Matt Cox - Sound In The Signals Interview
I recently had the opportunity to interview Matt Cox. We discussed his writing and recording process for his upcoming album, new song “Die Alone in a Chevy”, his musical evolution, and more. Check it out below.
First, thanks for the interview.
Of course, thanks for having me.
You’ve been in the studio working on the new Jesus Dropped The Charges album. How has it been going so far?
Making an album is always an odd process, especially in the context of my life right now and what the last two years have looked like. It’s a bit of time travel, at least in my case, in the sense that I must fully process the human experience before I can commentate on it. So I have to go back and re live experience(s) and all the emotion that comes with that. Not that that’s anything new or unique. I often times find myself getting myself into trouble when I make an album, but it’s what I think I do best.
This album is written from the perspective of a High School quarterback. Over the last year I’ve lived in LA, NYC, back home to Buffalo, now back in NYC. Sort of been all over the place, both geographically and emotionally. I’ve been searching far and wide for love and human connection, and I think “Kiss My Big, Fat Ass” paints that picture. It’s honest, and it’s uncomfortable. They’re the songs I need to write. More than anything, it’s authentic. Authenticity is my only goal in all of this. It’s going really well, and it’s just about done. The first single comes out in May.
Where did the name Jesus Dropped The Charges come from?
I saw a biker tattoo that read, “if you bring up my past, just know, Jesus dropped the charges”. The concept of self-proclaimed innocence on behalf of a higher power is a hysterical notion to me.
This is your first big body of work since the last Super American album. Do you feel any pressure with it at all? How are you approaching writing and recording?
None. I’ve been very guilty of being an outcome based artist in the past. It’s such a waste of energy and it’s not art. It’s held me back drastically. In this case, I don’t have anything to lose. I’m starting at ground zero again, and I see this as an opportunity to express myself to the fullest without any strings attached. I’m not making this album to maintain other albums. In terms of the writing process, it’s been pretty simple and “old school” — I write and demo the songs with only 5 available tracks. If I can’t make a good song with 5 tracks, then the song probably isn’t good. I track everything via the voice notes app on my iphone when I demo, and then me and the producer I’m working with, Zach Aumeuller, build them out for real in a studio setting. I’m embracing limitation and focusing primarily on the feeling, rather than the irrelevant details of modern pop production that I once obsessed over.
Sonically, the first song was similar in some ways to some of your Super American songs, but it’s also in a somewhat different direction. What are you hoping to achieve with the upcoming music sound wise?
I can see that. I’m not necessarily going out of my way to write songs that don’t sound like Super American. The main difference being, I don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks about what I make anymore and that thought process has guided me to where I am now. I feel like myself. I’m going to unapologetically do me. I really like the album, and it means a lot to me. So that’s really all I’m looking to accomplish.
You have a new song coming out next month. What can you tell me about it so far?
It’s called “Die Alone in a Chevy”. It’s about not having a family and spending your birthdays alone. My friend Aidan and I are making the video this week. I think it’s a nice introduction into what someone may be getting themselves into if they would like to dig further into the album.
Do you plan to release the upcoming album independently or might you sign somewhere for it?
I’ll release this independently, but that doesn’t mean I’m not interested in collabing with the suits if it made sense. I’d like to buy an apartment in the Lower East side someday.
I have to ask about Super American because people were really surprised when the band took a break. It felt like you were on the cusp of leveling up in the scene. Could you share what made you both decide to step away from it?
Simply put, nothing drastic. It’s not some juicy situation with a lot of drama. Sometimes life just happens. Who knows, maybe Pat and I reconnect someday, but I’ll keep it all behind closed doors for now as a lot of it remains unresolved interpersonally.
I think I first interviewed you back in April 2017 about the Super American EP. What’s been your proudest moment as a musician from that time to now? How do you feel about where you are at currently?
There’s a lot of sexy answers to this question — shows, tours, accolades. But honestly, I’m just most proud that I’m still going, that I still have the drive and itch. That reassures me that all of these experiences in Super American were incredibly genuine. I’m just happy to be making songs and sharing them again, that brings me a lot of joy and purpose.
Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have anything else that you want to add?
Thanks for reading and/or being interested in Jesus Dropped the Charges. I’m going to lay it all on the line. I only have one speed when it comes to this shit. And that’s go. Make sure to check out my friends — Wakelee, Noelle Sucks, Boy Don’t Cry & SPACED.
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