I’ve written about it in the past, but it just popped into my head, so I’m writing about it again. There’s something very bizarre about rehearsing for an acoustic tour. When you rehearse with a band, you have a schedule. You show up, you spend however long running material, and then you leave. But when you’re rehearsing for an acoustic tour you do it at home, there is no time frame because you don’t have to worry about scheduling anything, nor is crew present. It’s just you.
For the last two months I have spent most of my time demoing new material, which means that I spend most of each day in front of the computer recording. And while the tour begins Friday, I still find myself drawn to that process rather than spending hours with an acoustic guitar in my hands running over material. Not that I’ve forgotten anything, mind you, I’m just a perfectionist when it comes to performances and, in a lot of ways, am very hard on myself even when others think a show was fantastic.
One of the miserable aspects of late though is this God forsaken flu/cold that everyone around here seems to have, myself included. It just won’t go away. Of course, I’m loading up on the usual suspects to combat it, but I swear someone, at some point in my life, placed a freaking curse on me.
I have to admit that I am looking forward to this run. One of the aspects that I am most looking forward to, believe it or not, is that I will not be accompanied by the production that I usually carry when on tour here at home. No big light show (Pete’s going to kill me for saying that), none of it. Just jump on stage and play – house lights, house board, and no tour buses.
I have been giving a lot of thought as to whether I should open the show in the same fashion as I did last fall, with Girl Wedged Under The Front Of A Firebird, which we accomplished rather simply by me just singling along to audio played through an iPod. We did the same thing with North American For Life as well. Right now, I’m against the idea. I think it worked extremely well when accompanied by Pete’s outstanding light show, which provided the sort of atmosphere that made it come off well, but being that I’ll not have him with me on this run, I don’t think it would really work. So I think I’ll just do it the old fashioned way.
Of course, there will be some treats along the way. Provided that we can get together in time to run through a few songs, Pete Yorn is going to jump on stage with me in LA. A fan might also be making a small documentary about it, so hopefully all goes to plan and I’ll be able to post it here on the site for everyone to enjoy. Then again, sometimes schedules change and things don’t pan out, so you never know.
In other tour related news, I have decided not to get my traditional pre-tour haircut. So messy long hair it is.
Anyway, that’s enough prattling on my part. Back to running songs.
*Preview has ended.
Phew an 8 1/2 minute behemoth…2:20 in and I already dig it
When I saw Kevin Seconds play here (Philly) a few years back, he talked about loving the tour, for it gave him “Me time.” He didn’t have anyone too look after, etc. Just him. Sometimes it’s great to have that option, to get out and take a break from the usual and be by yourself. Many envy that feeling, others hate it for their fear of being lonely.
As for the flu. I doubt it’s a curse….
It will pass.
That’s sounding amazing! Good luck in the States and hope you get over that flu.
just show up and play. very cool. it’s always a nice drive to Portland. these tunes are sounding more and more like the t-bone bribery will be on this fall. and double the meat in the lasagna.
well done! I love the instrumentation on this track.
Sounds awesome.
this new song sounds quite nice matt…so cool that you and pete are going to play a few songs together, think you can manage to drag him to detroit too?
Ahh! Yes, there’s a benefit to obsessively checking the site. I’ve had an intensely crappy day, so thanks for this. I love that we get song previews.
So… this one sort of hit me in the gut. Goddamn, but you know how to craft a song. Love the haunting beginning. Love love love strings in general, and here specifically (this might be a dumb question but… um… where do they come from?) Love how it gets quiet in the middle, with just the strings, then ramps up again. Gorgeous. I mean, seriously.
/fawning
Matt,
I think the track is Awesome. I don’t know how you do it.
I Love the slow build up..
Although new music spurs the question of how are you going to sell the new tracks?
No longer being attached to a label. The options are endless…
I record everything right where I’m sitting, Ket. And the strings were played using a keyboard.
I really like it and can’t wait to hear more. You’ll do great on the tour, lucky Americans…
and @Dan Lilly, we missed out on your meat :-|
Sounds great.
I really love the harmonies in this one - great job
Wow! Great stuff!!
was there a girl doing backing vocals? if there was, who was it?
Nope, that would be me.
