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This interview came about from a talk with a stripper. We started talking about music and she talked about Chiodos playing her home state soon. I told her that I might be set up an interview that she could conduct, in an attempt to impress her (I need all the help I can get). We couldn't do an in person interview, but the fine people at MSO PR set up a phone interview. Lucy got sick and couldn't talk, so I ended up conducting the interview outside of a Newbury Comics, itching to rebuy (for the third time) Everything Sucks by The Descendents.
This interview took place on February 19 with Chiodos bassist Matt Goddard. In case you've been asleep the past few years, Chiodos have really made a name for themselves with their keyboard driven emotional emo hardcore. They're on an arena tour with Linkin Park at the time of this interview before heading out on a headlining tour. Goddard seemed like a nice dude, and this interview didn't really tackle anything too serious. He was disappointed when I told him who was supposed to interview him, thinking that I should have tried using a sexy monotone girlish phone sex voice, which would have probably made him hang up on me rather quickly.
PL: State something interesting about yourself.
MG: I collect pennies that you get at truck stops.
PL: You what?
MG: You know those crushed pennies you get at truck stops?
PL: Yeah, yeah.
MG: I collect those. Thats as interesting as I get, I guess.
PL: Do you prepare your set any different when you're playing in an arena as opposed to a smaller club or venue?
MG: We prepare about the same. A show is a show. Its a little different, but I try to prepare the same.
PL: Do you have any superstitious practices you go through before a show?
MG: I used to. I still live with my parents and when we were starting out, I would make sure to wear the same jeans, boxers and fresh socks.
PL: What type of effect has having two successful albums had on the bands' ego?
MG: I don't know if we have an ego, but I would say that it encouraged us as a band. A lot of bands hit that sophmore slump as they call it, and end up breaking up. Luckily, having successful albums will let us continue to make music.
PL: Is it harder to write a new song to either your or your fans' expectations?
MG: When we're in the studio, we did what we always did: we wrote songs for ourselves. We're not trying to fit into any sort of mold, and if people don't like it, we aren't gonna worry about it.
PL: Do you guys write songs in the studio or beforehand?
MG: We've brought in lists of parts, and then put them all together in the studio. For the last record, we mostly wrote it in the studio.
PL: How do you handle criticism?
MG: You take it for what it is. Everyone has their opinion.
PL: Does criticism even matter anymore in the internet world where you'll hordes of fans come to your aid if someone says something negative about you?
MG: Its nice when that happens, but once again, everyone is going to have their own opinion, and you have to respect that, even if you don't like it. There's no need to go on about it because its just people expressing their own opinion.
PL: Do you think people nowadays take music for granted?
MG: I don't know. That a tough question. I guess yes and no. Thats all I got. Thats a good question. Thats a tough question.
PL: What would you say to someone who tells you they haven't heard Bone Palace Ballet yet?
MG: I would say "pop it in your CD player and rock out." Or, "pop it in your iTunes and rock out."
PL: Which member of your band is the most well read?
MG: Lets see. I think Derek reads a lot. Probably right now, Derek, but it could change. A lot of us read in waves. I'll read a couple books and then not read for awhile.
PL: Whats a little known fact about Michigan?
MG: There's a small town in Michigan thats called Hell. I think its just a gas station in Michigan that sells T-shirts that say "Welcome to Hell."
PL: Name one album, besides your own, you think all people should have in their collection.
MG: Oh jeez. I have to look through my iTunes. I'd have to say At the Drive In-any album, all of the albums. You should own all of the albums from At the Drive In.