By: Kat Harlton
Photos: Marlena Szasz
Marianas Trench lead guitarist Matt Webb recently released his new solo single “Again and Again” (via 604 Records). Produced by Kevvy (Carly Rae Jepsen, Down With Webster) and co-written by Matt, the single has a driving backbeat, his signature harmonies, a soaring chorus and is the perfect “cruising with the top down” summer song.
Matt has seen incredible success with Marianas Trench with 2 double platinum albums, 5 platinum singles, 7 Gold digital singles, multiple MuchMusic Video awards and a JUNO Award.
Matt released his first solo EP, Right Direction in 2014 which peaked at #5 on the iTunes Canada Charts and #3 on the iTunes Canada Pop Charts on release day. Matt has performed not only in Canada but also across the USA, Europe, Australia, NZ, and parts of Asia.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Webb and discuss songwriting, social media and musical inspiration
Kat: Could you talk about the inspiration behind ‘Again and Again’?
MW: Hey! Yes, Again and Again was a fun collaboration between myself, super producer Kevvy Maher, and professional bodybuilder Mathew V. The three of us shared stories of our bad habits and wacky lives, and promptly came up with this saucy number.
Kat: How does your solo work/sound differ from Marianas Trench?
MW: Well for starters, the lead vocals are much crappier because I am singing them lol.
Kat: Could you speak about your songwriting process? Does it differ for solo work compared to how you write for Marianas Trench?
MW: As I mentioned, this was a joint effort between myself, and some amazingly talented friends. We wanted to go very synth and guitar heavy, write some late night driving music – always my goal. My last EP was pretty stripped down production wise, simple, organic sounds and parts. I wanted to hear rich synth textures this time around, something we steered away from on Right Direction.
Kat: Have you ever been given any advice career wise that has made an impact or alternatively, do you have any advice for new emerging artists?
MW: I can’t tell you how many wonderful pieces of advice I’ve received over the years. I’m lucky to have so many friends in the music industry who have accomplished great feats, I learn from every single one of them. Most importantly, work incredibly hard at your craft. Songwrite until your hands are bleeding, then songwrite some more. Listen to your favourite tracks, take inspiration from everything, perform every opportunity you get, and realize that at the end of the day, the music business really is a business.
Kat: In a world where everyone is heavily on social media, how do you handle your online presence and potentially being seen as a role model?
MW: Honestly, I keep my online presence pretty surface. I’m not interested in sharing details of my personal life with people I don’t know but I AM interested in interacting with the fans who support me and help to put a roof over my head. It’s the least I can do. I recognize that some people may see me as a role model but all I can do is be myself online and hopefully I don’t steer anyone astray.
Kat: What’s on your playlist?
MW: Loving Leon Bridges “Bad Bad News”.
Kat: What’s next?
MW: Well, just got home from Trenching it up in the studio… new record coming soon. Other than that, gonna hit the lake this weekend for a waterski and probably eat some ice cream. Thanks for the interview!