People will likely look at Looking for Lucky and see political stances, especially with two songs (State Your Peace and Another Years Gone By) from your short album. How do you respond to that?
I respond to that, as that's what I was writing about at the time. I'm a writer and things just come off the top of my head. I guess I have a lot to say. It's been a couple of years and I guess the emotions from 9-11 and going to war against my better judgment is where the lyrics came from.
Whose call was it to put two of your own songs on Looking for Lucky?
Well, it was nobody's call. Whenever we get together to make a record, we turn all the songs in and there are a lot of good songs that stick with the band better than others. So, whatever 12 songs we end up with out of 30 to 50 songs, it's the 12 that are working the best with the band the most. Those are the ones we all felt the best about. So it wasn't anyone's "call," it just sort of happens naturally. We don't keep track, it's a group effort.
Smile. This one is really upbeat, insanely catchy it's sort of like a Space on the bands self-titled album or Desert Mountain Showdown on Musical Chairs. You guys always seem to have one of those on your albums.
It's definitely an upbeat song. Yeah, you're right, we need that pop rock. Only Wanna be with You was like that too. It's so positively catchy, and so positive it's cheesy, it's rocking. (laughs) You know, we don't need to do it, it's part of our sound I guess.
Any thought on the next single, especially with One Love really gaining airplay like it is?
Not at all. That's something we hope we don't have to think about for a while. But if we do, I think we've got a lot of choices. It's whatever feels right at the time.
How about a new DVD? It's been a while since you put one out.
Oh, that's something we want to do for sure and hopefully we can get one out before Christmas. There's nothing definite there, but that would be a plan if we could all be agreeable on it and get the production. We want to be sure it's the right show.
Article comments
1 - Jones Violet
Nice interview, Matt. Hootie and the Blowfish were one of the first bands I saw live (many years ago). Not much into their music anymore, but have to say that it was a great show.
2 - Matt Paprocki
There's been a lot going on in Hootie land. I highly recommened picking up one of the recent albums, especially Musical Chairs. You can't go wrong given how cheap they are used.
3 - JOHN JOHNSON
I HEAR THAT 'LOOKING FOR LUCKY' IS THE BEST STUDIO ALBUM SINCE 'CRACKED REAR VIEW'. THAT IS SOME STATEMENT TO LIVE UP TO AND AN ALBUM TO LOOK FORWARD TO, CAN'T WAIT.
4 - Matt Paprocki
It's a wonderful album. It loses some steam towards the end, and I'm still lost on Killing Stone (hence why I asked Mark), but there's plenty of great stuff on there. I still stand by that Musical Chairs will remain their best.
5 - Temple Stark
Temple Stark picked this for an Editors' Pick of the Week. Go ahead and find out why here.
6 - The Duke
"Lead guitar player"
You have GOT TO BE KIDDING
Electric guitar player would have been appropo; but for CRISSAKES don't stretch it.
7 - Bob A. Booey
Is that the skinny hippie white dude with the blonde hair?
That is all.
8 - Matt Paprocki
Mark is the guy with the curly hair. Jim has the long hair and is forever known for being shirtless in the Hold My Hand video.