#and then they tweeted about ryan being the manager whilst I had just started writing it in the car this morning

[sleepyverstappens]

Everyone is writing about the Mill now and here I am just casually writing about dryan at the ouas charity match, like you do...

[theseventhhex]

MEAT WAVE Interview

MEAT WAVE

MEAT WAVE is part of the new wave of the impressive punk rock scene in Chicago. This trio’s new album, ‘The Incessant’, continues to excitingly deliver what we’ve become accustomed to from the skilled outfit: intense and cold riffs, coupled with stretched bass lines and a compelling vocal delivery. A more personal record, however, Chris Sutter puts a lot of himself on the line, writing more about the anxieties and emotions he faces on a daily basis, subtly blending self-criticism and black humour. With a penchant for delivering pulsating live shows and a growing recognition on the punk rock scene, MEAT WAVE is definitely ready to break the nail in 2017… We talk to Chris Sutter about being more truthful, shifting his vocal style and the Chicago Bulls…

TSH: During the lead up to ‘The Incessant’, what was the band’s level of focus like?

Chris: It felt like we were breaking new ground. We worked a lot harder than we ever had. It just takes time. And after years of playing with each other at this point, I think the end-goal or shape of the project became more and more obvious. There’s songs on there like ‘Birdland’, that were completely different. Where we’re usually chugging along and trying to be very loud and intense, on that song we were trying to play as quiet as we possibly could, which again, just took a lot of time. I think we were more careful with the songs as well. Revision is good. Just keep shaving it down until it’s where you want it to be.

TSH: Can you sum up the natural compulsions that you were drawn towards for this body of work?

Chris: The desire to be truthful to myself, and about myself. I was talking to my friend Adam last night; he was basically saying “I’m on a truth kick. There are things that you might not want to share with someone new you’re seeing, or a new friend, but something had come up and I told her the truth, and she responded in the opposite way I thought she would. It was so rewarding and empowering.” That was the optimistic impetus to making a record like this. Opening up to many people that you don’t know, but hoping that it will feel good or that it could resonate with someone. Aside from that, using writing as a tool. Using it more constructively. I’ve written a lot of bullshit, a lot of stuff that didn’t mean nearly as much to me. So by delving into my life and issues I’d had, I was able to both make music and self-improve.

TSH: Was it also a pre-discussed idea to have aspects of juxtaposition within the record?

Chris: Juxtaposition is part of our band’s DNA, I think. It keeps things interesting and presents things that weren’t necessarily there in the first place. At this point, our sensibilities are aligned enough to where we’re all kind of looking for the right balance, sweet and sour.

TSH: With this record you wrote about characteristics of delusion - was it liberating to have less masking with the lyrics?

Chris: It was liberating. It also produced a lot of self-doubt, and self-consciousness. I could understand why people wouldn’t like the record. It’s really heavy. Not in a macho way, but in an emotional way. I had a friend tell me he felt like he was decomposing whilst listening to the last half of it. Which is funny, but also wasn’t necessarily my goal. I was making it for me. And now that it’s out, I can do other shit. The album feels very of its time. It maybe feels more liberating to have it out of my hands and let other people have it. I’ve spent enough time with it.

TSH: You’ve stated the biggest challenge was being vulnerable and brutally honest – how did this allow you to excel with this body of work?

Chris: I think it’s a record about anxiety that sounds like anxiety. To have the opportunity to soundtrack a sensation like shame, or confusion, or loss was very different and eye opening. It gave me a new appreciation for music and what it’s capable of. Not to be too cheesy or anything.

TSH: Can you tell us more about the last track ‘Killing The Incessant’ embodying a feeling of what the album sonically feels like to you?

Chris: “Killing” came really late; it might have been the last song we wrote for the record. There came a point where the concept was fully formed, but I began to wonder what the incessant, as a feeling or emotion, sounded like. It feels very oncoming, very out-of-control. So that’s how the crescendo came about. I think it’s the culmination of everything you’d just heard. It’s a battle for catharsis.