Quoting Matthew Good:
Strings were played using a keyboard? Holy. I’m stupid about music– had no idea you could do such a thing… or, at least, do it and have it sound that good. It’s an amazing sound.
Do you still use GarageBand for demoing or have you moved on to Logic or Pro-tools? Regardless, I dig the demo Matt…….Show us more!
Hey Matt … is there Gorecki influence in this track? I noticed that a track from his Symphony of Sorrowful Songs was played during the break after Dala was on when you played in Sudbury, but I obviously have no idea if you picked that piece or not. Loving the instrumentation to pieces.
I also thank you for posting this. I have been having a brutal week with family, financial, educational and health problems……. This new track, however rough you say it is, was a nice little treat. Thanks.
I like how dark the beginning of the song is. Choruses are my biggest problem…it doesn’t even seem like you’re having problems with yours…damn you professionals!!!!!
The coolest thing is that little part with the super high D on piano at 6:34 (at least that’s what I heard..maybe it doesn’t exist:)).
It’s funny how perfectionists are usually procrastinators as well.
Don’t be so rough on yourself though.
I know… easier said than done… I mean I’m not the one up on stage playing my heart out.
You sure do an amazing job of it though.
I’m defiantly happy that the first performance of yours that I saw was on the acoustic tour. There is something so raw and powerful when it’s just the performer and their guitar. Very personal and I think you get a better connection… do you feel that way? I think that subtracting the light show from the upcoming performances may enhance it in the aspect of personal connection with the audience. One less thing to distract people from the MUSIC.
I love the new demo track!
It’s great…unedited imperfections and all!
I also hope that cold/flu clears up for you before you start your tour!
Take Care
What a great track!!! Love the strings. Here’s hoping you are coming to Ottawa with this upcoming tour. I hope the incident in Ottawa on the last tour hasn’t soured you to playing here again. It would be a shame if the actions of a couple immature assholes prompted you to skip Ottawa this time out. I will continue to check out the site for these excellent tidbits!!! Thanks.
Great song :)
Why do you always have to post them just as I’m going to bed? I guess I’ll just have to fight to stay awake a while longer to listen a few more times while I can.
first time I have ever caught a demo!!!
Amazing but that goes without saying.
Messy uncut hair looks good on you so I say w00t
PS also I think that you could just get up on stage and say hey everyone and we would still love it!
Love it love it love it, as always
Are you still going to stick around after the gigs?
Sounds great, it’s a nice Monday afternoon treat.
Though I could think of some other things that could be slightly better..
Ice cream… sunshine… you know, uh, that sorta thing.. hehe.
Love the instrumental parts. Great song. Looking forward to the Montreal show.
I love it. You amaze me.
“Someone” says chicken noodle soup is good for the soul!
Have fun this tour
I’m digging it.
It’s strange to hear these voluptuous mixes for songs that often have more power played with some gentle chords. Right away I can see this as a tune I’d play for my kids on an acoustic. They love “Born Losers” which I feel is odd for 5, 3, and 1 year olds.. :P
Just curious, how long does something like this actually take you to create? It sounds very intricate… Awesome as usual, looking forward to the new album already… :)
one question… Does the Theme Park belong to Empty, or is it a theme park dedicated to Empties?
Hey Matt,
Where are the Ottawa Dates for this Tour????
Are you not including Ottawa?
Whats wrong with Ottawa?
Did I mention you have a huge fan following In Ottawa?
We dont all work for the Goverment in Ottawa, if that helps…
We dont all trash tour buses in Ottawa?
We dont all throw Penny’s in Ottawa?
We love you in Ottawa?
Are you coming to Ottawa?
Did i say Ottawa was overlooked?
Ottawa is the Capital of Canada.
Dont leave Ottawa out….
An aknowledgment of your fans in Ottawa would be nice…. a “dont worry we are working on it”… anything!!!
We collectively feel like “the fat dood at the gym” being excluded from this tour!
Cheers…
The most annoying fan in Ottawa!!!
hows the hand matt
Love the Track BTW… Awsome…
wow. what a beautiful song…
Quoting Anton:
oops, not a girl on back up!haha
Beautiful song Matt.
Empty’s Theme Park - nice. Is that what the song’s called?
I love that you do this…but I wish, I wish, I always wish I could make out more words than I usually can.
