Husband
& Knife
by Matt
Dixon, April '07 Photo by The
Blueprints
Don't
Give Up from Split Cassette with Dog Day
1.Please introduce Husband/Knife.
This is my outlet for dark, expression. It is a way for me to say
things that are on my mind. I see a lot shit in everyday life that
inspires me, generally the emptiness and desperation of being human,
in a lost world.
2. What is your musical background? When did punk/folk/whatever
come into play?
I’ve gone through so many styles of music in my life, but I have always
had pretty strong views about motives behind art. I get bored very
fast and generally stick to what I feel is sincere, especially when
deciding if I like what other people do. I have always related to
the honesty and primal nature of punk. In answering your question
I’d have to say as soon as I found about bands like DK, Black Flag,
Minor Threat, all of a sudden I realized music was a form of true
expression, and is about unleashing raw feeling without having to
censor yourself too much. The approach I take with Husband and Knife
follows this way of thinking. Folk to me is like blues which I think
is like punk, where you just lay it on the line, vulnerable and naked.
It is not about what’s trendy, or how many handkerchiefs you can fit
in your ass or up my nose.
3. How would you describe your music to someone that has yet
to hear it?
I would say that it is dark, revealing folk, for people who like simplicity
and straight lyrics. It may bother you if you like to hide under big
fluffy snuggle blankets and listen to wishy-washy colouring book pop.
4. What is it that drives you to play music?
It is hard to explain this one. I wake up in the morning, and I start
thinking about music and throughout the day I struggle to listen to
what people say to me, because I’m thinking about music until I finally
fall asleep, and then my dreams take over. And I have written songs
in my dreams as well. They are usually riffs for ‘The Hold’.
5. Is it easy for you to go out there and play in front of an
audience? What's your ideal show situation?
It depends what band I am in and where I am playing. Considering this
interview is about ‘The Husband’ I’d have to say this act is the hardest
live act for me. It takes the most out of me. It is one thing to plow
through tough hardcore riffs (The Hold) or hide behind a drumset (Dog
Day) or wear panty hose on my face and scream like a retarded drug
addict (Attack Mode), but to play semi sensitive and depressing songs
on a guitar in front of a bunch of people that easily could have a
conversation over you can be a trying situation. For H/K I like playing
small café shows to open minded people who are there to take it in.
6. Is there anything specific you try to communicate through
your music?
I like to expose the harsh realities that others like to ignore, in
a way I celebrate these issues. I don’t like to repress ideas, I don’t
like to care about how other people are gonna deal. Forget about it,
this project is for me and for those who relate to my world in any
way. Believe me, it is good to be received well, but I try not to
let this motivate my work. I think that that mindset is lame.
Photos by Paul Hammond
7. Do you think it's necessary for independent musicians and
bands to have a form of ethics?
I guess that is subjective. My ethics are more about being yourself
and saying what’s in your head. I think I’m a good person in some
respects and I feel the most ethical thing to do is to be honest.
8. How did you get involved with Divorce Records?
Well, my brother Chik and I have been playing music and putting out
our own albums since we were like 8 and 10, so it was a natural move
for us. He is much more of an administrative type than I am so he
really kicked the label into gear in the last few years, but running
our own label was always meant to happen. We are DIY blooded.
9. When do you think the best moment to listen to a Husband/Knife
record is?
When you are laying your head down, or driving on the highway at night.
10. If you had to choose a Husband/Knife song for a mixtape that
included Matt&Kim, Japanther, Little Wings, and Dog Day which
song would you choose and why?
Probably ‘Had To die’ because it would stick out.
11. What future plans do you have?
I’m finishing up a full length right now ‘An End’ and I wanna put
it out in October on Divorce. As far as shows, right now Dog Day is
busy so I’ll probably open for us when I can.
12. How can ppl contact you?
www.divorcerecords.ca
www.myspace.com/husbandandknife
13. Any final words?
Thanks for asking me questions I wanted to answer.
