TKF | On July 17, 2011

You’ll remember that TKF reviewed a band called Time Tourists (now creating music under the alias Ever) not too long ago. One of the members, Luigino, is also the force behind the new project, The Mind and the Matter.

This time around, TMTM seems to be embracing an indie/folk/pop driven style. The title track off the forthcoming album is “Turn“. It’s an upbeat song with a catchy chorus that had us immediately hitting the replay button. Luigino took a moment to speak with us about where the band name came from and what’s next for him.

TheKnifeFight: Where did the name The Mind and the Matter originate? 
Luigino: I am a huge fan of The Twilight Zone from the late 1950’s, and Rod Serling is one of my main inspirations. He created, wrote and produced most of the show throughout all of the original series and ‘The Mind and the Matter’ is one of my favourite episodes.

In the episode – ‘The Mind and the Matter’ is a book on the power of thought that enables an irritable man to re-create the world exactly as he wants it. Eventually he decides to make the entire population of his city his perfect clone and discovers how hateful the world would be. I like weird things like that. I think there’s an important lesson we can all learn from it somewhere..

TKF: What bands/artists influenced you to become a musician yourself?
L: Kurt Cobain of Nirvana was my original influence to pick up an electric guitar and get playing in a band. As generic as it sounds I think we all have gone through that phase at some point through our teens, right?

TKF: Was there a pivotal moment where you decided to pursue being a musician? If so, describe it.
L: There was definitely more than one moment. The first gig I played was probably what gave me my first taste of it all, but it wasn’t until we went on to play a sold out show to 600 people in our home town that I thought “Yeah! This is what I want to do!”

TKF: How would you describe your music to a new listener?
L: It’s quite upbeat and positive indie – although lyrically it’s pretty dark. Nowadays I am very much influenced by bands like ‘The Sleepy Jackson’. There’s definitely a lot of that mixed in there. I guess it’s just fun to play and write, and that’s what really matters at the end of the day.

TKF: Your single “Turn” is a solid way to kick off this project. What’s next for you?
L: Thank you! Currently I am in the studio recording the EP. I’ve helped to set up a new indie label here in London called Deathray Records. The EP will be released through that later this year at which point I also plan to tour with a full backing band. The dream would be to be signed to a major label, but my aim now is to get my music out to the biggest audience possible.

My family, close friends and fans are so supportive and are definitely a huge influence on me.

A good friend of mine kindly took the photo for the artwork from a museum rooftop in Paris. She’s a very talented young photographer from France called Charlotte Velter. I just want to say thanks to you all for continuing to stick by me.

TKF: They say Europe is ahead of the curve when it comes to fashion, music, etc. I went backpacking in Europe (circa 2004) and noticed that you had those awful commercials for mobile phone wallpaper and ringtones months before they hit the states. What sort of hellish trend are we in for next?
L: That’s a tricky question. There seems to be so much going on right now over here and the trends in London seem to be forever falling in and out of fashion. With regards to the awful commercials, sadly we are still punished with those every few seconds on the TV and Radio.

Right now it isn’t so bad. I tend to stick to the underground scene. I listen to mostly unsigned artists and support my friends’ musical projects. I’m all for supporting the local scene and keeping real music alive. I’ll make sure one day I come and say hi to you guys in the States!

Listen to The Mind and The Matter’s latest track “Turn” and be sure to check out the new album when it’s released later this year!