How would you describe your music to any person who may have never heard it before? Matt: I would describe our music as a breath of fresh air. Music is our therapy. It helps us through life. Every song I write, in a small way, heals my soul and allows me to let go and move on. They are all genuine. Not in it for fame or glamour. We're in it to heal ourselves and to, hopefully, one day, heal others.
Is there any significance to your band’s name?
M: I named our band Bodenbender after a senior chief I had while serving in the Navy. Hans Bodenbender was a man who delighted in using his rank and power to inflict damage to his subordinates. Let's just say he pulled some shady stuff, and he made it even more difficult for kids in their twenties to deal with the stressors of being thousands of miles away from home, near-death experiences, and just being a part of the U.S. military in general. It took me many years to get over the anger I had, as a result, from being in the Navy. Animals are treated better than how me and my buddies were treated. The amount of disrespect was unfathomable and in some cases, illegal. My band Bodenbender represents taking a bad situation and turning it into something good. I transformed all my anger and sadness into songs. The bad leadership I received in the Navy has taught me exactly how not to lead. It has taught me how to be a true leader; a leader who respects his men and whose men respect him. I now lead a band of musical assassins, and we call ourselves Bodenbender.
What are your musical influences?
M: I started out as a drummer. I was greatly influenced by a select few drummers: Travis Barker, Keith Moon, Mitch Mitchels, and of course, my man Dave Grohl. When I joined the Navy, I picked up the guitar. Pete Townshend, Angus Young, Hendrix, Tom Morello, Jack White. The list goes on and on.
What are your musical inspirations? M: The emotions I feel inspire my songs and music. Anger, love, happiness, and excitement. I always let the song come to me, and I never go searching for the song.
If given the chance, what musician or musicians would you like to collaborate with? Rather this is
to either write a song or be featured on a track. M: I would love to collaborate with Dave Grohl and Jack White.
Do you have a new album coming soon? M: We are currently in the process of recording our new album. Let me just say, It's turning out pretty sick, and we can't wait to share it with the world.
Which songs on the album were the most fun to write and which were the most
challenging to write? M: Our upcoming album is more rock/reggae based. We want to make you move! These songs have been extremely fun to write. During rehearsals, we are doing a bit of moving of our own.
Do you have any favourite song(s) off the new album? M: There's a new song off our new album entitled "Skanky." We played it live the other night, and it got people moving for sure.
What’s the new album about, if you mind sharing? M: Our new album is about living and loving life. Life's short. Stop wasting time being miserable, and have fun!
Do you have any favourite songs to perform live? Could be your own music or even a cover. Any reason why? M: We are having our first show at the end of the month. I'm sure I will equally love playing all the songs.
If you could perform a show this very second anywhere in the world, where would it be? M: Montreal.
Is there any particular venue(s) or city/cities that comes to mind? M: Red Rocks in Colorado is an amazing venue. Would love to play there someday. What do you currently have planned for the remainder of the year?
M: Finish up the album and start playing out.