Interview
Cru cru Mat Hook, what first got you into music?
As far as listening, long car journeys as a kid, daydreaming out the window listening to my dads records! And film scenes probably. Saturday morning TV as a kid used to be great for music too. It seemed like some far away party that one day you’d get an invite too.
As far as playing, I always kinda knew I could sing, so once I’d seen all those indie bands in my teenage years, it was just a matter of time before I gave it a go!
Are you into Britpop? Blur or Oasis? Or is this just a stupid question and Pulp and Suede are the real deal?
I loved elements of Britpop, hated others. That term gets slightly sneered at in England these days (but let's face it what’s considered hip quickly changes all the time)
I was never that fussed about Suede, although I saw Brett live once. I loved Pulp, possibly as much as Blur, but Oasis we're the ones for me. I loved the fact that Oasis looked and sounded like they belonged in the pub or in a football crowd more than they belonged on a record cover. Yeah Oasis were the band for me.. I'm sure it's hard to tell!
Is 90's rock the best decade for music?
For me it was, cos it’s tied to all those youthful moments and memories, growing up. I think the songs conveyed so much, you could find songs for every kind’ve mood. I think it was great in the 90’s for my tastes because guitar music was so prevalent. And it was a cultural thing too, very British in its take. The whole time seemed about about having fun and being pretty laid back.
I occasionally catch wind of what’s popular in the mainstram today and it just doesn’t register with me at all. Even the other genre’s sounded better in the 90’s. So the range of stuff that’s popular now seems alien to me, even a lot of the guitar stuff.
It’s weird cos people are still the same, when it comes to the type of films, the comedy.. To a degree, the fashion.. I’m right in there with the everyman! There’s just this one vast area (music) where I’m completely disconnected from the current climate. That’s not a complaint just an observation, you should like whatever you want in my book.
Which footbal team do you support in England and who is your favorite football player in the Premier League?
I’m a Liverpool fan. My mum grew up across the street from the Kop at Anfield and my first football memory is being given a sticker book with Ian Rush and John Aldridge in and being told I was a fan of the team! My auntie went on to work for the club and I’ve been in the crowd on some special nights!
As far as favourite player, as a kid it was Robbie Fowler, currently it’s Szoboszlai, prior to that Firmino.. and the one to watch is Ben Doak! But all time favourite has to be Steven Gerrard!
How did you manage to make "Runaway Road" a super catchy song?
I sang it over and over to the dog in a frequency only he could hear until I fine-tuned it to being super catchy until he danced on his hind legs! No to be honest, I’ll never know what’s catchy when writing something, that’s for other people to decide, I just go with a hunch and a feeling. I think it’s the feeling behind it that might make it catchy!
Do you run a lot?
Anyone who’s seen me play football, will know I detest running with every fibre of my body! There was a brief stage where I consciously altered my running style and felt like I’d nailed it, finally enjoying it for a few weeks, but the honeymoon period soon wore off.
Coincidentally I love watching Athletics and would’ve loved to have been a good sprinter, I’m not. My cousins daughter, Abi, is currently the top young heptathlete in the UK, (and was a world number one for her age briefly) so I’ll make do following her progress instead.
What is indie all about?
God, who knows! Depending on where you are in the world that word seems to mean different things anyhow. To me it’ll always mean guitars, cagoules and Adidas trainers. I’m not some super scenester type, I never was. I just went with that music, football, pub vibe that if you’re a certain age in England you automatically understand. I can’t really describe it, but I know when I feel it/see it and that’s me, and probably always will be.
What's the ultimate britpop classic of all time?
Realistically it’s probably a Pulp song.. Maybe ‘Disco 2000’.. and I love that song. But for me those times, in my life, were summed up by a few songs in particular. ‘The Day We Caught The Train’ - Ocean Colour Scene, ‘Fake Plastic Trees’ - Radiohead, ‘Live Forever’ - Oasis. I only have to hear those songs and I’m transported to another time. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows back then, but ultimately you can’t beat being young, and you only get to do it once.
Do you wanna leave a message for your fans?
“Ask me I won’t say no, how could I?”
Just to the genuine supporters of what I do, it’s noticed and appreciated. And if you already enjoy and believe in what I’m doing, keep the faith, I won’t let you down.
Do you agree with the Pigeon?
Does The Pope wear a little hat?
Review
"Runaway Road" immediately wins me over with noisy guitar riffs that contrast with Mat's soft vocals. In this highly cinematic video that portrays this inspiring song, Mat is either in the studio playing and socializing with the band or opting for more solitary moments in contact with nature. The melodic synergy is in full splendor, highly enhanced by the melodic lines coming from the six strings and the drums that command every emotion. On the other hand, Mat Hook's alternative performance where he can observe the masses couldn't be more powerful and perfectly recalls the hits that marked britpop in the 90s.
The Pigeon added the new single to his Indie Gems playlist on Spotify.
You can check out the released music below. If you like what you hear, make sure to follow along so you can stay on top of future releases!
Words by The Pigeon
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
This coverage was created via Musosoup
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