Matt Pryor discusses latest solo record, Memento Mori

Interview

Matt Pryor (Credit: Fally Afani)

Over the span of 20 years, Matt Pryor has released more than 20 records through various projects, including The Get Up Kids, The New Amsterdams, The Terrible Twos, and his solo career. Pryor has gradually earned admiration in the emo/pop-punk scene, influencing musicians like Max Bemis of Say Anything, Mark Hoppus of Blink-182, and Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy. On February 16th, Pryor sets out on tour with Dan Andriano (of Alkaline Trio) and releases his latest solo record, Memento Mori, the following day. In addition, Pryor generously agreed to answer some questions via Email, illuminating different aspects of Memento Mori.

Cover art for Matt Pryor’s new solo record Memento Mori (Credit: Mike Dubin)

1. What do you like most about your newest record Memento Mori? What do you hope listeners will gain from it?

I don’t know what they would gain from it; I just hope they like it.

2. Why did you choose to name your newest record after “a reminder of death”?

Because in the year that I wrote the record, I lost several people in my life and I wanted to honor/remember them.

3. What inspired the cover art displaying the abandoned trailer? Who took the photo?

My friend Mike Dubin took some photos in the desert in California. I thought they fit with the overall feel of the record.

4. What are some current bands you are excited about?

Modern Baseball, Pup, Pinegrove, Into It. Over It.

5. Your music with The Get Up Kids was sometimes described as “emo.” What do you think of that music label? If you had to, how would you define it?

I wouldn’t. I’ve never really felt comfortable in that term and besides it means something different to everyone. It could be Rites Of Spring or it could be My Chemical Romance.

6. One of the new songs that will be on Memento Mori is “A Small Explosion.” Musically, how did that song come about?

I started building the guitar parts on a looping pedal and just kept adding stuff to it. I wrote the lyrics after.

Matt Pryor’s new song “A Small Explosion” (Source: YouTube)

7. Another new song is “I Won’t Be Afraid.” What inspired that one?

Trying to convince myself that I am not afraid to die. which is a lie.

Matt Pryor’s new song “I Won’t Be Afraid” (Source: Equal Vision Records on YouTube)

8. You will start touring soon with Dan Andriano. What are some things about the tour you’re excited about?

I’m excited to tour with Dan, we’ve been friends for a long time. I’m excited that my daughter, Lily, is going to be performing with me. I’m excited that we are going to be in New Orleans at the start of Mardi Gras.

9. Were there any unlikely musical influences that crept in while making this new record?

Not really.

10. You’ve recorded numerous records with different acts over the years. What was something you learned writing and recording Memento Mori?

That apparently I am thinking about death a lot lately.

11. Do you think music serves any important public purposes? If so, what are they?

I think music can be both the soundtrack to the revolution as well as the escape from it. It all depends on what you want to do with it.

12. Lastly, what advice would you give a band starting out today?

Practice, practice, practice and don’t expect anyone to help you. You need to do it yourselves.

Sorry if you didn’t like the article. Please keep your discourse civil in the comments.

Matt Pryor’s upcoming tour dates with Dan Andriano

Feb 16 Jacksonville, FL @ 1904 Music Hall

Feb 17 Orlando, FL @ Backbooth

Feb 18 Ybor City, FL @ Crowbar

Feb 19 Gainesville, FL @ High Dive

Feb 21 Atlanta, GA @ Purgatory at The Masquerade

Feb 22 Birmingham, AL @ The Syndicate Lounge

Feb 23 New Orleans, LA @ The Parish at House of Blues

Feb 24 Houston, TX @ Rudyard’s

Feb 25 Austin, TX @ Stubb’s (indoors)

Feb 26 Dallas, TX @ Three Links

Mar 16 Lawrence, KS @ Replay Outside

Mar 17 St. Louis, MO @ Fubar

Mar 18 Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop

Mar 19 Columbus, OH @ Woodland Tavern

Mar 21 Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe

Mar 22 Buffalo, NY @ Babeville at The 9th Ward

Mar 23 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop

Mar 24 Kalamazoo, MI @ Bell’s Eccentric Cafe

Mar 25 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean

Apr 13 Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle

Apr 14 Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter

Apr 15 Washington, DC @ Songbyrd

Apr 16 Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts

Apr 18 Asbury Park, NJ @ Wonder Bar

Apr 19 New Haven, CT @ BAR

Apr 20 Allston, MA @ Great Scott

Apr 21 Brooklyn, NY @ St. Vitus

Apr 22 Amityville, NY @ Amityville Music Hall

May 11 Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge

May 12 San Diego, CA @ The Casbah

May 13 Las Vegas, NV @ Bunkhouse Saloon

May 14 Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo

May 16 San Francisco, CA @ Bottom Of The Hill

May 18 Sisters, OR @ The Suttle Lodge

May 19 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge

May 20 Seattle, WA @ The Sunset Tavern

Listen to Matt Pryor’s new song “Mary” here.

Purchase Memento Mori here.

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