Interview with Matt Valentine, the MV of MV & EE.

MV & EE are two musicians based in Vermont, Matt Valentine and Erika Elder, who recruit countless other musicians to make their music. Their music is psychedelic and folky, all with very experimental focus. Their music seems to surround you with a combination of countless effects and a simple folk structure. They're signed on Woodsist, which is always a good sign. I was able to conduct an interview with Matt Valentine (the MV of the band) and tap into his psychedelic mind.




How'd MV & EE meet?

I believe we met in a record store in port chester, NY called "the vinyl solution". I was working in the shop and erika (ee) also would be present at alotta "tower recordings" shows where we would play regularly at the cooler in nyc. We both attended SUNY Purchase, so we might've even crossed synapses there.

Based on your internet appearance (which is often misleading) you guys like to be somewhat enigmatic. Is that a preference or a coincidence?

I'm not sure, never really thought about it. we just live our lives and play music. For sure the music is for everyone, this is most definitely not an "ELITIST" thing.

Another vibe that people seem to tend to attribute to the band is one involving psychedelia. Do you agree with the label?

I believe in psychedelic music and psychedelics. Times have changed as have the means to get the great versions of both. The "foodie" is the new version of the acid head. The chef is the new rock star. I mainly believe in the power of improvisational music thru astute study. That said there is so much "out there" these days...our music, like the raga, should bring joy and like the freest jazz and noise should ideally bring a reflection of the times, if your listening. Free folk in many ways for me was defining what "new" psychedelic music is...fahey and basho filtered thru covert amplification. 

Also involving labels, how do you feel about the need to label music and put it into schemas?

No need...sound is sound and it is for the people. 

What's the songwriting process like for the band?

Well we like to start with the basic ideas at our home studio "maximum arousal farm" whenever possible and then elaborate on those ideas accordingly. It can take minutes and it can take months...tho' we often echo hank williams' approach if it takes too long. Since the beginning we always believed in spontaneity, feelings. 

What's a piece of musical equipment that you've always wanted to try/own?

I've used alotta shit. LA2A, mutron...i reckon a minor holy grail would be cippolina's horns.

You guys are recording a new album on Woodsist. Any comments about the record?

Well we've been working on it for a few years now, it's a rural jammer with deep culverts.

Do you prefer analog or digital recording?

I like both.

What are your feelings toward the music industry/scene of modern day?

It's a great time to be jamming.

What are some major influences for the band?

Ali Akbar Khan, Canned Heat, Television, JGB band.

What's a record that you feel as if everyone should hear?

Define everyone? For sure "Hi-Fi Snock Uptown" [Michael Hurley] is a good 'un and in grip for everyone these days. 

Were there any projects before MV & EE?

Sure.


Random Zone

Please make up the best way the band would've met?

In a skip.

When you were a kid, what was the worst/most fucked up thing you ever did?

Catch a fire.

What's the one thing that the Fonz (Happy Days) has that you want?

That dude is a facsimile of a true loser, gimme Ted Lucas any day.

Please explain your feelings toward Richard Simmons in five words.

Gimme Jeff Simmons any day.

Fill in the blanks:
 I want to stuff a _______ into a __________ only because _______
________ ________.

I want to stuff a pho into pseudo pod only because the garbo of the bowery should reign.

Peace ∞,
mv


A great interview with a great man. Be sure to check out MV & EE's catalog and jam on their tunes. They are foxy indeed.


Myspace- http://www.myspace.com/mveebummerroad
MV & EE's blog- http://mvandee.blogspot.com/