INTERVIEW:
Matt Perriment
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TODAY’S first outing...
finds me talking with Matt Perriment about his new single, Oceans, and its background. I wanted to know whether he has any plans for next year and which artists are influential to him – he reveals a few albums that are especially important.
Perriment talks about his progress as a songwriter and which artist he’d support if he could; which rising acts we need to get behind and whether he gets time to unwind outside of music – he picks a cool song to end the interview with.
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Hi, Matt. How are you? How has your week been?
Hey! I’m great, thanks. My week’s been pretty manic. We released the new single the previous week and spent the weekend shooting two live music videos in a beautiful manor house in Norfolk with the team, so it’s been busy…in a very good way!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I’m a British singer-songwriter based in London and lived here for about eight years after moving from down south. I'm completely self taught for all instruments and vocals and started writing music about seven years ago and never stopped. Music has always been an escape for me. From the start until this day I write and play music to deal with the ups and downs in my life; every song is a snapshot of a moment in life - a way of dealing with them in a way.
Oceans is your new single. Is there a story behind it?
Oceans is about the ups and downs of a long-distance relationship and the longing for someone to come home. Home in this track isn't really physical. It's about being together, whether that's travelling the world or an actual home. In essence, it’s tough but it’s worth it in the end.
Might we see more material next year? What are you working on?
We’ve just started releasing new music for the first time in a year and half. On 16th November, we released Oceans, the first single of the new E.P., Memos. I’m really excited for 2019. We just signed a deal with V2 Records for the next E.P. meaning we’ve got three singles being released (November, January and February) followed by a full, five-track E.P. in March.
What sort of music did you grow up around? Which artists inspired you to get into music?
It’s odd, actually. I didn’t necessarily grow up around music and I never studied it - and I don’t come from a particularly musical family so I’ve grown up discovering music for myself. For that reason, it wasn’t other artists that inspired me to get into music, it was more discovering the way that playing and writing music made me feel which kept me going.
That being said, I'm hugely influenced by singer-songwriters like John Mayer, Matt Corby and Ben Howard but, in truth, I think songwriting and music is about honesty and integrity and any artist of any genre that plays and writes with integrity and honesty is an influence for me.
How do you think you have evolved as a songwriter and performer since the start of your career?
I’m really lucky to play with an amazing band behind me. I’ve found playing with other musicians and incorporating more instruments into my track has enabled my writing and song structure to breath. I don’t have to fill space in a track with complicated guitar all the time as we can use other instruments for that. My writing has really matured because of that and it’s opened up a completely different avenues.
Do you already have plans for 2019?
There’s some really exciting touring news to come in 2019 and we’re doing our first-ever international headline show in the Netherlands and biggest London headline show to date. Also, our Memos is out in March which I’m excited for!
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
This is a tough one. There’s been so many incredible moments. I’m going to give you two…sorry.
My first every headline show in London blew me away. We sold out the Servant Jazz Quarters and it was the first time I truly felt people wanted to listen. I’ll never forget that night; playing to that room of eighty-ninety people beats playing to thousands at a festival or huge support show.
The first time someone got in contact with me to tell me how one of my tracks helped them through their depression and how it had an impact on their life really shocked me. It’s incredible and makes me really proud that my tracks can help someone in some way in their life; the same way my tracks help me. Music is incredible in that way and it’s an amazing to be a part of that.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Californication
I actually used to drum along almost every day after school to this album and it was the first album I could listen to and be completely lost in the flow of the music.
John Mayer – Continuum
This is probably my favourite ever album. For me, the integrity in the songwriting and guitar playing is inspirational. It showed me that albums and E.P.s need to be versatile. This man is my hero.
Ben Howard – Every Kingdom
This guy really is the pioneer of my generation for acoustic singer-songwriting in my opinion. His use of alternate tunings is incredible and it showed me what an acoustic guitar is capable of. My set now includes six alternate tunings in one hour and I completely blame him.
As Christmas is coming up; if you had to ask for one present what would it be?
Plane ticket to Canada.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
Ben Howard – and on my rider some ginger tea to calm me down as I’m fuc*ing supporting Ben Howard.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Be patient. You have to grow as a musician and artist for it to be done right. The most important part of everything you do is the music. Write what you want to write and let the industry focus on the superficial stuff. Don’t be scared to release your tracks in the world and be prepared to work really hard. The highs are worth the lows.
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
London headline show in March 2019. Netherlands headline show in April 2019.
IN THIS PHOTO: Phoebe Bridgers/PHOTO CREDIT: Ray Lego (for Under the Radar)
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Phoebe Bridgers is magical. Dermot Kennedy is a lyrical genius. Henry Jamison is a beautiful storyteller.
IN THIS PHOTO: Henry Jamison
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
In truth, no. I work full-time alongside my music when I’m not touring which is really tough. Playing music is my work; the way I relax and chill and absorbs most of my life. Wouldn’t have it any other way. I also love squash.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Unknown by Tuvaband. I’ll dedicate this one to Beatrix Perks
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