Murray Matravers from hard life shares his thoughts on the music industry and creative collaboration at Truck Festival 2022

Eliz: This is finally happening, we're finally in the same place at the same time, for long enough to do it.

Lilyemma: To get straight into it - you brought Kevin Abstract out at Glastonbury and you have a couple of other collaborations on the upcoming album, 'Maybe In Another Life' with BENEE and Gus Dapperton. We just wanted to know how the collaboration process works for you, I know you tend to prefer to do it with friends but if there a formula that you try to follow?

Murray: I don't know, yeah, I feel like to make anything worth-while, you need to know the person outside of the studio. So, I guess, it all starts with happening to meet someone at the right time and then eventually end up making a song. Yeah, there's no process as such. I just try hang out in really cool bars and hopefully, eventually, see a famous person. And you run over to them and say "Hey, wow, you're so famous, let's be friends," basically.

Eliz: Yeah, that's fair. So, what did you learn from the first album that you wanted to incorporate into the second one? Or, in another direction, just completely steer away from, and think "Oh, you know what? We're not going to do that again."

Murray: I mean, the first one took us years to make. And, I think the second one we didn't want to spend so long. It's been maybe less than a year to make the second one, and I think this is something that we wanted to do because it means you don't have time to overthink it and change it, and fuck with it too much. So yeah, I think doing things quickly can be quite rewarding and because it was so recently that we made it, we still really like it.

Murray: This is so crazy speaking to you guys because I'm so used to seeing you around and we always have these moments on stage, so it's just funny as fuck.

Eliz: And now, it's an actual conversation!

Murray: Yeah, I know, I know. It's really bizarre, I like it though, I like it though.

Eliz: Did we ever actually introduce our names to you, by the way? Do you know our names?

Murray: I know that you're Blonde Vibrations, I know that for sure.

Lilyemma: Can you try to guess?

Murray: Uhhh no... I think... Is one of you Ellie?

Eliz: Oh that is so close.

Murray: Emily?

Eliz: Oh, and you're getting further away. You're combining both our names. I'm Eliz.

Murray: Oh, come on!

Eliz: You were never gonna get that.

Murray: Ellie... That was close!

Lilyemma: And, I'm Lilyemma.

Murray: Lilyemma and Eliz. Okay, I got you. Good to meet you, for the thousandth time.

Eliz: So your visual elements have always been strong as a band, and especially going into this new era with the new album and everything. What was the influence behind the content you've put out so far. And, even the outfits: going out on stage all matching with the different occasions.

Murray: Thanks, the visuals have always been a massive part of what we do and I love making the artwork and music videos, like even more than the actual music. It's loads of fun. The matching outfit thing was something - we just wanted to, I don't know, it's just funny, isn't it? It's just hilarious, and obviously it just makes us look like a proper boyband, which I find really funny. But it's really hard to get a good matching outfit on all five of us, because we all have different styles and we all want to wear the clothes slightly differently. So it's actually a lot of work to get five outfits that match. We've got three matching outfits so far, which we rotate, working on another one. But it takes so long to put it together because there's always someone who's like "I don't like it". We've actually got so many matching outfits but we don't often bring them out because there's always someone who's like "Nah, I don't like this one," so we stick to the double denim and the leathers on tour with us at the minute.

Eliz: Are you happy with the double denim?

Murray: Yeah, that was actually something we put together for the 'OTT' music video, and we loved it so much that we just started wearing it out and about. But yeah.

Lilyemma: Also, in wider sphere, it's been a while since 'Pockets' came out, the industry has changed so much with the rise of social media and TikTok. Do you think that changed easy life's approach to how it presents music, or even produces music? Or do you feel like you've managed to keep close to yourself?

Murray: That's a really good question. I think the music industry has changed so much since then. We're having to adapt and stuff, and we're on TikTok now, which is a shame. We weren't on it for ages, but then you kind of have to be. We're trying to do it in our style and not pay attention to what's trending or whatever. I mean, to be honest, I have no idea, I'm not on social media so I have fucking no clue. But I think we're still doing things our own way. Things have changed since 'Pockets' of course, but we're still writing music with the same energy and visuals are the same or whatever. But, yeah, the industry's changed so much. I mean there's some artists, like Sam Ryder. He's like a TikTok thing and he's got a crazy slot here, and then some artists just blow up on TikTok, right? That's amazing for them, but we're not - I hope that never happens to easy life. Fuck that.

Eliz: You don't want to go viral, or more viral, over night? We always find it really interesting that someone's whole career can change overnight.

Lilyemma: Though, it's very double-edged.

Eliz: Yeah, it just blows up. You actually don't want that to happen?

Murray: I think what I really like about social media is that when it does happen, it's really authentically something random that has just caught on. What I don't like about it is when you see artists trying to make a viral thing, if that makes sense. You can see through it. You know 'Gangnam Style'? That was the most random thing ever, but if people were to replicate that it would never work. So, that's what I kind of love. The things that blow up you never expect them to. I wouldn't be mad if something blew up, obviously. But I don't think that's going to happen, and I'm at ease with that.

Eliz: I feel like it's just got to be authentic if it does happen.

Murray: Yeah, exactly.

Eliz: So, what would you say to someone up-and-coming right now in the industry, who wants to reach the position that you guys are in? What advice would you give, or say "Maybe, don't do that" - even if it is in terms of the TikTok trends?

