Photo: Rachel Pick.
There's no denying that the Canadian music scene is thriving and alive with great new talent - and Saskatoon's Close Talker is no exception. As they embark on tour for their third album LENS, available now, the band makes a stop to fill up The Biltmore Cabaret with fresh tunes. We sat down with member Matthew Kopperud to ask all about music, life, and fictional universes. You know, the hard hitting stuff.
Tell us a lil'bit about yourself!
Hi there! I’m called Matthew and I play guitars, keys, and bass pedals in the band Close Talker. I’m a real go-getter and somewhat of a people person, although I’ve mellowed out a fair bit over the years and definitely enjoy some quiet time too. I have the most beautiful wife. She is the best. I run a youth group at a church in Saskatoon filled with the wildest and strangest kids ever. They are also the best.
Where is your hometown? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Saskatoon. I currently hang my hat there as well, but I lived outside of Vancouver for two years and it was great. I resonate with the title of this blog very much.
What are the top five things that are most important in your life?
Jesus. Family and friends. Music. Food. Sleep.
For our readers that haven’t listened to all of Close Talker’s songs yet, what are the top 3 tracks from the band that you’d want people to listen to first?
- Okay Hollywood.
- Waking Up.
- Afterthought.
If you could tell the younger you one piece if advice, what would it be?
Fix your posture. Or start listening to Radiohead earlier.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming Vancouver show on April 27?
I am excited to see some friends from the area. That is always the highlight. Furthermore – I am excited to be playing these new songs. They’re challenging and fun and mean a lot to us. We’re excited to play them.
The album LENS has just been released. What was the best part about making the album?
It was really special to see the songs take shape from just a concept in our heads to a full song. We always push and challenge one another to rise to the occasion, and I think LENS attests to that.
If you could choose a mantra for the world, what would it be?
Don’t be a jerk.
If you had the chance to collaborate with one musician or band, who would it be?
Efterklang.
Which would you choose: either a lifetime supply of tacos, but with no salsa, or a lifetime supply of spaghetti, but with no meat balls?
Tacos – easy.
If you could transport into one universe from fiction (book or film) which one would you enter into?
Spacejam.
If you had a whole day free of adult responsibilities, what would you do with your day?
Probably clean the house, and pay some bills. . . Nah. I would probably canoe with my wife, but she would sit backwards in the front so we could visit.
Make sure to check out the band on Thursday, April 27th at Biltmore Cabaret. Follow the Canadian tour escapades online on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
