ce the scale of anything I've ever done combined.
For this record, it was going and taking this thing all over the world and
spending much more time and money on it.-Joe Ramos
US Music Vault Online: You wrote your latest record, Seven More Minutes, while in Barcelona. Can you tell us something about the inspiration while writing music overseas?
Matt Sharp (singer/songwriter of the Rentals): The days during which most of this record was written were absolutely some of the most inspired days of my life. And still, this place remains to be to be a very special place. The reason for the big differences between the first Rentals album and Seven More Minutes is the fact that the environment and the people around us was so different on this record while it was being written and recorded.
USMV: I have absolutely no idea under what conditions you recorded Return of the Rentals, but how were they different than Seven More Minutes?
MS: Return of the Rentals
was simply recorded in my friend's apartment. Seven More Minutes
is absolutely the most epic experience I've ever had in my life. Its music
is twice the scale of anything I've ever done combined.
For this record, it was going and taking this thing all over the world and
spending much more time and money on it.
USMV: I'm not trying to kiss your ass, but it's a really great album.
MS: Thank you.
USMV: Can you tell us about the video for "Getting By"?
MS: We did that from Spain and we just finished the final editing. Basically, I had to go over to Barcelona to do some press and talk about writing there. They had a film crew go over and follow me around. There's not much of a plot to it, but it's going along to see all the people that influenced the recording of the record. Hanging out, streaking and having a good time. They filmed all of it.
USMV: On the album, you worked with a couple of other people, but on "Big Daddy C" you worked with Damon Albarn (of Blur). How was it working with him?
MS: He's the smartest musician I know and also an absolutely incredible person. Working with anybody as talented as him is always a cool thing. A lot of these people on this record are incredibly cool and had a definite impact on how it sounds.
USMV: You worked with Rivers (Cuomo, of Weezer), as well, correct?
MS: Yeah! "My Head Is In The Sun" is the first song that Rivers and I ever actually collaborated together on and I'm really happy that it ended up on this record. It's a great thing because our relationship continues to grow even though we're not in the same band anymore.
USMV: Do you not like being known as the ex-bassist for Weezer?
MS: No, I'm totally
cool with it. Weezer was one of the greatest experiences I had ever been
through. It was growing up with your friends and playing music. It was like
watching a surreal world unfurl. Weezer, to me, is like a family and I have
a great deal of respect for each one of those guys. I wish them the best
of luck and there isn't any bitterness on my part with that band.
USMV: Which Weezer album is your favorite?
MS: I prefer the blue record for sure. Pinkerton has some great moments on it but the blue record was a collaborative experience. We all worked together and it was truly a band record. The next record felt more like something Rivers had to do, which I completely respect. He had to make Pinkerton the way he wanted to make it, but it's more of an individual record than a true band experience. Seven More Minutes, while not recorded with a traditional band in the way that Weezer is, was the most collaborative and creative experience I could ever go through.
USMV: Any plans for touring?
MS: First rehearsal starts this weekend, and we'll probably be out on the road this summer.
USMV: What do you do on the road to pass time?
MS: It depends on the city. For me, it's the most natural thing I can do. It's the way I like to live the most. I much prefer traveling to being in the studio constantly. I'm definitely not a domesticated person. I love having new experiences and meeting different people everyday.
USMV: Any particular records you like to bring along?
MS: Well, it changes. I usually devour one record endlessly until I can't listen to it anymore.
USMV: If you're writing music while being completely absorbed in a record, do you feel that is a heavy influence on your writing style?
MS: It's on and off. This record is way more influenced by the environment it was written in than anything else. The first record was more about taking things from other artists and really letting it show, but on Seven More Minutes it was more about the people that influenced me.
USMV: We know you're in a hurry, so we've prepared a brief "Seven More Questions" for you. Excited?
MS: OK...
USMV: Who would win in this fight: Superman or Stone-Cold Steve Austin?
MS: Superman.
USMV: Boxers or briefs?
MS: Boxers.
USMV: Who's the strongest guy in Weezer? (Our bet is on Pat Wilson).
MS: I think your bet is right. He's a strong guy.
USMV: Are you still friends with P?
MS: Acquaintances.
USMV: Do you approve of the new wave of boy bands?
MS: Yes.
USMV: Really? Can you elaborate?
MS: For some reason to me, it's far less annoying than some of the ultra average alternative rock stuff.
USMV: Kind of like Creed?
MS: I'm not naming names. For some reason, the ultra bubble gum stuff doesn't hurt me as much as when I hear something that sounds like it took zero effort.
USMV: Have you ever heard of the Cultivators?
MS: Nope.
USMV: I thought so. And finally, will you be my best friend?
MS: Uh, no.