Hailing from Boston, MA, A Loss For Words have cemented themselves into the recent list of so-called Pop Punk resurgence bands, offering a different spin to what some are used to expecting. Frontman, Matty, was kind enough to share his thoughts with us on the band's new album, recent touring, as well as the band's upcoming acoustic album where he reveals the bands they chose to cover!
For the record, can you introduce yourself and tell us your role in the band?
Matty: Matty - vocals.
So the band recently closed off the Glamour Kills tour before another short run in Japan, as well playing the Bamboozle kick-off party with Warped Tour under a month away - how do you feel about the band right now?
Matty: I feel like we are doing the best tours and shows we ever have since we teamed up with Dave Shapiro/Tom Taffe from The Agency Group! Both legends!
A Loss For Words formed in 1999, but some appear to be under the impression that the band is much younger, given the more recent active exposure - do you think the fact that the band's first full-length was released 10 years after forming has much to do with that notion? What're your thoughts on how some perceive the band in that regard?
Matty: I think when it comes to the industry we are still a young band so that's how we are perceived by the younger kids as well which I don't mind. The kids who have followed us for years know what we are all about and that's all that matters. Either way we love playing music and touring the world!
The band has been with Rise and Velocity for over a year now - how has it been being shared between the two labels?
Matty: It's amazing! Love the Velocity/Rise staff, they are very supportive of the band and they let us do what we want as long as it's realistic so that's super cool!
Your take on Pop Punk seems to be more fine-tuned than some, with a somewhat more mature sound - outside of traditional Pop Punk/Hardcore bands, what are some of your other musical influences?
Matty: Anyone who knows me would be the first to tell you 90s R&B and Hip Hop! Love all the old Jodeci, Ginuwine, Dru Hill, Boyz II Men, then Nas, B.I.G., PAC, Mobb Deep, Wu, etc... I mean honestly our band loves anything from Hardcore - Punk - Hip Hop - R&B. Anything with raw emotion and good hooks.
No Sanctuary, the new album, has really taken the band to the next level - can you explain to us the title and the meaning behind the album as a whole?
Matty: I'm very happy with how everything is going with the release of No Sanctuary! Basically it kind of stands for where we are all at in our lives. We bust our asses touring with little to show for it. We barely see our families and friends. Always staying in someone's floor or in the van through an overnight drive. So really just means we are nomads.
The band was featured on the Glamour Kills tour split, where you covered The Story So Far's Quicksand. The reception has been great, and the song really adds another layer with A Loss For Words' essence - what made you choose this song in particular? Was the result what you'd initially intended to achieve?
Matty: I thought that this idea was amazing! You have 6 bands who are all really good friends on the same tour which is cool to start! Also have a great clothing company who does a lot for the scene backing it. Really showed the kids that are maybe just getting into this scene that all of our bands are friends weather your the headliner or the opener. I was stoked to cover The Story So Far. I think they are an amazing band and loved doing our take on the jam!
A lot of people's reaction to The Story So Far's cover of Wrightsville Beach was surprisal, and almost shock - what're your personal thoughts on the cover? Had you heard the song before it was released?
Matty: Yeah Will sent me the song before it was released! Haha... Was shocked when I heard it myself. Knowing them I didn't mind cause I know they were just goofing around and having fun and I'm always down for fun! Haha...
The music video for Pirouette was recently released and it came out great - what was it like filming the video?
Matty: Yeah we were stoked to release our first video for the record! It's awesome shooting a video. I like to have fun setting up for it and picking out the story line, etc... We got to shoot with the amazing Boston skyline at our back! Couldn't be any happier with it!
An upcoming acoustic album was also recently announced, to be released at this year's Warped Tour - is it also being released through Rise and Velocity and when will it be available outside of the tour?
Matty: Yeah it's on Velocity/Rise! Was some confusion cause it's 5 original songs that we've re recorded acoustic and 3 covers by three different artists! We are super stoked and hope kids are too!
The album features 4 tracks from No Sanctuary, an old song, plus a few covers - can you tell us which songs were covered and how the idea for the album came about?
Matty: The songs we covered were songs by the bands Acceptance, No Use For A Name, and Miguel. Won't say the titles just yet! ;) haha... We just like recording anytime we can. Love hitting the studio.
Thanks for taking the time to do this, I appreciate it - would you like to add anything else?
Matty: Warped, we will see you this summer! Support honest music! Thanks for your time!
Interview by Mario Parra
Exclusive: Life On The Sideline EP announcement, music video premiere
Since releasing Honesty Is A Dying Breed two years ago, Life On The Sideline has remained active on the road and is now ready to unveil its upcoming EP, Never Settle. To kick things off, we're premiering the music video for the band's new single, "Echo", which tells the sad story of a young girl reminiscing times spent with her deceased partner. While not a pop punk song per se, it's as catchy as one with an infectious chorus that you'll inevitably get stuck in your head. The band's sound could be compared to that of Transit's and The Early November's. Fans can pre-order the EP on iTunes and CD here, before it's released on June 7th. […]
