I got a kick out of how The Music Lovers describe their music as something that “won’t be appreciated in its own time,” music they describe as “Muscle Shoals meets The Go-Betweens on a Godard film.” Some of you may get those references and some of you may not, but it’s funny how correct The Music Lovers may be. Their sound is wonderful, ebbing and flowing, never overreaching and completely honest. It’s good. But its true – we may not catch up to The Music Lovers in time.

They’re not exactly new to the scene, having released “The Words We Say Before We Sleep” in 2004 and “The Music Lovers Guide For Young People” in 2006, and now prepare to drop their latest effort, “Masculine, Feminine” here in 2009. While every record has been rooted differently, the band’s theme of unusual and unexpected instrumentation continues on this album, but now focuses on a sort of recovery – both lyrically and in its mood, tone.

The Music Lovers were built for the live show; a live presentation of “Masculine, Feminine.”  The stage is a natural fit where they say to expect “An utter lack of complacency. A 100% involvement in the moment. We berate ourselves terribly if we deem a performance under par. I want and need to connect onstage... I let my guard down and hope that people see that and are able to respond.” It’s the kind of show a music lover would love… not so surprisingly, right? There’s a lot more to learn below in the XXQ’s, so get to them.
 

XXQs: The Music Lovers

PensEyeView.com (PEV): Having been together as The Music Lovers for quite some time, was it an instant connection for the band when you first came together? How have you evolved since your first days together?

Matthew : I formed the group 6 years ago with Jonathon Brooder, another ex-patriot Englishman as a vehicle for the songs I was writing. Though the band has been somewhat fluid the present incarnation has existed for a couple of years. Jon and I (and original drummer Paul Comaskey) had a great musical affinity though our influences are disparate.

PEV: What kind of music where each of the members listening to growing up?  Do you guys argue on different kinds of music? What was the first concert you attended?

Matthew : Jon is the rock and roll element of the group, and he also loves dub and soul.  I veer towards rather esoteric singer-songwriter fare like Laura Nyro and Tim Hardin, but actually come from a punk rock background. Bryan likes country and Ping is an 80's indie and old school soul fan. Newer recruit Isaac (piano) likes Love and nuggets psych. Kate (viola) comes from a classical background. Really, we are all over the map though I think we all agree on a love of Jackie De Shannon. Arguments? Yes, constantly! I think there's just too much music and can be rather opinionated - this invariably rubs someone up the wrong way, ha! I was taught that honesty is the best  policy.
My first concert was Marvin Gaye.

PEV: Tell us about your creative process… What kind of environment do you have to be in to make music?

Matthew : I  write 95% of the Music Lovers material, usually ensconced in my shed out by the ocean in SF - on guitar or ukulele. I am not a social creature so spend a great deal of time alone there writing. Most of the lyrics are written while hiking. I present about a third of the songs I write to the band pretty much formulated. However, I trust these men and women to express themselves with the songs and give them a free hand in arranging.

PEV: Known for fantastic live performances, what can fans expect from a live The Music Lovers show?

Matthew : An utter lack of complacency. A 100% involvement in the moment. We berate ourselves terribly if we deem a performance under par. I want and need to connect onstage... I let my guard down and hope that people see that and are able to respond. We don't hide behind posture (though we have been known to pose, ha!)or irony, we give it as much heart as we can muster... oh, and we just want to knock folks on there arses. This music may sometimes be melancholic and have a darker hue but that does not mean that we cannot imbue it with 'vivid colours'. I love playing live. LOVE it.

PEV: What can fans expect from your third album, "Masculine, Feminine"? How is it different from your past albums, such as The Words We Say Before We Sleep' (2004) and 'The Music Lovers Guide For Young People' (2006)?

Matthew : A distillation of the previous records and new vistas... We still love using odd instrumentation (harpsichords, saws etc.). Five years ago writing and recording 'Words' I was living in a dump in the Tenderloin and we were recording the album at night in an abandoned factory - I though it was the only record we'd ever make, as I honestly believed the world was going to fall in on me. It didn't... I self medicated and we made 'Guide.' I love that record but I wasn't conscious during it's creation - my marriage collapsed and I went off the rails. 'Masculine Feminine' is me stepping back from the madness, hibernating and looking at my life, California and the ridiculousness of things around me. My reading habits changed also - From David Goodis, Willeford making 'Words' to Anne Sexton and Weldon Kees making 'Masculine Feminine'

PEV: How would you describe the sound of The Music Lovers? And what do you think it is about the band that has made you so successful?

Matthew : Muscle Shoals meets The Go-Betweens on a Godard film.
We are successful?? We'll our records have sold reasonably I suppose. My father believes that we won't receive the kudos we deserve until ten years after we split. He may be right - we are a little out of time. I am 100% happy with all of our records and if this is the musical legacy we leave behind I will have no regrets.

PEV: Was there a certain point in your life when you knew that music was going to be a career for you?

Matthew : I started singing in front of an audience at ten and it felt like the most natural place in the world. I am uncomfortable in many other situations but set me on a stage and I am utterly at ease. I played in bands from 13 onwards, but on leaving college at 21 I got signed to a major label for a disastrous three years. Now of course, I do not expect a career... all I value is the art.

PEV: What one word best describes The Music Lovers?

Matthew : Graceful.

PEV: Do you find yourself often going back to one theme in your songwriting over another?

Matthew : My songs are often site-specific, inhabit a precise location. Other than that I run the gamut - everything is worth writing about.

PEV: What can we find the each of you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

Matthew : All of us run. I read voraciously and I have recently returned to playing cricket. Jon has kids and records dance stuff.

PEV: Having played with many great acts in music is there still one artist or group that would be your dream collaboration? Why?

Matthew : I'd like to write with/for Charlotte Gainsbourg.

PEV:  Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?

Matthew : Yes, Vera Gough in San Francisco - a fabulous singer/songwriter, vicious, pithy, sexy. Almost ignored in SF - just like Joanna Newsonm before her, but she'll be big. I like the Tough Shits from Pittsburg too, ah and Low Water in NYC, and Grand Himmelman, a French band. And in London, The Cockandbullkid

PEV: If you weren't playing music, what would each of you most likely be doing for a career?

Matthew : I am an OT during the day. Music pays me nothing but love... oh and torment. Bryan moves art. Ping is a math genius. Isaac teaches martial arts. Kate performs in the symphony and Jon is a window-cleaner

PEV: Tell us what an average day is like for the members of The Music Lovers?

Matthew : Not average.

PEV: So, what is next for The Music Lovers?

Matthew : Wealth and stardom of course! Or alcoholism, despondency and degradation. Or perhaps we'll leave our car at the Golden Gate Bridge and disappear... who knows?