Author: Emma Loggins
Date: 2007-08-10


Interview:
Take one listen to the music of Matt White and you’re hooked. His songs are relatable—you’ll think of the one who got your heart, the pains and pleasures of growing up and the remarkable journey in discovering just who the heck you are. Drawing inspiration from Elton John, Jeff Buckley, and Coldplay, (he’s like Maroon 5 in one person), Matt White’s self-titled debut marks the arrival of a gifted songwriter who draws from his own experience. Matt delivers a song with a smooth voice that will immediately put the listener at ease. His first single, “Best Days,” is “about a girl, whom I cannot name, who challenged me to go camping—I’m the guy who’d rather sleep in a hotel and watch Spectra Vision,” Matt admits. “So we went but she never called me after that. Maybe my second album will be about abandonment.” Matt’s a doer. He’s played over 100 shows this year alone and hosts weekly online chats. Chances are you’ve already heard his songs on Laguna Beach, One Tree Hill, What About Brian, The Hills, Men in Trees and in the 2005 movie, She’s The Man. His first single “Best Days” will also be featured on the Shrek the Third soundtrack. Matt’s “best days” are ahead and chances are once you listen, you will agree.

Tell us a little about your new album. How would you describe it?

My album is about being young and enjoying life. The songs are kind of themes that I think every young person goes through at some point.

Were there any specific artists or bands that had an influence on the music you wrote for this album?

Yeah, people like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan.

What is the song writing process like for you?

Sometimes a tune will just pop into my head and a theme will make sense to me and then I start to play it on my guitar or piano and then write it down on paper.

In your opinion, what makes a good song?

A good song is when a lyric and melody becomes personal to the listener.