Interview: Make Do And Mend (September 14th, 2012)

I recently spoke to Matt Carroll of post-hardcore noise-mongers, Make Do And Mend.

Hello there, Make Do And Mend! 

                                                                                                                                                                                                        For the record, who is Make Do And Mend and how did you get together?
Make Do And Mend is a group of best friends who like to play music together. We got together because we all had a common interest in creating and playing music. 

What are you guys up to at the moment?

We just put out a new record called "Everything You Ever Loved." Just finished up the summer which was filled up with Warped Tour, and we are gearing up to head to Europe, The US and Australia all within the next three months to promote the record. 

How has 2012 been for the band?

It's been great so far. We got to release a record that we love. What more could you ask for? 

You released Everything You Ever Loved earlier this year. How has the post-album cycle been for you? How was the reaction to the release?

Yes, we did. It's been good so far, ya know? It's only been out for a few months, and we were on Warped Tour the entire time. So we are looking forward to hitting the clubs with these new songs. 

Everything You Ever Loved was quite a progression for MDAM. How do you manage progressing as a band without isolating your fans, but still being able to grow as a band?
 To be honest, it's a really tough thing. We are so completely grateful for everyone who likes and supports our band. The last thing that we would want to do is disappoint someone who supports us. But at the same time, we have to follow our creativity. We make the music that we want to make. No frills, no bullshit, just us. And we would hope that whatever we would create, people understand that it's just MDAM making music, and they are a part of it all. 

Generally, your lyrics tend to be of a more serious nature than many of your peers. Is that a conscious decision? Where do you take lyrical inspiration from? 

We write about real things. We take music really seriously. Sure, they is room for playful music, but that is not what we are about. We want people to be able to connect on a real level. 

Is there any particular reason for you guys changing labels for each record? (Panic to Paper + Plastik, and currently Rise). How is life on Rise Records treating you? 

No real reason, no. Life on Rise is great! 

You've got a tour coming up with the amazing line up of, Into It. Over It, La Dispute and Title Fight. What are fans to expect from the shows? And how are you looking forward to it as a band? 

We are very much looking forward to it. Not only are all of the bands great friends of ours, but we are also huge fans of them all. It's probably the most solid tour we've ever been a part of, and I think people coming to the shows are in for a real treat. 

How was the festival circuit this summer? What was your best festival? 

We only did one, haha. We were on Warped Tour the entire summer. It was an experience we'll never forget.

How were you received in the UK ? How does it feel having a fan base so far away from where you actually come from?

We love playing the UK . It is definitely wild. Never in a million years would I believe you if you told my 16 year old self that we would be able to have fans all over the world. It never even crossed my mind.

What are you hoping to achieve by the end of the year? 

For everyone to hear our new record.

What bands are you guys listening to at the moment? 

I've been listening to The Early November's new record a ton, it's so so good. And I've also been jamming a lot of Interpol and the Yeah Yeah Yeah's. 

If Make Do And Mend was a soft drink, what soft drink would it be?

Coca Cola. No question about it. 

Final words?

Thanks! 

Kelly Doherty