This article was originally published on beingtheremag.com, an independent music and film magazine that ran from 2004 to 2007. It is presented here as part of the Being There Magazine archive.
Damn The Torpedoes: Matt Mays & El Torpedo
By Adam Anklewicz | Being There Magazine, May 2005
Matt Mays followed up his first self-titled with another. Joined this time around by El Torpedo, Matt Mays recalled the killer sounds of Neil Young and Tom Petty and resurrected them for a harmony driven rock and roll extravaganza! Yes I did just use the word extravaganza. Losing the country feel of his previous album, Mays isn’t afraid of rock ‘n’ roll.
The lead single, “Cocaine Cowgirl” should quickly become a popular rocker if radio stations are willing to play anything other than formulaic pop churned out by record executives. Canada’s cable channel MuchMusic has been playing the video in heavy rotation.
Reminiscent of Tom Petty’s early work, you can see Mays’ folk/country roots shine through the heavy rock ‘n’ roll. The combination makes for one of the best rock albums of the past few years. Mays’ story songwriting melds perfectly with his musical sensibilities.
In 2002, Mays released his first album, simply called Matt Mays. Mays sang the simplistic lyric “Your heart and mine should really spend some time together”, which perfectly captures the sentiment of the album. It’s a laid back, country/folk influenced record that will have the biggest cynic singing along.
The recent release of Matt Mays & El Torpedo, was quite a departure from his previous record. The El Torpedo disc has a bigger rock influence and a heavier sound. With production help from Don Smith, Mays was able to capture the live sound of Matt Mays & El Torpedo.
Mays, currently touring with one of Canada’s largest acts, Blue Rodeo, took some time out of his very hectic schedule to answer some questions about his music, songwriting and more.
Being There: When you’re writing a song, where does your inspiration come from?
Matt Mays: It kind of just happens; I just let it come out. It can’t be forced. If it’s forced it sucks, like most art.
BT: A lot of story-songs put more effort into the words. The music frequently becomes a part of the background and gets ignored. You seem to have a lot of songs which tell a story, but you are able to merge the two seamlessly and make it seem effortless. How do you keep the two pieces balanced?
MM: I think it has to do with writing the words and music at the same time. A simple lyric can be perceived totally differently depending on how you express it melodically. Dylan is a master of this. He can make the simplest words sound heavy.
BT: The songs seem to be very personal. Do you find you have to edit yourself?
MM: No. Editing would mean I would have to stop the flow of the song. I try not to question anything. I refine things, but I try to trust that people will understand what I’m saying. 90 percent probably have gone through the same things I sing about.
BT: What makes Matt Mays & El Torpedo different from Matt Mays?
MM: We did the new one it mostly live off the floor. The first record was done very differently, sort of pieced together. For the new one, we came right off the road, and just laid it all down. It felt great, very old fashioned. Most rock records these days are totally fabricated on computers, note for note. It seems pretty dishonest to me. That’s why it felt good doing it this way; we sound like an actual ‘band’ on the record.
BT: El Torpedo pops up on your debut record frequently. What makes you keep on wanting to work with them?
MM: They’re really great dudes with great senses of humor, and a lot of soul. I’ve never heard a band like them. We’re just all on the same page. I like the sounds we make together.
BT: Did you look for Don Smith, or did he want to work with you?
MM: We tracked him down. We knew he could record bands live of the floor. He came up to see us play one night and liked us enough to do a record. It was an exciting night.
BT: What is your favorite record that Smith worked on? Matt Mays & El Torpedo doesn’t count.
MM: Probably the first Traveling Wilburys record, or Tom Petty’s Full Moon Fever; both amazing records.
BT: How was recording this album with a name producer different from self-producing your previous record?
MM: It was nice to have some guidance; Don was the keeper of the vibe.
BT: How has touring with Blue Rodeo helped your fan-base grow?
MM: Blue Rodeo fans are some of the loyalist fans out there. They have been incredibly supportive.
BT: Halifax has been spawning of a lot of bands who are successful nationwide since the ‘90s. What makes that part of the country stand out musically?
MM: Living in a laid back place outside the main music industry is key. Everyone is cool there, there is no competition; it’s great a vibe.
BT: Who’s your favourite band from that scene?
MM: A band called Al Tuck and No Action; best songs anyone can hear; unreal.
BT: Why the name El Torpedo?
MM: I can’t really remember, it just came up and stuck.
BT: What have you wished interviewers would ask you, but no one seems to ask?
MM: What is your favorite car?
You can catch Matt Mays on tour with Blue Rodeo across Canada. If you haven’t seen El Torpedo live then you’re missing a great show. The band’s energy and great songs are perfect for the local club. Check out Matt Mays’ website at http://www.mattmays.com/