Matty McLoughlin (r)
Late last year we spoke with Matty McLoughlin, bassist for San Diego’s The Soft Pack. A lot has happened for the band since we spoke. We recently caught up with Matty by email to see what’s going on with The Soft Pack.
R&G: What’s happening, Matty?
Matty: Nothing much. Just goofing around in New York.
R&G: The last time we spoke, the band had recently changed its name from The Muslims to The Soft Pack. How’s The Soft Pack moniker treating you?
Matty: The whole name change is finally fading, but we still get asked about it. It’s not a big deal to us. Normally the questions come from drunk people, and it’s understandable because we’re the same band.
R&G: Last time we spoke, you guys were also unsigned. Then you went with Kemado Records. Why?
Matty: Kemado came out to see us way before any of the “hype” thing happened. We got along really well and we felt that they had an understanding of what we were as a band.
R&G: You recently spent some time touring the UK – even playing Glastonbury. How’s the fan and media attention been in the UK?
Matty: England is smaller, so maybe we get more attention there. Not quite sure though.
R&G: Did anyone in the band hook up with Kate Moss?
Matty: Nah, that’s a different ballgame, buddy.
R&G: How the hell did you get the opening slot for Phoenix at The Greek Theatre?
Matty: I really have no idea.
R&G: Does it blow your mind that you will be playing the Greek?
Matty: We’re not freaked out by it because none of us grew up in LA, but we are really excited. It’s supposed to be a nice venue. It should be fun to play in front of people who wouldn’t see us normally. We just want to have fun at the gig, ya know? We’re not the main meat on this one.
R&G: You’re currently recording your next album in Brooklyn with Eli Janney (Obits, Secret Machines). How are the tracks coming along?
Matty: Recording has been going really well. The record sounds exciting to us, but we’re still in the early stages of it. Everyone has been satisfied so far. The new record will sound different, because we’re a full band of four people working on material, as opposed to just two people, which is how many we were on our first record. We’re keeping it simple, but different.
R&G: What’s next for the band?
Matty: We’re just hanging in New York. It’s been fun because we have a lot of friends and family here, so it’s been nice to hang loose. We’ve also filmed a bunch of stuff, like playing the new songs live in different places in Southern California, all of which should be up soon on the blog/website that we’re putting together.
MP3: The Soft Pack – Walking With Jesus
MP3: The Soft Pack – Call It A Day
MP3: Phoenix – 1901 (Live)
Download:
The Soft Pack – The Muslims (iTunes)
The Soft Pack Fall Tour Dates (click here)
