Matt Jones is our interview guest for this month. Matthew has written and produced many songs. You will get to hear them in this interview. Harbinger Magazine wants to thank you for granting us this interview. So, here we go. Let’s find out about Matt and his musical path.
Where were you born and where are you currently living?
I was born in Kettering, England; a sleepy town in the midlands. I then moved to Brighton in 2023 and live there now. This is where my musical endeavours are based.
What artist or band is your favourite and what music do you listen to?
My most listened to artists are likely The Stooges, Daniel Johnston, XTC and The Velvet Underground. I’m heavily into experimental and avant-garde music these days yet folk/acoustic is where I began so I always return to the comfort of that genre!
What genres do you perform?
I primarily perform noise, pop, and folk at the moment; sometimes blending all three. My live shows are very fun and hopefully interesting!
When did you start writing songs?
I started writing music when I was 18 (in 2020) after going through my Bob Dylan phase. As a kid, I only wanted to play guitar and be in a rock band but after discovering the sensitivity of folk music I saw the power of songwriting. From then on I kept writing and the joy I felt (and still feel) is undeniable. It is so expressive. One of my favourite things in this world is that by being a songwriter, I can listen to my whole life played back to me through song; like musical diary entries! It’s beautiful.
What is your home studio like?
At the moment it is a humble computer, interface and headphone setup! I have a small array of professional microphones, instruments, amps and other things but it’s nothing crazy. I think of it as my happy place and my safe haven. My last two albums were recorded here entirely.
How can we listen to your music online?
I have music on all streaming platforms! Here’s a Spotify link as that’s where I’m mostly active!
As well as that, I have some casette tapes printed which I keep with me to sell at shows. So if you want one of those just come find me!
Are you working on a project right now?
I certainly am! I’m about 60% through my third album which is very different to my first two LPs. This one is recorded in both the studio and at home making for a very different experience in both listening and creating! My songwriting has really peaked recently so this album will be a nice collection of my best work so far and also a highly personal effort.
What are the names of your two bands? How do they differ?
I play guitar and backing vocals for ism, a melodic art-rock band with an extremely dynamic and delicate approach to songwriting and stage performance.
This is contrasted by the pop/rock/punk band I front called Park Crescent. We are all about fun, loudness and awkward energy.
Give us the members’ names and instruments they play.
Ism is a three piece and I am joined by Tyra Kristoffersen on lead vocals and Sophie Evans on bass guitar.
In Park Crescent it’s me on guitar and vocals, Connor Butters on lead guitar, Isaac Dyball on drums and Ben Collier on bass guitar and backing vocals.
What is on the horizon for your future?
As well as songwriting and band work, I am chasing a career in music production and mixing/mastering! So all things music! I also draw so maybe someday I’ll do more of that. But I’d be pretty content in a well paying job and making music and spending time with people I love on the side. I just want to soak up whatever I do as “living is an art to be good at!”
How and where did you find the 1969 Ode To Quetzalcoatl LP?
Some years ago, someone I used to know turned me on to ‘Morning Sun’ and I was taken aback by it in every way. The lo-fi, echo-drenched far away world felt like a home; like a big warm and much needed hug. And the song itself was just so well-crafted and stunning. I then made my way through the rest of the record (on vinyl! Yes I got a copy!) And needless to say I couldn’t get enough. This album directly inspired my approach to folk songwriting and the rhythms and vocal phrasing I use.
Give us the history of the stage name Bedroomer. Where does this come from?
For a long time I was simply Matt Jones and this was how it was on my various streaming pages. But I wanted a re-brand in 2023 in anticipation of moving to Brighton. I haven’t told anyone this yet (so count yourself lucky Harbinger Magazine) but there’s an interesting track by The Shivers named ‘Bedroomer’ and I just thought “hey that sounds cool” and I let it simmer for a while. Then coming back to it I figured it matched the homely nature of my music and my heavily introverted personality. So it stuck. And I love it!
In closing is there anything you would like to share with our audience?
I guess just to find me on social media at @bedroomer.music ! I’d love to know who’s reading and find out about you all. And thank you so much to David for chosing to feature me; I can’t tell you how much of an honour it is to be interviewed by someone who created one of my favourite albums of all time and who inspired me endlessly.
– by David Anthony
Dave Bixby 