Radio contact

American singer goes solo

By Tatat Bunnag
Photographs courtesy of Matthew Fischer,
Gary Boyle and Panda records.

Folk music is a living tradition, with artists performing songs about the journey of life. American singer-songwriter Matthew Fischer’s longest journey was moving from his hometown of Wisconsin, US, to Thailand in 2008. Soon after settling down in Bangkok, he opened a small restaurant and started writing songs.

Matthew has played his original folk music at venues around the city, including opening shows for international acts Cloud Nothings and Eef Barzelay of Clem Snide. His talents caught the attention of acclaimed indie music label Panda Records, who offered to release his record. The result is Radio Sound, an album with a concept of American working-class culture, loneliness and hope.

Student Weekly recently met up with the 29-year-old folk singer to talk about his life and music.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your musical background?

Matthew: There’s been music in my house ever since I can remember. My parents and brothers played and wrote songs, so it was natural for me to pick up a guitar and try to play. I rebelled a lot when I was young and traded The Beatles and Bob Dylan for Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson. I first started writing songs to make people laugh, which I still do sometimes.

Student Weekly: Why did you decide to move to Thailand?

Matthew: I met a bunch of Thai people back in Wisconsin in early 2008, including my girlfriend Jarupa Maeboonruan (Kae). When I had the chance, I came to Bangkok. I played some shows and it took me a while to learn about the indie scene and all the cool bands in town but I was very excited when I did. I just like to play and write songs and I’ve always identified myself as a musician.

Student Weekly: You also have a band, Matthew Fischer and the Fishes. Why did you decide to release a solo album?

Matthew: The guys in the band are great and we have lots of fun playing, but I had some old songs and solo recordings that I wanted to put out. I also felt like I wanted to play alone more and get back to my roots. We tried to record with the Fishes and it never felt quite right. It’s a lot of pressure to bring a whole band into a studio. But we’re working on the next album and it’ll be packed with the Fishes’ unique brand of rock ‘n’ roll.

Student Weekly: What’s the story behind the title track ¨Radio Sound¨?

Matthew: “Radio Sound” was a song that I never really intended to do anything with. I wrote it while I was living in a small apartment near Mo Chit and played it live once or twice. It’s about self-inflicted isolation and the magic of creating your own reality. I took the photograph that became the album cover, then months later I discovered an old recording of “Radio Sound” on a hard drive and thought there was something interesting about the song.

Student Weekly: How did you become involved with Panda Records?

Matthew: I’ve known Wannarit Pongprayoon (Pok) and Panda for years. Everybody knows they’re the coolest cats in town. I was really happy that Pok liked the tracks and wanted to work on the album. He really gave the record an edge that I couldn’t have done myself. That’s what really makes it different.

Student Weekly: In what way did living in Bangkok and the local music community influence your music?

Matthew: I bought an electric guitar and formed a band after moving here. The live shows have been more rock ‘n’ roll because it’s hard to get people to listen when you’re playing quietly.

Student Weekly: How do you describe your philosophy on music and life?

Matthew: I think that music is the most powerful force in my life. It’s helped me in many ways and changed my life in many more. Writing songs has always been a way for me to reflect and a sort of therapy for me. A song is a perfect way of turning a bad feeling into a good one.

 

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