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LATEST ARTICLES - PAGE 230

Matt Skiba Interviewed for The Truth Barrel

Jason Tate

Matt Skiba of Blink-182 and Alkaline Trio was on a recent episode of The Truth Barrel podcast:

Grammy-nominated guitarist and vocalist for Blink-182 and Alkaline Trio, Matt Skiba, joins Neil and Gabby in The Truth Barrel to discuss his career, his relationships, and the life philosophy that has led to his success. It’s not what you’d expect. In this powerful interview, he discusses facing the disappointment of his father when he decided to become a musician, the exact moment he quit drugs and alcohol, the surprising reason he asked a bandmate to leave the group, and what it was like to take over as frontman for one of the biggest bands of its genre. Along the way, you’ll learn Matt’s secret for staying positive, connected, and powerful – and the difference between a nice person and a good person. Hint: A good person isn’t always nice.

It’s a really interesting episode. Recommended.

Max Martin Interview

Max Martin
Jason Tate

Max Martin doesn’t do many interviews, so when one shows up, it’s almost always a must read. Jan Gradvall, writing for Di Storytelling:

Three examples of current Top 40-tracks – all three with Max Martin as co-composer. The only driver who doesn’t seem to be listening to Top 40-radio is Max Martin himself.

”No, I rarely listen to the radio”, says Martin while driving. ”Most of the time, I tend to listen to my own stuff, whatever I happen to be working on at the moment.” What he listens for is details that could be improved. Is the bass too loud? Is the intro too long?

On his phone, Martin plays a demo that world-leading artist X just may record. It’s followed by a song that might be recorded by world leading-artist Y. When Martin asks me what I think, it seems like he’s more interested in what my body language is telling him than in what I actually say. Later on, I’ll find out why.