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After six years with Atlantic Records, singer/songwriter Matt Hires is on the grind with his first independent release.
Heartache Machine is his latest EP and Matt totally breaks free, with an invigorating, fresh new sound.
GroundSounds recently caught up with him for an exclusive interview, check it out below.
What was it like working on your latest EP Heartache Machine, and bringing it to fruition?
Since this is my first independent release, it was great to be able to go into the studio with total freedom and no expectations and record these songs how I wanted them to be. Originally, I was planning on Heartache Machine being a completely stripped down EP, but we ended up doing a lot more with them once we got into the studio. It all came together in a very natural way. We didn’t have to force anything. We just let it happen.
How did you come up with the name Heartache Machine?
As soon as it was official that I was going to be parting ways with my label, I knew I wanted to put out something on my own as soon as possible. I had three songs that I wanted to record, but I felt like something was missing with the overall picture of what the EP would be. When I was walking my dog about a week before going into the studio, the line “Turn up the beat – I’m a heartache machine” popped into my head. I didn’t really know what it meant at first, but I immediately knew that I wanted to call the EP “Heartache Machine”.
You are currently embarking on a tour, what do you enjoy most about being on the road?
I honestly just love being able to play my songs for people every night. For the first week of this tour, I did five house shows in a row. I had never played house shows before, but I definitely plan on doing it more in the future. It was great to be able to tear down the barrier of lights and stages and sound guys and production and just play music for your fans. Not that I don’t also enjoy full band shows at venues, but I’m kind of into this new way of touring and connecting with fans.
Can you tell us about the writing and creative process behind the track “I’m On Your Side?”
I actually wrote that song a little over two years ago in Los Angeles right before I was going into the studio to record “This World Won’t Last Forever, But Tonight We Can Pretend”. I wanted to put it on that album, but I guess it was a little too last minute. I’m not complaining though, because I was able to put it on this independent release. I really loved the way that song came together in the studio. At first, I thought it was just going to be vocals, acoustic guitar, and piano. But we there were a lot of friends hanging out in the studio. One who played drums, one who played electric, and another one who was able to throw down some background vocals. We just kept having new ideas and adding on to the song. I think turned out pretty cool.
What music are you currently listening to?
I’ve had a lot of long drives recently, so I’ve had lots of time to listen to new stuff. I’ve been listening to the new Belle Brigade album a lot and I actually just discovered the first album from The Vaccines that I’m really into. I’m a little late to the party on that one, but it’s really good. I’m also still listening to some of my favorite albums from last year, FIDLAR and “Southeastern” by Jason Isbell. I listen to some podcasts on the road too, mostly This American Life and Radio Lab.
Can you tell us about your recent transition to the “independent” world? Has it been freeing to some degree?
It has been ver freeing, actually. It is a little scary and a lot more work, but I’m loving the freedom of it. Just being able to do things like house shows and put out new music in two months and stuff like that has been really refreshing and exciting for me as an artist.
What is one thing everyone should see or do in Tampa?
Hmmm. Just one thing? I live in an area called Seminole Heights, and we have a lot of great bars and restaurants like Mermaid Tavern, The Independent, Taco Bus, Ella’s, The Refinery, Rooster & Till and a lot more. BUT if you can only do one thing, I would go to the Cigar City Brewing tasting room. They have so many great beers. It’s always a good choice.
What was the last book you read?
Haha. I’ve actually been re-reading the Harry Potter series, so the last book I read was Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I’m taking a break from that to read East of Eden by John Steinbeck
What will you be working and focusing on next?
My goal this year is to try to release a lot of new music and play as many shows as I can. I have a full-band headlining tour coming up in May/June that I’m really excited about. This year I’m all about just connecting with fans and trying to give them more of what they want. Can’t wait to what happens the rest of this year.
