Video interview: Nada Surf’s Matthew Caws on americana, a new label and “Moon Mirror”

“One of my favourite records of all time is The International Submarine Band’s ‘Safe at Home'”

We have long been fans of Nada Surf here at AUK, a band who push the boundaries of what you might consider to be Americana in the traditional sense. But then maybe there is a thin line which runs from the roots of our beloved genre to the band who have recently signed to New West Records for the release of their highly anticipated new LP, “Moon Mirror” which lands tomorrow (September 13th). The new record is full of everything fans love and expect from the band: play-on-repeat heart punches, poetic and thought-provoking musings on the world around them, and bittersweet anthems that begin quietly but explode into soaring harmonies.

Frontman Matthew Caws explains, “Every time we make an album, I’m asked (and ask myself) what it’s about. I never know how to answer that question. I’m still trying to figure everything out, and that’s probably as close to a theme as there is. Looking back over the years, I know what our songs are about in theory: trying to reach acceptance (of circumstances, of oneself, of others), connection, a constant search for possibility and the bright side, a willingness to change, forgiveness, curiosity, checking in with one’s mortality, motivations, and judgements, etc. But in the moment when making one up, I have no idea what I’m doing and maybe that’s ok. I’m just trying to stay honest with myself and take my best guess at making sense of the world.”

AUK Editor Mark Whitfield caught up with frontman Matthew Caws for a chat about the new record, what a period in American history for it to be released (!), his affection for Americana music and why a good night’s sleep is one of the best things on earth.