In the Chair is a regular feature on Eventalaide, highlighting artists from across Australia and occasionally overseas. 21 Questions and everyone gets the same questions. It is just meant to be a bit of fun so please treat it as such.
Questions by Geoff Jenke: Matt photo by Lucas Packett
Matthew Cotter is the drummer for Melbourne band Even. Ash Naylor plays guitar and Wally Kempton plays bass in this three-piece band who formed in 1994. Even have released 7 albums in their career and their last one, Satin Returns (2018) is probably their best. They are also in my humble opinion Australia’s best live act. The first time I saw them was at Jive on 17 June 2004 and they played a 3¼ hour set. It was one of those rare nights of rock n roll that will live with one forever.
Their latest album release Down the Shops, is a collection of cover songs that the band have released over the years on compilation albums and ‘B’ sides to singles. Matt is also an accomplished artist who spends a lot of his time working with indigenous artists in the Northern Territory. The gorgeous painting on the cover of DOWN THE SHOPS is of course one of Matt’s.
Even also have a new single called Six Monkeys, the 7” vinyl already sold out.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Name:
Matthew Cotter
Alias:
Max, Mark, Michael, Alby. I keep pushing for ‘Blazing Stix’, but nothing yet.
Band:
Even
In less than 50 words describe your music, your band (if applicable) and yourself.
Our music might be described as pop rock, combining sweet melodies, hook-laden riffs, and swinging rhythms. Imagine a band called The Led Beatles. We sort of sound like that.
We are a three-piece group that was established in Melbourne in 1994 & has played as one ever since.
Me, I’m the drummer and the lukewarm water.
What was the first record you bought with your own money and where from?
The Rolling Stones Tattoo You, from Coles Variety Store, Moonee Ponds.
60’s or 70’s Music:
Like choosing a favourite child (I imagine), a very very difficult preference, but if push came to shove I would have to say the 1960s by a nose. The early ‘70s alone almost tilts it in that decade’s favour, but for sheer consistency and innovation across the decade & across genres, it’s the 1960s for mine.
What music are currently listening to?
Country music, for some reason. Still mainly from the 1960s & ‘70s of course.
The Best live artist/band you’ve seen:
Probably Neil Young? Not necessarily ‘best show’, but combining elements from the several times I’ve seen him, I still go weak at the knees.
Your “In the mood for love” song;
Hot Burrito #1, Flying Burrito Brothers.
Your favourite Saturday night party record?
Screamadelica, Primal Scream.
Your favourite Sunday morning chill out record?
Cat Stevens, Tea for The Tillerman.
Which song do you wish you had written?
Wichita Lineman, surely the greatest of all songs about telecommunications maintenance workers. And of course, just a cracking song.
Roger Daltry once said “Rock N Roll has no future”. Do you agree with him?
Now you tell me. That probably explains my bank balance. Having said that, no. It’s forever.
Vinyl, CD or Streaming?
Vinyl because of the big pictures & all the words. Streaming because of, well, everything (except royalties & artwork), & CDs because they could be played in a car.
If you could record or play live with any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
Sly and The Family Stone circa 1969. The best of everything in one group.
What is the most useless talent you have?
It could be argued that playing the drums isn’t exactly brain surgery. I’m also pretty good at art, but again: brain surgery. Yeah, I know, ‘culture’ & that, but really.
Your finest recorded moment?
Return To Stardust, because I find slow songs really hard & I only speed up a bit in this one.
If you could open a show for any artist/band, who would it be?
The Smiths in 1985. No, The Stone Roses in ‘89. No, The La’s in ‘90.
Stuck on a desert island for a year and can only take three albums. What would they be?
David Bowie Hunky Dory, Funkadelic Standing on The Verge of Getting It On, and The Clash Sandinista. All for obvious reasons.
Favourite all time movie;
Beyond The Valley of The Dolls. It’s got something for everyone, provided your expectations aren’t very high.
Who would you rather be for a day, Mick Jagger or Keith Richard?
Keith, for sure. Mick goes jogging a lot, doesn’t he? Not my bag. And probably too much money business. And then there’s the baby.
Best show you have ever played in your career;
1986, Hunt Club Hotel, Merrijig, Victoria: first time I ever played at a pub. Though I can still dine out on having played CBGBs. And supporting Joe Strummer in London was also massively memorable for a pile of reasons.
Paul McCartney or Neil Young?
Two words: the; Beatles.
Who is the nicest person in Rock n Roll at the moment?
My lead singer, Ashley John Naylor, surely?
What do you hope the next 12 months holds for you?
Less masks, more music, more art. A new album out very soon. A holiday would also be nice, but you know…
DOWN THE SHOPS CD available from Cheersquad records –https://www.cheersquad.com.au/releases/down-the-shops/
SIX MONKEYS digital single available from Bandcamp https://even.bandcamp.com/album/six-monkeys
No Comments