Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Abrasive Trees
What’s the story behind your current single?
Matt: The song is essentially about division within society and how we can react to that. Musically it emerged from a demo I wrote at home – I wanted to make the guitars sound like synths but also create something with a slightly doomy feel. We then worked on it together in rehearsal and added some lyrics. When it came to recording in the studio, the process was pretty simple. Niall (our producer) asked us to add many layers of guitars and some synths to create the atmosphere. We wanted to create it with just the three of us (me, Jay and Will) but Niall suggested Yunala for some extra vocals at the end. I was really happy with how it turned out. And Jess created an amazing video for it.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music
before?
Matt: Cinematic. Quite a big sound.
What are the things you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Matt: I think ditch the rules, follow your intuition. I’ve worked with a lot of different musicians in various projects for example in Silver Moth and in Jo Beth Young’s band and with each a different discipline and creativity was required. I think Jo Beth completely changed my approach to become freer.
What things are essential in your creative process?
Matt: Nothing. You can get creative with a piece of paper and a pen, a voicenote or a tiny synth. I think for writing songs for Abrasive Trees though, I generally need a guitar and some pedals.
Which new releases are you loving right now?
Matt: Will just introduced me to The Sick Man Of Europe – which is a really cool project. Kind of like Kraftwerk meets very early Sisters Of Mercy. I’ve also been enjoying the latest Psychnonaut album, Samana, and AA Williams.
Have any difficult experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Matt: I often find expressing feelings of grief or shock come easily through my music, but also coming through that into more hopeful, intentional feelings about the future.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Matt: That’s entirely up to them, but I hope they feel something meaningful.
What life lessons has the music industry taught you?
Matt: Just do your own thing. Growth is incremental, everything is earned.
Do you have a particular music festival you would love to perform at?
Matt: I recently discovered one called Cascadian Midsummer, in Washington State. It’s pretty much an off-grid dark-rock festival that is committed to being anti-facist. It sounds incredible.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Matt: I’m pretty happy working with the musicians I currently work with.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Matt: Bandcamp – https://abrasivetrees.bandcamp.com/
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical
journey?
Matt: It would be nice to get a positive response to the single and the album when it comes out in May. We’d also like to play a few festivals this summer. The most important thing though is to enjoy the process.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
Matt: I have no idea. Just listen to the music and connect with that.
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