I had the space and two bands I play with were already using it for rehearsing/recording. Also, I thought Chicago needed a reliable, inclusive and expansive document of its unique musical landscape.
Do you feel like your project helps foster a sense of community in the music world or in Chicago?
I hope so. Finding fun ways to create synergy between bands, venues, record stores, and other music media outlets is something we strive to do on a consistent basis. I like our role as a "session site", however the events and relationships that happen as an extension from recording bands is the best part of Coach House Sounds.
Do you have any other projects up your sleeve, bands or otherwise?
I write a lot of songs for my band Baron von Something. My mom and dad gave me a guitar when I was six years old, and I started taking lessons with Frank Portolese. I've played on and off since then, but have made a push in the past few years in terms of upping the ante with my guitar playing and songwriting. I found Nathaniel Braddock through the Old Town School and have been taking lessons with him for almost three years now. He's helped me get out of my comfort zone; I've noticed positive changes in my recent songwriting, live performances, and collaborations.
Also, I've been writing a bunch of songs lately to use when teaching my ESL students at two Chicago elementary schools. This has proven to be a wonderful exercise because I'm starting from a very focused place (i.e. igh/ie vocabulary words, short u vowel sounds) and able to quickly produce songs that relate to the curriculum, Illinois state learning standards, and best of all, are enjoyable for the kids and other teachers at the schools.
One of my favorite local bands is called Tell Your Friends. I played drums with them for many years but am taking an indefinite break from the band. Be sure to hear their new LP Swee Generous. It's f'n brilliant. Being the drummer on these tunes, and not the main songwriter/vocalist, I feel comfortable promoting it shamelessly.
Which season is your favorite in Chicago?
Summer because I have time to focus on writing music, recording, riding my bike, and visiting friends and family. Plus, my wife and I love to meet up on Mondays at Millennium Park for the free concert series.
Are there any upcoming shows or art openings or movies that you'd like to recommend?
My friend Ben, who runs Contraphonic Records, just hipped my wife and I to the fact that Phil Cohran plays every Friday night at Ethiopian Diamond. We went last night and it was a blast; he's approachable and open to sharing his experiences as a composer, instrument-maker, musician, bandleader and astronomer. I try to visit Project Onward every other week and see what the folks are up to over there. The artwork is my favorite in the city and relatively affordable. I also like the Reversible Eye Gallery. Ryan Shuquem, who runs the space, always manages to find excellent bands and artists to present there. Ryan's also the creative director for Arts of Life, another top-notch place to find awesome and affordable art. I always refer to Gene Booth's annual top ten movie lists, which he has conveniently listed for all to see on his website. The last one I watched was We Jam Econo. Check out his movie magazine Molten Rectangle for odd and intelligent short films, and his lists for stuff you can find on Netflix, Odd Obsession and the like.
What should I ask the next person?
Where should I eat dinner tonight?
Matt's favorite songs:
(listen over here)
1. for getting through a tough day at work - Deerhunter - "Memory Boy"
2. that you were part of the recording - Tell Your Friends (I played drums) - "Bill Callahan"
3. classical piece - Darius Milhaud, Saudades de Brazil, Track 01
4. to listen to at high volume - Animal City "Inside Out (CHS Version)"
5. by an mostly or all-female band - Beach House - "Norway"
6. from a lesser-known artist - Fire Engines - "Everything's Roses"
7. from a local artist - Joan of Arc - "I Saw the Messy Binds of My Generation"
8. for meditating - Brian Eno - "1/1"
Matt's favorite songs:
(listen over here)
1. for getting through a tough day at work - Deerhunter - "Memory Boy"
2. that you were part of the recording - Tell Your Friends (I played drums) - "Bill Callahan"
3. classical piece - Darius Milhaud, Saudades de Brazil, Track 01
4. to listen to at high volume - Animal City "Inside Out (CHS Version)"
5. by an mostly or all-female band - Beach House - "Norway"
6. from a lesser-known artist - Fire Engines - "Everything's Roses"
7. from a local artist - Joan of Arc - "I Saw the Messy Binds of My Generation"
8. for meditating - Brian Eno - "1/1"
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