Matt & Kim [rank: 127] based on users subscribed

Matt & Kim are the smiling sugar-sweet saviors of indie rock. Not that indie rock, in general, needs to be saved, but damn it, watch this unabashedly dorky Brooklyn duo live and try not to be swept up in a flurry of carefree, danceable pop. Matt & Kim are fucking happy, people, and they're gonna make you happy as well, no matter how stoically ironic an indie rocker you are.

Often lumped in with other couple rock bands like Mates of State (if only because of their coupledom), Matt & Kim make simple, melodic music from keyboards, drums and vocals, and not much else. Kim pounds away at her drum kit, a ridiculously giant smile on her face, and it's perfectly clear that she's doing exactly what she wants to be doing. Matt mans the keyboards and mic with frenetic energy, as if he's being timed.

Matt's sometimes shrill voice and his tendency to hit at least a few off-key notes in every song can turn away quite a few listeners. Others can get swept up in the energy of their live shows, but find that the same magic doesn't translate to their recordings. In the end, Matt & Kim will continue to throw their entire bodies joyfully into each and every show, and more often than not, the crowd'll be right there with 'em.

Bandega Interview with Kim Schifino of Matt & Kim (May 2007)

Kim talks with Bandega about their growing popularity and reveals Matt's pre-show penchant for packing away the wat.

Q: How have your shows changed over the years? Is your perspective on performing live different now?
A: I think the only way that our shows have changed is that they are getting bigger. Oh and our set is longer. I think our first U.S. tour we only played five songs a night!

Q: Describe the most memorable live show you've played.
A: We once played a generator show in San Pedro, California. Friends of ours brought a generator down to the coast and we played in front of the Pacific Ocean while the sun was setting. It was pretty amazing!

Q: What venue do you consider to be your "home", where you feel most comfortable, with the crowd and the place itself?
A: Home is always Brooklyn. Any of the shows that Todd P. (Brooklyn promoter) hooks up are great! I like to play in lofts. I do feel bad though when we play on the floor since we both sit down. If you aren't in the front you only see heads. I guess I just feel bad about this because it is what I deal with at a lot of shows. I am kind of short. NO wait...I am short!

Q: Describe the most enjoyable show you've ever experienced as a fan.
A: Hmm for me, I guess it would have to be an early Lightning Bolt show. When they where playing NY in 2000. The shows were small so you could still be up front and not have to hold 1000 kids back. Those shows were epic.

Q: Describe, in detail, the effect that eating Ethiopian food before a show has on your performance.
A: Ha ha that was Matt...Matt has this problem where if there is food in front of him, he will eat well past the point of no return. He threw up in his mouth while on stage because of that! There are many meals where I have to tell him to stop eating, especially if we are going to play in a few hours. Unfortunately, at that time, I was at the venue taking a nap and wasn't there to stop him! I bet he will do it again.

Show Reviews for Matt & Kim

Date & Venue	Reviewed by
Feb 2, 2009 - Cafe du Nord	ira
Sep 2, 2008 - Bottom of the Hill	ira
Mar 1, 2007 - Bottom of the Hill	lexicon

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