Hello

This would be the first post. I am not entirely new to this, but I will try and keep this updated as much as possible. My first few posts will be older material, then newer material will come in as I work on it. The first thing I want to post is an interview I did almost two years ago in the summer.

During the summer of 2007 I began booking shows with a few touring bands here and there. When I heard that Matt Wixson, former keyboard player for the Flaming Tsunamis was going on a solo acoustic tour, I booked him a show here in Orlando immediately. The show was not all that successful, but he ended up spending two days at my place and I felt the need to sit down and pick his brain on certain subjects near and dear to his heart. You can tell by some of the questions just how dated this interview is, but I enjoy it nonetheless and I hope you do to. If you like it, there are more to come. Enjoy!

As Fox News would say “Some people say” that ska is dead. In fact, there’s an entire tour that has been going on for quite some time that has claimed that ska is dead. However, Matt Wixson does not believe this or at least he didn’t get the memo. In all honesty, Matt Wixson has taken the barely breathing genre of ska-punk, added some folk roots, and elevated it to a classic roots rock reggae sound. He hasn’t completely left ska, but rather jumping ship before the 4^th wave hits. After spending two days sleeping on my couch and putting a show on for him I sat down on a beautiful Orlando Tuesday morning and discussed the possible reemergence of ska music in the mainstream, Dennis Kucinich’s alien sightings, and the highly “controversial” free edge philosophy.

Me: So, Matt with your new free digital release Best Intentions you tried a more reggae/dub sound, how did this come about?

Matt: It wasn’t conscious; it’s basically music I like to listen too. I wrote one song and eventually I had an entire album.

Me: What about the hidden track “C.R.E.A.M” or rather “Checkers ruin everything around me”? In it you seem to attack the current trend of young bands coming up being more influenced by bands like Catch 22 and Reel Big Fish, instead of traditional ska and reggae.

Matt: Yes, first let it be known that I enjoy both Catch 22 and Reel Big Fish, but I faced a perfect example of what frustrates me not too long ago. There was this band I was playing with and they all had on the “ska uniform” with checkers and black t-shirts and did a cover of “Keasbey Nights”. Then on top of that they did Big D’s cover of “Little Bitch”.

Me: As opposed to the Specials version?

Matt: Yes, which I’m sure they had no idea that the Specials originally did the song.

Me: Wow, now last night we were discussing the “4^th wave”, tell me a little bit about this supposed 4^th wave of ska.

Matt: Well, recently a new movie is in the works called “Lock n Roll Forever” and it highlights this all girl Japanese ska band called Oreskaband, which translates to “we’re a ska band”. The catch is though that it’s being produced by the same people who did “High School Musical”, so it’s guaranteed to be huge. That and the new Aquabats T.V. show could possibly bring about the 4^th wave, but make it more kid focused. This is bad for artists who take the genre rather seriously, like me.

Me: What about bands like Bomb the Music Industry and the Flaming Tsunamis, are they the next step in ska?

Matt: I’d consider bands like those including Fatter Than Albert and even the Blue Meanies to be considered progressive ska bands who are taking the genre and making it fresh and interesting. That’s kind of how my other project Babylon Party Machine came about.

Me: Ah yes, tell me about BPM.

Matt: Basically, I was listening to Tokyo Ska Paradise and Rick Johnson and thought it would be cool to mix techno/dance music with ska and reggae. Since ska was traditionally dance music, it just seemed to make sense.

Me: Now, if anyone knows anything about your music you are rather politically outspoken and a Dennis Kucinich supporter, tell me do you think he really was visited by aliens?

Matt: Honestly, if he said it he can’t be lying. Really though, I truly supported his views. He was consistent in his views. Like his peace coalition which goes hand in hand with him being vegan.

Me: Another “long shot” candidate was the internet phenom Ron Paul, do you have some thoughts on him as well?

Matt: As a libertarian, he has some controversial yet interesting views. The most intriguing thing though, was the amount of visibility he was able to garner despite his controversial views on certain issues. At the same time though, he was very confusing in his policy.

Me: What about Barack Obama?

Matt: Though he is very mainstream, he has some great ideas, though I’m still not sure on how I will vote.

Me: How about running mates? I’ve heard about Bill Richardson.

Matt: Hilary Clinton seems the most obvious choice, but Richardson would be interesting as well. Either way though, he will be able to galvanize liberals.

Me: Despite his mainstream appeal do you think people will base their vote solely on his name and Muslim heritage?

Matt: Oh, definitely. It’s sad to think that there are still close minded people out there in 2008, but I’m more than positive it will happen. What makes it funnier is he isn’t even Muslim, he’s a Christian.

Me: I’m not sure if you’ve heard about it, but have you seen the recent cover of the New Yorker?

Matt: No, I haven’t

Me: Well, it has Obama and his wife dressed up like Islamic terrorists in the white house with an American flag in the fire place and a picture of Osama bin Laden over the mantle.

Matt: (Laughs).

Me: Judging from your reaction, do you see this as just satirical or is it pushing the envelope to slightly offensive?

Matt: No, I think they are just being satirical and exploiting that image that several people truly believe and how they perceive Obama, which is ridiculous.

Me: This is just a personal concern of mine, but perhaps you share the same fear. Do you fear for Barack Obama’s safety if he were to become president?

Matt: I never really thought about it, but I think there is a small possibly. It’s terribly pessimistic, but not far from the truth.

Me: I think the Curious George t-shirt guy has it out for him.

Matt: (Laughs) Yes, even though I’m not sure if he knew he was really being racist.

Me: He is from Georgia though.

Matt: That’s true.

Me: Now Matt, with most of your releases you seem to take a strong stance against Christianity or at least religious fundamentalism, what are your thoughts exactly on an issue like religion?

Matt: Well, first I’m not Atheist, but rather more Agnostic or rather I’m not sure about the existence of God or a God. Religion is a tough subject, because it always seems to do more harm then good and generally perpetuates ignorance.

Me: Like Mormons and Christian hardcore?

Matt: Exactly, Christian hardcore is even worse because it seems to be easier to get into, way too safe.

Me: Final thoughts on religion?

Matt: It just feels like people can’t just know.

Me: Another controversial subject you have written songs about and even an entire concept EP about is your “Free Edge” philosophy. As someone who is straight edge, but has a good sense of humor I can always appreciate parody on any level of what seems to be almost a disheartening fad. How did this idea come about exactly?

Matt: Originally, it started as a joke while I was on tour with straight edge people and buying beer was not economically possible. So I came up with the idea of only drinking when it’s free, so you have free edge.

Me: Do you get any flack from hardliners or people who don’t think you’re being very funny?

Matt: Well, obviously drinking and drugs are not healthy and I’m a strong believer in alcohol in moderation, but I also don’t think its okay to go around beating up smokers and drinkers. Some times straight edge appears as a sort of cult with strict guidelines and need for rules. Basically, people defined by what they don’t do. The guidelines of free edge are more of suggestions. I mean it real helps when you’re broke.

Me: What do your straight edge friends think?

Matt: Well, my mom gets mad at me because younger kids are taking my example. I don’t see much harm in underage drinking though, as long as it’s in a safe environment.

Me: How about marijuana?

Matt: I would like to see it legalized. I mean, I’m not a pothead, but if we could tax it, we could make a large profit. In the end it all comes down to making a responsible society.

Me: That’s pretty much all the questions I have, thanks Matt.

Matt: You are very welcome!

For more info on Matt Wixson, be sure to check out his Myspace at www.myspace.com/mattwixson. There you will find free releases and funny videos about dead '90s alternative band front men.