This 2023, music has not been lacking at all. Since the start of the year, many bands and artists have raffled off releasing incredible records and songs. However, some have taken advantage of return with songs fresh out of the oven after a long time in silence, as in the case of the Dave Matthews Band.
It was in 2018 when the group led by Dave Matthews released its most recent record material, called Come Tomorrow. Since then, the American band has been playing in their own land and in other parts of the world. Although the truth We already missed that they released new music.
We chatted with the leader of the Dave Matthews Band about his new album and much more
After almost five years of waiting, Dave Matthews Band announced with great fanfare that this 2023 they will return with a new studio album. But not only that, also they will return to play it in our country, since the group will start the tour of this album with three shows in CDMX, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Taking advantage of the premiere of his tenth recording material, Walk Around the Moon and before their shows in Mexico, We had the chance to chat via Zoom with none other than the frontman of the Dave Matthews Band. Among other things, he told us a little about the path that led them to the recording of a new album, the way we consume music today and much more.
Dave Matthews tells us what motivated them to return to the studio
As we mentioned before, almost five years have passed since the Dave Matthews Band released a new album and since then, there have been no signs that they could return to the studio, much less with the pandemic on top. However, In the band leader’s own words, we owe the fact that the group began to compose to the pandemic itself in the middle of a difficult situation.
“It was a strange time, of course, for all of us. And I think the reason we have a new record is because of these strange times. I talked to a lot of friends who are also musicians during the pandemic and they were like ‘oh I miss the stage, I can’t wait to get back, I miss touring’. And I get it, I miss playing live music too, but I can still play it at home, there’s not so many people around.”
“I realized that I was going through an interesting stage of reflection, to think and spend more time with my family. When I realized that I had the opportunity to spend extra time, I think I remembered the things that I missed. I honestly could not ignore all the suffering and fear that there was on the planet as a result of this (COVID), but I think the pandemic also awakened many things in us, in my case, creativity.
Dave Matthews found the true meaning of unity during the pandemic
Of course, the pandemic changed all of us in different ways. Some sadly lost loved ones or close people. But In the case of the Dave Matthews Band frontman, confinement taught him that we are all part of a world and we must worry about what happens to otherseven if they are foreign to us.
“I think a lot of times we talk about unity in the world and unless something difficult happens, that’s when we see this part. I feel like most of the time we spend saying that we care about others, and these unique events happening around the planet are what really make us see what a lot of people are going through.”
“Personally, I learned that I need to embrace this more, be aware that I live in a civilization and there is an opportunity to meet and help each other. I think there is an opportunity to connect and realize that despite living in very different places or situations, we are all part of something bigger.”
The new Dave Matthews Band album is a real hug after a difficult moment
To be honest, that influence of the pandemic is felt on the new Dave Matthews Band album, well the album is like feeling a strong hug after facing a difficult situation. And above all, “Walk Around the Moon”, the song that gives this album its name, perfectly represents this new phase of the band.
“This record only exists thanks to the pandemic. The first song that came out was ‘Walk Around the Moon’, and I think it’s one of those songs that really empowers you and reminds you to never give up on the world or circumstances or whatever. It motivates you and makes you remember that even though there are terrible things on this planet, the good things that the world has for us will always win out”.
“I will never forget that in the midst of the chaos during the pandemic, beautiful images appeared. Like the people in Italy who went out to their balconies to sing together, it was a beautiful act of community. I missed playing live music, but I also feel – in a very weird way – that all of that was a great reminder of where we are as humanity.”
Gun control in the United States and even Mexico are also present in the new Dave Matthews Band album
The first single from Walk Around the Moon It was “Madman’s Eyes”, a song that has certain influences from oriental music with distorted guitars that catch you from the first second. However, this song has a very personal meaning for the leader of the Dave Matthews Band, and it is partly because of gun control in the United Statesas well as their relationship with Mexico.
“’Madman’s Eyes’ started with a guitar riff that I had been playing for a while and that sounds pretty much the same as it did on the final version. But I felt that that same melody was leading me to an invitation, to explore my curiosity, you know? And that was where those sounds came in that, as you said, sound mysterious and give it a different touch, something that makes it stand out”.
“Lyrically, the song talks about a subject that we inevitably have to face in the United States and that unfortunately in Mexico they also understand: armed violence. That’s a strange relationship our countries have with guns, although other parts of the world are likely to understand this sick relationship and crazy devotion to guns. I know our countries have other things in common, but we can’t forget that part.”
“My children are exposed to gun violence in this country, I lost my sister to gun violence. Weapons, for bad, have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. And this song is directed towards that, to open everyone’s eyes to the impact that these things have on the world.