TSH: What sort of ideas do you draw on to pen a track like ‘Glass Teeth’?

Chris: The idea of actually having glass teeth spoke to me, because I was having trouble communicating with people. It’s basically a fear of confrontation. I don’t want these things to shatter on me, so I’m just going to keep my mouth shut. That song is also just kind of a slap in my own face, trying to convince myself that I can speak up and to stop fucking around.

TSH: Many media outlets have heaped praise on your vocals throughout ‘The Incessant’ – how would you assess the contrast and shift with your vocal delivery?

Chris: On this record, in particular, I feel like I sound like myself. Like the way I speak. It feels a bit more human to me. On the other records, my voice sounds a little contrived in my opinion. I think it just stems from writing these songs that were real as hell, and being able to speak with more conviction.

TSH: How do you keep your mindest fresh during extensive touring?

Chris: I find that sleeping well makes everything better. Joe and I play Words with friends. On the last tour, I started reading “White Noise,” which friends have told me is a life-changer. We love bringing friends to help sell merch or tour manage. That always makes it so much better, to have someone who’s not as invested as the three of us.

TSH: Which cities/landmarks would you say have piqued your interest and resonated with you most on your travels?

Chris: We just spent a nice amount of time in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Those are both really nice, different cities. The West Coast, specifically the Northwest is so serene for me. Every time I go there it just feels really right. The landscape just feels like another world in relation to where we’re from. Also, Reykjavik, Iceland, Prague and the Netherlands - we’ve been super lucky to go to so many amazing places.

TSH: Is the constant reminder that there is no right way or one way to do this a key piece of advice for you?

Chris: Yes, it is. Sometimes it’s hard to subscribe to though. Being in a band is a mind fuck. But as long as we’re really into what we’re doing, then yes, there is no right or wrong way. Mostly I have to get off of the fucking internet and make music. That helps.

TSH: Does it still concern you that so many people are driven by convention over passion?

Chris: I don’t know. I guess whatever makes you happy, do it. Sometimes I wonder if I should just try to work. Start a career. Music is my passion, and sometimes it feels really dumb. But I can’t stop. I’m ultimately super lucky. The three of us are lucky to have jobs when we come home too, so it’s kind of the best of both worlds. It is a shame though to see people not following their creative passions because they feel they’re expected down this other path. Follow what makes you happy, creative and free.

TSH: Who are you top three Chicago athletes of all time?

Chris: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. The Golden era of the Chicago Bulls, baby.

TSH: Does Ryan still DJ when he gets drunk?

Chris: Ryan is a backseater in the van, but if it’s after a show and he’s feeling it, he’s gunning for the front seat and that aux cable.

TSH: Was your hostel visit to Prague and being served vodka shots upon arrival one of the standout tour moments you’ve had?

Chris: Ha! Yes, that was amazing. You’ve done your research. Yeah, we had a couple days off in Prague the last time we were in Europe and when we were checking into our hostel, the lady at the desk asked if we wanted our complimentary shots of vodka. Meanwhile, she had all of our passports, so we were like, is she going to poison us? But it was so amazing. That night we went to a place called Bar 69 and drank dollar beers all night. Shout out to Bar 69.

TSH: Talk us through the following tweet… ‘There's some fake news circulating that Tomosaki is based on a Japanese adult film actress. It was the nickname of my cat. SAD!’

Chris: There was a really lazy review of the album when it came out that said “Tomosaki” was written about a Japanese film actress, and it was like “even considering the genre, that’s bold!” It just pissed me off. I shouldn’t read the reviews. But that song is actually about losing a cat that I love in a breakup. SAD!

TSH: What’s the Meat Wave ethos as you look ahead?

Chris: We want to play everywhere. Just keep doing it. We want to evolve and do different shit. I want to raise money for marginalised groups and organisations. Music is powerful.

MEAT WAVE - “Run You Out”

The Incessant