| << Front page | Arts | October 5, 2007 |
Experience the Euphoria: Matt & Kim Play the �Sco
�I remember a show in Chicago,� Matt Johnson tells me when I ask about his favorite gig to date, �where there was so much energy, and so many fans on stage that we literally disappeared in a circle of people. I love feeling that kind of energy.�
Johnson and Kim Schifino, who make up the eponymous rock group Matt & Kim, will bring the band�s zestful, high energy sound to the �Sco tonight at 8 p.m. for what has been described by Pitchfork Media as �more than just a show � a euphoric synth-pop experience.�
When asked to describe the band�s sound, Johnson hesitated. �Well, we�re still working on that,� he said. �I like to think of us as pop-punk...not punk-pop.�
In each of the group�s tracks, Schifino, who plays drums and sings, starts off with a dance club beat, and Johnson, whose territory is guitar, keyboard and vocals, layers on a simple melodic line, coupled with a frenetic warble, to create an almost elemental sound. In a live setting, Matt & Kim counts its raw energy and uplifting spirit as the band�s best qualities.
Matt & Kim�s story is fairly straightforward: The duo met at Brooklyn�s Pratt Institute, fell in love, and, after discovering a shared love of music, started jamming at friends� house parties. But the extremely positive response from friends and passersby inspired the two to take it to the next level.
�We started touring � playing all these do-it-yourself clubs and little venues, even just playing at house parties � and of course Schifino booked all the gigs herself,� said Johnson. �And that�s where our sound really developed. Going to our friends� shows, having them come to ours...that kind of positive community is really inspiring.�
From such humble beginnings, the band skyrocketed in popularity due to Internet hype and a flashy music video in which the members get splattered with various food items while performing. Now, the band is enjoying extensive touring opportunities:
This summer, it opened Lollapalooza (and was even asked to perform a second set when a later band didn�t show), played the Siren Music Festival at Coney Island and rocked out at Seattle�s Capitol Hill Block Party.
When I commented on his success, Johnson laughed. �It�s great,� he said, �but I don�t really want things to change. I like playing in these smaller venues as well as the bigger ones. Some bands get past the club scene and never really look back; I still want to keep the intimate shows.�
When not touring around the country, Matt & Kim continues to play small shows in and around the Brooklyn area, and whenever possible, endeavors to support friends� up-and-coming bands.
I ask Johnson, how should a group struggling to break into the music scene do so? �Play short sets,� he quickly responded. �Don�t push your music onto the audience if they haven�t heard of you. Play short sets � and you�ll leave them wanting more.�
Johnson and Kim Schifino, who make up the eponymous rock group Matt & Kim, will bring the band�s zestful, high energy sound to the �Sco tonight at 8 p.m. for what has been described by Pitchfork Media as �more than just a show � a euphoric synth-pop experience.�
When asked to describe the band�s sound, Johnson hesitated. �Well, we�re still working on that,� he said. �I like to think of us as pop-punk...not punk-pop.�
In each of the group�s tracks, Schifino, who plays drums and sings, starts off with a dance club beat, and Johnson, whose territory is guitar, keyboard and vocals, layers on a simple melodic line, coupled with a frenetic warble, to create an almost elemental sound. In a live setting, Matt & Kim counts its raw energy and uplifting spirit as the band�s best qualities.
Matt & Kim�s story is fairly straightforward: The duo met at Brooklyn�s Pratt Institute, fell in love, and, after discovering a shared love of music, started jamming at friends� house parties. But the extremely positive response from friends and passersby inspired the two to take it to the next level.
�We started touring � playing all these do-it-yourself clubs and little venues, even just playing at house parties � and of course Schifino booked all the gigs herself,� said Johnson. �And that�s where our sound really developed. Going to our friends� shows, having them come to ours...that kind of positive community is really inspiring.�
From such humble beginnings, the band skyrocketed in popularity due to Internet hype and a flashy music video in which the members get splattered with various food items while performing. Now, the band is enjoying extensive touring opportunities:
This summer, it opened Lollapalooza (and was even asked to perform a second set when a later band didn�t show), played the Siren Music Festival at Coney Island and rocked out at Seattle�s Capitol Hill Block Party.
When I commented on his success, Johnson laughed. �It�s great,� he said, �but I don�t really want things to change. I like playing in these smaller venues as well as the bigger ones. Some bands get past the club scene and never really look back; I still want to keep the intimate shows.�
When not touring around the country, Matt & Kim continues to play small shows in and around the Brooklyn area, and whenever possible, endeavors to support friends� up-and-coming bands.
I ask Johnson, how should a group struggling to break into the music scene do so? �Play short sets,� he quickly responded. �Don�t push your music onto the audience if they haven�t heard of you. Play short sets � and you�ll leave them wanting more.�
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