DeadJournalist.com Exclusive Interviews:
The Soft Pack
Chuck Norton, DeadJournalist.com
06.30.09
In 2008, a Southern California band sprung into the forefront of the artists-on-the-verge music scene after a strong showing at the CMJ Showcase in New York. The band, then known as The Muslims, was finding praise and comparisons to the early work of legendary acts as The Stooges, The Replacements and Jonathan Richman.
But as the band's popularity began to grow, they decided to make significant alteration - by changing the band's name to The Soft Pack.
After several months of courting, the newly minted The Soft Pack signed with New York's Kemoda Records. Having released their previously self-titled EP, The Muslims, on 1928 Recordings, the band set out to on tour opening for such notable acts as The Breeders, Franz Ferdinand, The Walkmen and The Raveonettes.
Comprised of vocalist Matt Lamkin, guitarist Matty McLoughlin, drummer Brian Hill and bassist David Lantzman, the band is continuing to to find critical acclaim from both the blog-o-sphere and traditional print media.
NME, in a live review in its January 2009 issue proclaimed, "The Soft Pack are a band who are secure in their talent and prowess, are confident that their taste and influences are all but flawless."
The song "Right or Wrong" which appeared on The Muslims EP continues to receive steady airplay on SiriusXMU. Additionally, the band has released videos for the singles, "Extinction" and "Parasites" which can be found on the band's MySpace page (www.myspace.com/thesoftpack) or on YouTube.
The band is performing a number of dates in support of their recently released EP, Extinction, on a second European that will culminate with performances at the Leeds Festival on August 29, 2009 and the Reading Festival on August 30, 2009 in the UK.
While in the midst of the band's European tour Matty McLoughlin took time out of his schedule to grant this interview with DeadJournalist.com.
As most of your fans know, The Soft Pack was previous called The Muslims. Having achieved a good amount of critical acclaim as The Muslims, how difficult was the name change from a marketing and promotions standpoint?
MM: The name change wasn't a big deal to us. We didn't care about being called the Muslims and don't really care about being called the Soft Pack.
Now I'm not a marketer, but with that said, I would guess that the Muslims would have sold more records. Such a striking name.
For someone learning about The Soft Pack for the first time, what would you most want them to know about the band?
MM: That I am the tallest one in the band. And that we are pretty good athletes when it comes down to it.
In May 2009, you released Extinction, an EP containing some material from your previous releases. Are you working on writing and recording new material? If so, are there any set-in-stone plans for you next release(s)?
MM: Yep. We recorded some songs this weekend and plan to record the rest of our album in July. I believe we are releasing some 7 inches on Kemado Records in September and the full length will be out in January of 2010.
Although the band is from San Diego, and now based in Los Angeles, you definitely have more than a hint of blue collar rock in your sound. What influences most effected the band - your up-bringing and background; artist or artists or was it just a natural progression of finding a sound and voice you were most comfortable with as a band?
MM: Simplicity is a big deal within our band. We want things to be simple and want to give the listener something to hold on to. We are all fans of comedy. Rodney Dangerfield, Steve Martin, Bill Murray. And we all grew up listening to punk rock and classic rock and funk.
Which do you enjoy more, performing live or writing and recording?
MM: I enjoy both equally. Writing and recording new songs is really satisfying. Playing those new songs live is pretty exciting.
For the band, what is the most important aspect of a live performance?
MM: That we are all having fun. That its not serious. Or boring.
This summer the band is playing Europe for the second time this year. Have you been able to take in any non-tour-related aspects of the European experience?
MM: We spend most of our day at the venue that we are playing. Which sucks. We went to a football match in Manchester. That was a good time. But yeah, most of the time we just walk around whatever neighborhood the venue is in, like losers.
Having toured with a litany of acts during the past few years, has there been an artist or band from which you had an especially positive experience?
MM: Truthfully, all of the more popular acts we have played concerts with have been really nice to us. The shows we played with The Breeders were a huge highlight. Amazing band and really enjoyable to be around. The Franz Ferdinand guys were really cool too.
We were heavily influenced by San Diego bands like Drive Like Jehu and Hot Snakes. We have done a couple tours with The Nightmarchers (Jon Reis formed both of the bands I just mentioned), so that was a big deal for us.
In the ever-changing technological landscape are you finding that you are reliant on social networking site, Twitter, etc. to stay in touch with friends and family and market to fans?
MM: hen we are in Europe I email my family to let them know that I am okay. We have a MySpace page. I think we are making a Web site soon with videos, commentary, and songs.
How difficult is it to find a point of differentiation between the band and your personal lives?
MM: There isn't a differentiation between us on stage or us hanging out. That was the point kinda [sic].
Is there an artist that you've encountered recently that you've been recommending to your friends?
MM: Yes, there is band called Pearl Harbour who I think are great. They are from Los Angeles. Saw this band So Cow the other night that I enjoyed. I really like that band Women from Canada.
What were you listening to in 1999?
MM: Pavement. The Replacements. Tool.
Which do you prefer: MP3, CD, Tape or Vinyl?
MM: I think vinyl sounds and looks the best.
One Drink; One Movie; One Album:
MM: Jameson and Ginger, Slap Shot, Notorious B.I.G. Ready to Die