Don’t worry too much about the rehearsing. As long as Lance rolls out a beverage cart onstage with a selection of cured meats and cheeses…..you’ll be just fine. See you back on the road this Friday and Saturday.
Lester
this song is so beautiful matt :)
i honestly dont know how you do it.. you are just so, amazingly talented.
you are such a gifted songwriter and i honestly cant wait to hear more new tracks, this one has left me me speachless. kudos to you matt, for being able to write a song that exceeds eight and a half minutes, that doesnt bore or drift away to nothing. it is a true masterpiece. the strings are simply phenominal, its amazing what one can do seated at their computer. cant wait to see you in toronto this may, and hope the hand is feeling better ;)
I like the song Matt. Hey who was the guy that was doing lights before Pete got back from his wedding/honeymoon?
Yea it’s great to hear new material.
Out of interest, what kind of mic do you use for vox & acoustic guitar? I hear that if I buy the same one, I too can sound like you.
the song is great. i can’t help imagining how exhilarating it would be to be the conductor for the strings arraignment on full accompaniment. i like listening to sounds working off each other to create a larger sound, but separately they tell their own ’stories’ and are worth following. i’m a band-geek through and through!
And careful with those medications for flu/colds. I’ve heard they suppress the symptoms yes, but also prolong the actual bug. Tomorrow I’m celebrating my second Week of Cold with my first half-day of work.
I’m home sick with the flu today. I guess it was a blessing in disguise because I probably would have missed hearing the new track otherwise. Great work, Matt!
Great song, Matt!
So far that makes only one demo since Hospital Music that I’ve missed ^_^
Okay rock star….loved it!
Can I put in a request for Prime Time Deliverance when you play at here at home? I’ve not yet heard it live, and that just won’t do!
Wow… Another epic track. I am utterly amazed at your handling of the app in producing this. Really. I can only imagine how awesome this will sound later. I hope this makes it onto the next album.
Can’t wait to catch your show in San Fran. :) There might be a bottle of a certain Pinot Noir waiting for you. :D
Cheers!
P.S.
Matt: Do you still plan on meet n’ greeting fans after the show?
will pete be back in june for the canada full-band tour?
Simply brilliant work as usual
The string arrangements are fantastic - they have always been one of my favourite elements of your songs. I used to think it was cello - that particular sound seemed to go well with the moods of some of your songs - a little brooding (ok…sometimes a lot of brooding) a little ominous. I’m sure you’ll tinker with it some more but I like it as is - and don’t change the length!
Wow Matt, that was really good.
Hope you will play some of that new stuff during the US tour (VT woo hoo here I come ! )
Fuck Matt, that middle section at 4:30 could be a movie theme. Absolutely incredible, and even more astounding that you did this with garageband. I find garage band easy to use, but you’ve mastered it. Incredible song. As soon as I saw this blog post, I forwarded the link to my girlfriend. We spent Christmas Day playing “the boy that could explode” over and over and singing “go explode” in the car as loudly as we could. So, thank you for that.
I digressed, didn’t I? Anyhow, superb job!
My favourite place to go is wherever your music takes me.
I’d pretty much do anything for that demo… but I’ll wait.
WIth your music, I instantly adore it. It truly never happens with other musicians. The songs usually need to grow on me. But with yours, my god!! This song will definately be an all time Matthew Good favorite. I love it. It gives me shivers….(good shivers that is)
Quoting Brandon:
Quoting Brandon:
If it is the same guy I am thinking of, his name is Benson. An absolute amazing guy!!! Absolute, hmmm, now that I say that, I think I am gonna have a shot.
Were the drums as well done using keyboard buttons or were they loops? if you played them using buttons you weren’t lying about that award you should win.
how bout a casual walks revisit???
I gotta say….holy shit. That is a great track, even for just a rough mix.
Is there a song title? Maybe I missed it…
LOL my daughter said you should name the song “Smile”….
simply amazing song. keep up the excellent work. cant wait to see you in buffalo in a few weeks. hoping i can meet you after to shake your hand (you can wear gloves if you want to) and tell you how much you have inspired me and helped me get into world affairs, maybe a little too much
OBAMA 08
I agree, this one is a gem. A little more mixing, and it will be epic. I really love the strings in the bridge.
