The Material is a band to watch in 2013. Not only will they be releasing their follow-up album to 2011’s What We Are, but they also have many more exciting things on the horizon. The band took some time to talk to us about what they’ve been up to recently along with what they have coming up, including the new album, touring, and side-projects.
Thanks for doing this interview! Could you please state your name(s) and role(s) in The Material?
Hey! I’m Colleen and I sing and play keys in The Material
What have you been up to over the last year?
We’ve been in the studio writing and recording this new album!
There are side-projects, among other things, you guys have been working on: Colleen’s With Beating Hearts, Kevin performing in Guitar Center’s drum-off, and Roi doing some culinary stuff. How are all those shaping up at the moment?
My side project With Beating Hearts is going well, it’s been a nice way to explore the electronic-pop side of myself. This past November I wrote and recorded a new EP with Blake Harnage of VersaEmerge which should be out later this year!
In October of last year, you ran an Indiegogo campaign to fund a new album along with a few other things. You reached your amended goal of $10,000. How was that experience?
The Indiegogo campaign was a huge success. We were able to record our entire album without the help of a record label and I think it really feels like it’s an album by the fans, for the fans. Our supporters know that we work really hard as an independent band and this fundraiser was a huge motivation. It really inspired us to put our whole hearts into this album.
With the money from the Indiegogo campaign, you were able to record the new album. Can you share about the process of making this record?
We started writing this album a year ago, but it wasn’t until we started working with our friend/producer Kyle Black that we really got motivated for a release date. We finished up the songs in September and started recording in October. We recorded the drums at Ocean studios in Burbank which was an amazing experience. We since have moved to a few studios for various parts but are now working almost every day out of Kyle’s studio in North Hollywood. We are in the final stages of mixing this album, almost done!
Who produced the album, and what was it like working with them?
Kyle Black is producing the album which has been so much fun. We started as friends back when he was the bassist of Hopeless Records band Nural. We had a really fun tour with them back in our early years and have stayed friends ever since. When Kyle started working with Mike Green, we got to see this other producer side of him and were excited to work with him. Kyle is a really laid back guy who is super talented and always has great ideas. It’s been nothing short of awesome working with him on this album.
How long did you spend writing and recording?
Some of these songs had a completely different sound a year ago, and they have morphed into these final versions. Some were written quickly while we were in the studio. All in all though I would say we spent a year writing and about 4 months recording and producing the album.
What albums/artists inspired you during the writing process?
Thrice has always been a huge inspiration for us. Also bands like Pierce the Veil which Kyle had worked with before, and Circa Survive, Dead Sara, Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters, a little bit of everything.
Have you decided on a title for the new album?
We are almost 99% set on the name… but I can’t tell you that yet 
When can fans expect to hear some or the entire new album?
April 2013!
Which songs on the album are each member’s personal favorites at the moment?
Colleen: Mine is a song called “Life Vest”, it’s really personal, somber sounding yet hopeful. There’s a lot of passion in that song.
Jon: My favorite song is “Let Me In Again”
Roi: Mine is “Life Vest”, which is funny because it was my least favorite when we were writing it but now that it’s finished, it’s my favorite.
Are there any specific lyrical themes that run throughout the entire album?
The whole album has a melancholy feeling, sticking to our dark sounding rock roots, but we always make sure it has a hopeful quality about it. A light in the darkness if you will. The songs deal with depression, addiction, love, loss, human rights, and chasing your dreams. A little bit of something for everyone.
Any other bands that you think everyone should check out?
Yes! Some of our friends: I Am Cassettes, The Goodnight, Blameshift, I The Mighty, Children of Nova, Attaloss, Eyes Set To Kill, VersaEmerge, Silver Snakes, Mr. Downstairs, I Omega
Does The Material have any upcoming plans to tour?
Yes! We will be leaving March 7th for a short tour to this year’s SXSW music festival in Austin, TX. We will be posting the dates soon!
Looking to the future, what is The Material looking forward to in 2013? What specific goals does the band have for this year?
This year we want to release the new album, be a part of a bigger tour and open for a few of our favorite bands, as well as sell out a hometown show in Hollywood and San Diego! Some international tour dates wouldn’t hurt either
Anything else you would like to add?
Thanks to all our friends and fans for taking the time to read this interview and catch up with The Material! We so excited to share this new music with you so stay tuned!
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