It takes us a long time to write a song that we all really like, so it makes sense that it would take a while for the listener to get there, too.
Matt BerningerI've never quite felt totally comfortable up on stage. I've gotten more comfortable, but drinking wine is a crutch that gives me a little courage. It helps me lose a little bit of the self-consciousness and the awareness of how awkward it is standing on a stage with lights and a bunch of people looking at you while you sing love songs.
Matt BerningerWe were always in the shadows of the stuff that was getting more attention. So people learned to listen to us slowly over time. And, frankly, we learned how to listen to ourselves. It takes us a long time to write a song that we all really like, so it makes sense that it would take a while for the listener to get there, too.
Matt BerningerThere are records that you just sink into. They coincide with what youโre going through and become an ally. If our records do that for people, thatโs the greatest compliment I could ever receive. Thatโs one of the reasons making music is so important to me, because thereโs a very strange emotional reach. For meโmore than books or movies or other thingsโmusic is like a mainline to your heart.
Matt Berninger