Whoohoo! I’m around hear it! There was much rejoycing!
Love it too. Very epic. :)
“A fan might also be making a small documentary about it, so hopefully all goes to plan and I’ll be able to post it here on the site for everyone to enjoy. Then again, sometimes schedules change and things don’t pan out, so you never know.”
I would love to see a full on documentary on your career, with the result probably being across between The Kids are Alright and Barenaked in America. Something completely fan made that has to take three years to make because you keep finding new archival footage and you need that one more performance to make it just right - a total labour of love. Alll we’d have to do in this case is raid the vaults at MuchMusic…and everything is on modern techology that isn’t hard to convert into digital footage and not on film reels that you need to take to France to convert…and you’re not part of a band that’s at each other’s throats (anymore), so creating new concert footage shouldn’t be that hard to do…and editing with computers is far quicker to do than sitting down with film glue and the what not…OK, so it may not take three years, but it would still be a labour of love. :)
Alright, I’m going to stop now…
…Oh, and see you (again!) on June 4th! (Got my tickets as soon as they went on sale…FRONT ROW!)
PS: The refresh to edit thing isn’t working. I made typos and I can’t fix them. :(
The drums were played using a keyboard, no samples.
Tremendous as always Matt. Will you be playing the new stuff when you hit VT & MA?
Sounds good :)
dammit i missed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No More!!!
Was eally really good!!!
When can we project this album coming out?
i too actually got to listen to one of these posted for a VERY short time demos!!!
and it’s great! its heavy. its dark. i like it!
and the keyboard… its been a ‘key’ instrument for many years to many people~
looking forward to seeing you and band in halifax in may!
Quoting Matthew Good:
[
Keyboards are awesome. They totally remind me of mullets. Now that you are growing your hair long, ever think about sporting the mullet? Now how hot would that be? Maybe wear some neon t-shirts and spandex pants while on stage during your tour. With the wrist and sweat bands as well. I would pay double the ticket price to see that. (Well I would pay double anyway) :)
Quoting jnifer:
Long Dreads, liked to golf?? Haha, I remember when I was the runner for the Saskatoon show, he came up to me and was like “So do you think you could drive me over to the closest golf course?” I almost crapped my pants laughing.
Yay! I love messy long hair!
Empty needs some children and perhaps a bike. Good choice on the hair. I only like the polished look on women. I saw your double and I hope to get you a picture if he will allow.
I swear I wasn’t gone for that long… and I missed it already! Bet it was awesome, though.
I’m exceptionally excited for this, having missed your last two acoustic tours. I’m driving down to Seattle to catch the show. I hope the audiance isn’t mostly touring Vancouverites, since I’d actually like to see how an American crowd reacts to the songs.
*
i dont want to close this window
damnit i just did:s
there goes my soundtrack for the night
thankyou still;)
Damn!!!!!! Missed the pirate ship again… ar
p.s. dude, by the time you get to Vancouver 3 days before your birthday, in June, you will be a hippy.. YAY!
Peace, frog.
p.s. it was really fun driving through town today with HM CRANKED!!!
I think ‘I’m a Window’ is goona rock the house on the band tour!!!! The hunch I get is it could very well be the next ‘Time Bomb, in concert……
Just out of curiousity Matt do you plan on playing any new material on the full band tour?
Quoting Brandon:
Haha…isnt he awesome. I am so glad I met him. He is truly great!!!
you know, Ottawa is 1 .5 hours from Montreal, if there’s no scheduled dates in Ottawa my advice is to breathe first, then hop on a bus, or drive to Montreal.
are we going to be hearing all these new songs during the full band tour????!!!!
Quoting DudeLove721:
Dude, omg, this is a new Era……
Matt, this is a new era, right?
omg gasp!!!, If I don’t get to hear Single Explosion or Metal Airplanes with a full band, I will explode right there in row 16…..
p.s. my kid loves the song Championso of Nothing so much that I’m afraid I will be getting a talking to after class tomorrow.. All he’s been saying since cruising through town today is ‘I hate you’… god, i’m in so much trouble.
…My messed up sleep/work schedule makes me keep missing the new songs and it makes me want to cry.
p.p.s. furthermore, in my opinion, it wouldn’t make any sense if riding the end of the accoustic tour right into a full band tour would have completely no new stuff off HM.
damn, could’ve used a get me in the gut song today too. Damn work.
