Interview with Matt Berninger from The National. By our lovely editor Marcel Thee.
Even though The National’s albums hasn’t been officially released in Indonesia, ever since the release of ‘Boxer’ and the ‘Mistake for Strangers’ single, you’ve garnered a lot fans here. Will it affect your writing, knowing that your music are being sung and praised by people internationally? Are you planning on releasing your albums or touring the Asian region, other than Japan?
It is a surreal feeling that our music is being listened to all over the world. When we started we thought only our friends and family would hear it. I’m very happy that there are so many people who connect to it. I doubt that it will change how we work and write. We only know how to do it this way.
Why the title ‘Boxer’?
My wife Carin thought of the title at the last minute. A lot of the characters in Boxer are in the middle of some kind of struggle so it makes a little bit of sense but most importantly it’s just a nice simple word.
The druming on ‘Boxer’ is incredible and is very prominent in terms of production and arrangement. It seems almost like the main instrument on songs like ‘Mistaken for Strangers’ and ‘Brainy’. Was this a conscious thing? Do you arrange the drumming together as a band, or is it all Bryan?
It’s all Bryan. When he does something good we turn him up in the mix.
The guitar and bass, on the other hand, plays very minimalistic lines that seems more about nuance and ambiance than typical chords playing along. How do you approach the arrangements of these particular instruments? Was there a certain type of sound and players that influenced the guitar and bass playing on ‘Boxer’?
I think on ‘Boxer’ we were trying to experiment with more hypnotic meditative guitar and bass lines. Less about licks and more about mood.
What is your personal favorite National lyric?
Maybe “I’ll bring a nice icy drink to you.”
‘Slow Show’ has one of your most praised and quoted line, which was lifted from ’29 Years’ of your self titled LP. How did it end up on ‘Slow Show’? What is the song about?
I thought it would be interesting to reuse a lyric from an earlier song to see how it could evolve in a new context. It also was just what ‘Slow Show’ needed. It’s about wanting to just go home to the one you love and stay there.
Your earlier material had more of a country/folk influence on the songwiritng. Do you see The National injecting back more of those influences on your future materials?
We never really know what direction we’ll be going ahead of time. We usually just start trying things and follow them. There is never a predetermined path.
You don’t tend to play much materials from your first album live anymore. Any chance of songs such as ‘Theory of the Crows’, ‘Bitters & Absolut’, or ‘John’s Star’ showing up on future setlists? Does the band have a favorite song to perform live?
I doubt we’ll go back to those songs. We try to focus on moving forward. My favorite live songs are ‘Squalor Victoria’ and ‘Pacing Like a Pro’ but everyone has different favorites.
Your hardcore fans seem to be torn between those who love ‘Boxer’ and those that love ‘Alligator’. If push comes to shove, what is your personal preference? And why?
I try not to pit them against each other but I’m very very happy with what we did on ‘Boxer’, especially in its warmth and general overall experience. I think its the best thing we’ve done so far.
The National is certainly one of the most workman-like bands today. What one advice would you give to off and starting bands?
Don’t try to be popular. Write stuff that you love and work very hard on it. Eventually people will find you.
Thank you very much for your time, answers, and of course the music! Any realistic chance of touring Indonesia soon?
Maybe. If we were invited and we could afford to come we’d be there.
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[video]www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz5pskaTNJU[/video]
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