Matt Armstrong (Murder by Death)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2010? (In order 1-5)
- Grinderman- Grinderman 2
- The Budos Band- III
- The Sword- Warp Riders
- Black Mountain- Wilderness Heart
- Black Rebel Motorcycle Club- Beat The Devil's Tattoo
What band did you discover in 2010 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
The Budos Band. I saw them play and was blown away. I had never heard sexy-Latin-James-Bond-spy-funk until I heard these guys. The game has changed.
How will you remember 2010? (In terms of music)
Besides the top five list, I will remember J. Roddy Walston and the Business, Ha Ha Tonka, Linfinity, Ninja Gun, Samantha Crain, and the super gnarly metal show that was happening downstairs from our show in Providence.
With more and more bands switching to digital methods of releasing music and communicating with audiences in 2010, do you think there's still a place for physical CDs and word-of-mouth shows in the future?
I think there will always be a demand for some sort of physical musical product, whether that be CD, vinyl, etc., at least for serious music fans. Most people I know want something for their shelf as well as well as a digital format for their Ipod. As far as shows go, I think they will become even more important. With as many flash-in-the-pan buzz bands as there are, and considering how easy music is to get these days, I think the love show is really going to be what separates the men from the boys. Anybody (with the right help) can make a great-sounding record; not every band can play a compelling live show.
What can we look forward to from you in 2011?
Touring. Inappropriate sexy texting. A collection of our acoustic numbers performed with the London Philharmonic. Murder By Death On Ice (Christmas 2011).
What three records are you looking forward to most in 2011?
The new Mogwai. I don't know who else is working on a record right now.