Buffalo….how’s the weather in Ottawa? (lol)
Missed it : (
Oh Well.. I got to listen to some others!!! : )
You will do great.. no doubts here!!!
Quoting Aikon:
Rub it in why don’t ya!!!! :P
Just to clarify, by new material I meant the current unreleased stuff Matt is in the process of demoing. You know since this post talks about new material he is demoing.
P.S. Sorry for the rudeness, I just realized the post was edited to barely carry a mention of the demoing process. Matt talked a bit more in depth about the song that was up here for a short while so that’s why I just refered to the unreleased stuff as new material. Whenever I mention new material I mean the newest stuff created — released or unreleased.
Quoting DudeLove721:
Marc.. you were rude??? Are you sure you have a mean/rude bone in your body???
Quoting DudeLove721:
Ooooooh.. sorry dude…… love ….. 721.. sorry I had to spread that out, I love the name it should be sprawled..
Um, right… yes, no, I do not know, you will have to ask Matt that.
sorry. I thought you meant ‘would he be singing stuff off HM’… you see, I’m old and raising a younGan…. new to me is ‘Born Losers’…. New to everyone on here today is THE SONG THAT EVERYONE, EXCEPT ME, HEARD TODAY. BOOOOOOO.
Ok, so we made a full circle… my bad!!!!!!!!!!!
Quoting DudeLove721:
HUH? no worries…..
I like it when he takes even the mention of the teaser away, so I don’t have to be sad.. but then all you guys are talking about it so I’m sad anyways. ha ha ha
For the record I felt rude saying ‘this is a new era’…. doh.. how the heck do I know if Matt will sing anything off HM? Although, I hope it’s a mixture!!!!!!!
IMO the Devil should push and push and push til lit hurts till he can’t skate on the roller skates or eat sugar smacks down at the radio shack no mo.. …………. The Devil is eternal on those roller skates, in this house, anyways.
If I miss one more demo I may just kill myself.
Damnit, I’m always at work and miss the demos by the time I get home.
Quoting Eva:
Please do.
I’m not sure I’ve enjoyed Em-C-G-D as much recently as I have with that track :)
Quoting angelboo:
You’d be surprised how evil I can be… lol
While I try to be considerate and respectful I’m sure I’ve had my bad days or rubbed people the wrong way at some point or another. Thank you for the compliment though it made me smile and feel all good about myself. :)
Oh and thanks for the compliment on the name T-Lee, I got it from a wrestling character of all things… go figure. Glad we’re all good here. :)
I just love saying ‘dude’..
My resolution for this year was to stop saying dude, but I can’t.. so this gives me an excuse.
Thanks Dude (love721). ha ha
Matt, glad to hear that you are looking forward to the run, and also glad for the long messy hair. I am a big proponent of long, messy hair in general. Also it suits you.
I’m so psyched to be getting to the Arlington show; here I complain about how far away all your shows are, and then you do one right in my neighborhood! Also, if you are looking for places to wander around during the day or anything (as opposed to seeing the DC sights) Wilson/Clarendon Boulevard (near the club) has a multitude of shops and restaurants and things to enjoy.
Will you be letting us know if we can say hello after the show or anything? Also, are you going to be doing the photo log thing again? I’ve been meaning to get out my SLR camera again…
I am so excited for the Philly show.. my FiRST MG show.. omg. I am going to hate work the next day.. but oh well.
So Matt, are you meeting any fans afterward? If not.. I know a amazing bar not to far from the club.. Moes.. low key and its amazingly beautiful. Should check it out.. many a night drinking there.. and never have I walked away disappointed..
Oh, and I forgot to ask - any Philly fans out there still in need of tickets? I bought tix to the Philly show before I knew Matt was coming to my neighborhood, so now I need to sell them (I’ll knock off a couple of dollars or whatever). 2 tix for March 26 at the Tin Angel in Philly. Email me? (emilyesse@gmail.com)
Damn, I’m bummed I missed it. Especially after reading all the comments.
We think that we choose our children, but in fact they choose us. We think that we have gave them away, when in fact they choose to leave us. Our choice is never really our choice, we’d just like to think it is.