a Q/A roundtable, bring in some good friends for a few live sets, and maybe try to persuade Mila Kunis to do a phone interview.
You decide to plan a launch for your new album/single release, what would your ideal event be?
Simple. Bringing the band over and packing a few small venues with a ripe crowd ready to give it a go with the new record. Someplace with red curtains, maybe, and decent stage sound.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt about the music industry?
Trust exists only on other planets. It’s a fucking mess, and yet it couldn’t be better for an indie these days. Nice to own what you create, to have no excuses, and to have all the possibilities and the tools to get things going.
Are there any instruments or other music related skills you’d like to pick up or improve on?
My skills at Equestrian Cello could always use some improvement.
You’re asked to design/come up with something to giveaway to fans at your gigs, what would it be?
Underpants aside, something personal that would mean something to the recipient, and have some value to them long after I’ve left town.
What’s your favourite part of music history? (acts/genres etc)
It’s hard to narrow down, probably Buddy Holly’s story for the out-of-nowhere genius, or Elliott Smith. Against the brilliant work Smith left behind, I find his story endlessly fascinating. Or maybe it’s just the Texas roots of those two that draws me in.Who knows? Finally read “Hammer Of The Gods” (Led Zeppelin) last year and that blew me away. Times were way different then in the music world.
What was the last thing you googled online?
“Naked Mole Rat”
Have you any funny ‘You’ve Been Framed’ style stories you can share with us?
Hmmm, let’s see! My third year in college, after making the rounds of the campus bars, I decided in my inebriated state that taking a mower to the lawn of the sorority house across the street at 3 a.m. was a good idea. (Insert your ‘What Happens Next?’ break here.) Wearing nothing but boots made it interesting. I mowed a few rows, before friends tipped me off the cops were coming, so I left the mower running and retreated to home. Now’s probably a good time to finally apologize to the girls I awakened!
Who would you most like to interview and what would you ask them?
I’d suck conducting an interview, but I’ve always thought having a beer with Vince Vaughn would be greatness, just to tap into that humour and shoot the shit. Or Gil Norton or Rich Costey, have some drinks, some dinner, and listen to them reflect on the making of their favourite records!
Do you still buy CD singles/albums, or is it all about downloads?
I like to comb the rack, browse through a record store. I still prefer the album concept, and recently bought a turntable to get back into the experience of vinyl. There’s a great record store, Good Records, close to where I live in Dallas that stocks a ton of new and old vinyl. There’s nothing like holding a huge record in your hand, the rich graphics and photography, all the extras, liner notes, you take it all in while listening. I’ve bought a lot off of I-Tunes through my cell, when I’m on the road and don’t have a song I want to hear. Usually, it’s something I already own on cd or record anyway.
Who do you think we should watch out for music wise this year?
Interpol’s got a record coming out, right? Looking forward to that action. Or maybe The Shins will get back in the studio. Can’t wait for Tracey Thorn’s album release on May 18th. There’s also a Dallas band, In The Irons, that just released a killer EP. Hit them up.
How would you promote the British music scene abroad?
Brits still have way more words in the average vocabulary than we do here, so maybe it should be left in your hands? From The Smiths to Oasis, from Catherine Wheel to George Michael to Keane, hell, it’ll pretty much promote itself, based on historical records.
And finally what else should we know about your act?
Drinks are on me. No animals are harmed, and I perform all my own stunts!
For more information about Matthew Glen Thompson, and his musical journey which has taken in his birthplace of Memphis, a variety of theatre shows, covers bands, and some success with the band Quickserv Johnny, please visit www.matthewglennthompson.com.