Murray: Wow, I don't know. Maybe just, try and have fun with it. Because I feel like people and audiences just respond if I'm having a good time on stage then you guys are having a good time in the crowd, right? If there's not a good vibe on stage, or if we're not really authentically enjoying ourselves, then I think people can see that. So, I think any artist should do whatever they think is cool and that'll translate better than trying to do something for other people.

Eliz: So, we have to talk about the new album. I feel like you guys don't like to say favourites. I feel like no one likes to say what the favourite track is going to be.

Lilyemma: It's like children.

Eliz: Yeah, but what song are you most excited, that's not been released yet, just for everybody to see and have it out in the world. What's the one that you're like "No, this is the one"?

Murray: Yeah, I mean, it's hard, it's hard. There's a really beautiful song on the album called 'Moral Support' which is really stripped back. It's the most stripped back easy life song so far, it's just the piano and the guitar, and this thing called the lap steel. And it's really beautiful and really sad, and I really like that one. So yeah, that one.

Lilyemma: Some tears in the crowd, maybe.

Eliz: From us, probably.

Murray: Yeah, put your lighters in the air!

Lilyemma: Obviously, you've just mentioned earlier, having fun on stage. It's one thing we've always found is that you guys have such a strong stage presence. And, you're so right, it does make for a better experience. One thing that we've always wondered though, because we can't deal with moshpits and stuff. What is the appeal of stage-diving?

Eliz: This is a bone we have to pick with you.

Lilyemma: And crowd-surfing, because I can't think of anything worse than being dragged along.

Murray: Yeah, I think it's one of those things that if you do it once, people expect it from you. I used to really enjoy it and now it's like this is the bit where I've got to fucking go flying.

Lilyemma: Nooo!

Eliz: You don't have to! It's not in the contract!

Murray: No but it sort of is. I saw this guy yesterday, there's this band called Shame. I don't know if you know them, but they're really heavy. And the bass-player, he was playing the guitar and he just flipped over and landed on his back, and it looked like it really hurt. But it's the kind of thing that someone's seen him do before, and they're like "Well, if he doesn't do that, then I demand a refund!" You know? We're just performing monkeys, we just got to do what's expected of us.

Lilyemma: We'll pay you more if you stop jumping.

Murray: You guys are always in the worst place if you're not into that!

Eliz: Yeah but in the middle - the moshpitting and everything - that's what we don't like.

Murray: I know, I don't like that either. But, it's just got to be done. Sorry.

Eliz: That's okay

Lilyemma: We'll still go so it's fine. It's clearly not a deal-breaker.

Eliz: No. So, we are going to put you on the spot. If you had the aux for one song and everyone's going to judge you based on this one song that you pick. What is it going to be?

Murray: Okay..... 'Dancing Queen'?

Eliz: Really?!

Murray: ABBA, yeah?

Eliz: We'd be happy with that one.

Lilyemma: You can get in the car and play that, that's okay.

Eliz: We're waiting for someone to say their own songs. I feel like that would be really interesting, but you would never do that?

Murray: Nah I hate it when people play my music next to me. I really hate it.

Eliz: To be fair, we don't like hearing our own voices. Like having to hear this back is going to be grim.

Murray: Yeah, it's awful, isn't it? I don't know why that is. I think most artists are like that, and yeah, presenters I don't know how you do it. I absolutely hate the sound of my own voice.

Lilyemma: We've been asking everyone today, as well, because there's a culture at British festivals for drinking. I know you guys are probably pint people, but if you had to pick a cocktail now, what would it be?

Murray: We drink a lot of gin and tonic, that's usually what we drink before we go on. We drink neat tequila, as well. Not like shots but like tequila on ice. We also like whiskey, neat as well. We don't really do cocktails.

Eliz: Aperol Spritz?

Murray: I really like Aperol Spritz, we don't drink that when we're gigging but I like that drink in the summer.

Lilyemma: How are you happily drinking tequila? Because I've not happily drank tequila since I was 18.

Murray: You know what, it was actually Kevin that showed me the way with tequila because it's quite a big thing in LA - and America, in general. They drink tequila neat, and I was exactly the same, I was like "Well that's mental because that's the kind of thing we shot to get pissed", right? But, if you get good tequila, it's actually amazing. The difference between an expensive tequila and a really shitty one is crazy. Buy really good tequila and - honestly!

Eliz: You're not convincing

Murray: No no, seriously, it's really good. I was exactly the same and now I love it. I'll be drinking it tonight.

Eliz: Maybe we'll have to try some with you, that might have to be the way.

Murray: It's really good, if I see you about I'll bring you some.

Eliz: Cool. Do you have any alcohol that you can't drink anymore from bad experiences?

Murray: I used to not be able to drink vodka, but again, now I drink a lot of vodka.

Eliz: Things change

Murray: Yeah, good vodka. Any cheap spirit is just grim, isn't it?

Eliz: Think, we're about done here.

Lilyemma: Thanks so much for finally making time to speak with us

Murray: Hell yeah, it's been good to speak with you guys. Thanks for having me.

Lilyemma: We're looking forward to your set.

Eliz: No doubt we'll see you later.

Murray: I'm sure I'll see you.