Matt Springfield – 08-06-2012

Interview with: Matt Springfield
By: Nina Mende

1. Tell us something about yourself.
I’m a french singer/songwriter. My stage name is Springfield but it has nothing to do with Rick Springfield, or the Simpsons hometown. But I have to admit that I’m fan of both!

2. What inspired you to start making music?
When I was about 6, I watched the french TV broadcast called “l’Ecole des fans” where kids played violin. I told my mother that I wanted to make music too and then learned to play the violin. When I was a teenager I stopped playing this instrument and started to play the guitar. At the time, I was a big fan of U2, Dire Straits, Oasis to name a few. Then, I wrote my first songs.

3. You raised the budget for recording your single and your album. Tell us more about it. How did you do that? Where did the idea come from?
In France, the singer called Gregoire became very famous late 2000’s. He was labeled as being “the first singer produced by the internet users”. He was the first to succeed with a crowdfunded production. Then, I’ve heard about Akamusic that is a belgium based platform where the community finance the single or album from the artists they like. It’s been a great chance for me in order to have a budget for the recording of my album and the shooting of 2 videos. The funding process is very exciting. During the funding process of the album and even after, I have lots of exchanges with the believers. They are really involved in the project. They give advices, choose the tracks they prefer with polls for instance. When I write a new song, I can ask them what they think, if they like the chorus, if I should add more synths or guitars. They also help me promoting the music. Some of them are even working in radios, for magazines…I’ve met a few of the believers while going to radio stations in Belgium and have been interviewed by one working for a campus radio. I spend a lot of time talking with the believers, writing messages. In a sense, Akamusic helped me to find my first fans. I update them regularly about the project.

4. Tell us about your new album.
My goal with “Erase All Data” is to take the listener for a ride in the world of “pop music”.
The trip begins with “The end of life”, a powerful electropop track, with a lively percussion. Then there is “Poplife !”, a more pop/rock track with lots of electronic sounds. After that, the listener discovers “Need you tonight”: it’s a divine plea. The song is divided in two different parts : on one hand it’s piano rock, and on the other hand it’s clearly synthpop. “American soldier” is a soothing ballad that tells us the story of a young American soldier who dies in the fight. The album continues with “Feel loved”, a festive and lively piece, with an electronic atmosphere so 90s. “See you” is a new ballad with a mesmerizing symphony and prepares us for the final. The adventure ends with “Things I’ve Said” and “Haunted”. These two tracks are electronic rock. Human existence, success, the price of fame, love, death, war… These are the topics in “Erase all data” which are the inherent part of human condition! It reminds us how much important it is to seize the day if we want our lives to be exceptional.

5. How would you describe your sound?
Regarding the sound, I want to use real instruments and keyboards. The goal is to have a perfect mix between real and synthetic sounds. My goal is to be seen as a pop artist that can go in different ways. I write shooting ballads with only real instruments or fast electronic pieces with the same pleasure! The most important for me is that the songs remain POP and entertaining without beeing too POPPY. I had a great chance to work with talented musicians on “Erase All Data”. Greg Haver is a fantastic producer who understands well where I want to go. He worked with Melanie C, and the Manic Street Preachers. Nik Nasmyth took care of the keyboards. He’s also very talented. He worked with artists such as Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue or the Spice Girls.
What I really aim to find is the prefect sound between Depeche Mode and New Order.

6. Will you tour with the new music?
Playing live is the next step. I’ve never played live so far. I have to find musicians and built up a set. It’s an experience that I want to live : to play my songs directly to the people. Now that my first album is released, I’m more than ready for that!

7. Where do you get the ideas for songs?
I’m always looking for cool new melodies. I often have ideas when I’m far from home and record them on my phone. I rework them when I’m back home. Music is like a construction : I have an idea, find another one some weeks later. Sometimes, several ideas fit well together and a new song is created.
Or, for instance “American Soldier” has been written in about 5 minutes. I took my guitar and played something and the song was born.

8. Who are your idols?
Of course, most of them are singers, songwriters or music producers. I’m really fan of Bono, Dave Gahan, Sharleen Spiteri, Stuart Price, Trevor Horn to name a few.
Beside music, I’m a big fan of cinema : Steven Spielberg, Roland Emmerich are genius. I’m found of Nicolas Cage, Bruce Willis or Jodie Foster work for instance.

9. What was your dream job when you were a kid?
When I was a kid I dreamed that I could be an astronaut and discover the galaxies. Today, I finally explore the universe of POP music.

10. If you could be an animal, which one and why?
I think I would pick the horse because it’s a very nice animal, very impressing. Most of all, I was always a fan of western movies. A horse is also a great animal to go for a ride with.

More photo’s of this event can be found at roseofthedevilsgarden.com

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