Last time we spoke to Canadian Bluesman Matt Andersen he was on the verge of releasing ‘Halfway Home by Morning’, an album that really resonated with us here at The Rockpit. Andersen is back something a bit different – ‘House to House’ is a collection of stripped back tracks opening him up to show his talents as a guitar player & songwriter. We fired some questions Matt’s way to find out more about the proccess of recording something of this nature as well as asked about his influences & what inspires him to continue to write.
Sean: Tell us about the process of writing and recording the new songs on this album.
Matt: A lot of these songs have been sitting on the shelf for a while. I always loved them, but they didn’t quite fit with the projects I was working on. Co-writes from previous sessions plus a few written with the idea of them landing on this album. Recording was simple. I sat down with my guitar, and we hit record. Any guests who sang came into the studio and we sang together. I tried to keep it as loose and spontaneous as possible. Nobody heard the songs before they came in to sing. Most of the songs I had never sung live before. I like to capture music as it happens, not after it’s been thought about too much.
Sean: What were some of the things you wanted to achieve with the release?
Matt: Really, I wanted to have a recording that was just me and my guitar. It’s how I write, where I’m most comfortable and how most people know me as a performer. This album for the most part is pretty laid back. I liked the idea of people being able to put it on to listen when they just want to chill out. Maybe on a quiet drive home or with a drink at the end of the day.
Sean: Do you enjoy the process of creating? Are you someone who continually writes or does the best come out under a little gentle pressure?
Matt: Ideas are always coming in. I don’t always have the time to give them attention when they do, so my phone is full of melodies and lyric ideas that I’ll sit on until I get the chance to see where they lead. A little pressure never hurts though.
Sean: You have released your very first stripped back solo acoustic album. What challenges did it bring compared to your previous albums?
Matt: It was the simplest recording I’ve done. Technically and artistically. Going into the studio with a band means a lot of set up to get the sounds right, you’ve got to think about separation on the floor, sight lines, headphone mixes. Every day before we’d get things going with the band, I’d be thinking about arrangements, tones, making sure I had a clear vision I could give to the other musicians. On this album, once we had the sound, we wanted all I had to do was sit down and play. No explanation or forethought required.
Sean: Did you imagine how these songs would play out in a live situation?
Matt: Somewhat. I focused mainly on getting them recorded. I find if I think too far down the line it can start to affect what I’m doing in the moment. I’d rather get them recorded then figure out how they’ll land in a show after.
Sean: Why did you pick the cover that you selected?
Matt: “People Get Ready” is a song I’ve sung for years. I have always loved playing it but have never recorded it. I hadn’t really planned on putting on the album. It was a spur of the moment thing. I brought Reeny, Mahalia and Micah in to sing on a couple songs. They went down smooth, and I asked if they’d be cool to give that song a go. The version on the recording is the first time we all sang it together.
Sean: How has the experience of returning to play live been after having so much down time?
Matt: It felt like putting on a pair of comfy shoes you thought you’d lost. Or like getting to visit an old friend. The kind of friend that no matter how long it has been since you last talked, you can pick up right where you left off. I was worried it might take some time to settle back into the groove of the road, but from the first note of the first show it was like we hadn’t missed a day.
Sean: Any stand-out shows or personal highlights from a tour or show?
Matt: I got to play in a prison a few years ago. Medium to maximum security was how it was classified. It was a much more positive experience then I had imagined it would be. For a lot of the guys in there, I was the first live music they’d seen in years, some of them ever. The vibe in the room was something I’ve never experienced before or again. A bit hard to explain. But I will say that playing a “break up” song for guys in that room took on a whole new weight.
Sean: From what you’ve learned so far, what is the most valuable advice you’ve been given as a musician?
Matt: Always play with people better than you. When I play with a band, I love being pushed to be better, to keep up with the players I have around me. It’s the best way to learn.
Sean: Who are your main influences?
Matt: My grandfather was a huge influence on me. Not musically so much, but his love of playing. He was always the last one to put down his fiddle when the rest would head for the snack table. He played lots of different functions around the community and never took a dime for it. What I remember most is how other musicians, and those listening, got excited when he’d sit down to play. You could hear them say, “Now it’s gonna get good.” All ears were on him. He never expected it, but he owned it.
Sean: Who or what inspired you to play guitar?
Matt: I wanted to be able to sing and play songs. I stared off in band playing horns: tuba and trumpet. But neither of those are all that good for a sing along. I grew up in a musical family. Music was always around. Playing guitar was a natural choice to be able to play along with everyone else.
Sean: What album do you wish you had been a fly on the wall, to watch being recorded?
Matt: Any of the sessions with The Funk Brothers. It would be amazing to have seen them working out their parts as artist after artist walked through the door. Laying down some of the best sounds we’ll ever hear.
Sean: What is the meaning of life?
Matt: Whether it is the meaning of life or not, I think a life well lived is when you give more than you take. Give more love than you receive. Show more grace than you are shown. Forgive more than you’ve been forgiven. Listen more than you speak. Sometimes it’s harder to do than others, but as long as we try, we’re headed in a better direction.