Ahead of the brief UK tour in November with Jon Snodgrass, Canadian Matt Goud (aka Northcote) was available for the following interview:
Hi Matt, thanks for taking time out to speak with Mr Teeth – much appreciated!
So firstly, a bit about the man behind the name, how long have you been playing for and who’s influenced you along the way?
Hi Mr Teeth. I left college when I was 21 to tour with a hardcore band. When the band was over I started performing without a name and recorded 18 songs in Regina Saskatchewan, that eventually become the first Northcote 8 song EP called “Borrowed Chords, Tired Eyes”.
My time on the road with my brothers in the metal band shaped my outlook on how I still look at being a musician. Those early days playing hardcore shows is still hopefully at the core of my attitude now.
I officially started Northcote in 2009. That was the year that the first EP came out. My first tour with was a indie rock group from Regina called Library Voices. In the first couple years I had the chance to support Tim Barry, Dave Hause and Chuck Ragan. These guys remain a guiding light for me in my playing.
Besides that, I remember listening to Neil Young’s live from Massey Hall album a lot. I saw Neil with my girlfriend around then and was really drawn into how how the guitar and voice sounded on that recording. I always wanted to do a live album like that, but haven’t tried that yet. Neil and his folk and hard rock soul kind of blends into the influence I had playing hardcore music.
Before becoming Northcote, you were in Means, what made you leave the group?
The decision to disband Means was kind of made between me and the drummer Aaron. He had to leave for personal reasons and as I thought about it more and more I felt that I didn’t want to go on without him. We started playing together when we were in high school and I felt like he was too central to the group. I wanted to play solo and I was excited to do that.
During your time with Means how much did your then religious beliefs influence your music… and do you think people have any preconceptions when the term “Christian Rock” is mentioned?
I cringe when I hear the term christian rock related to what we did, but it doesn’t bother me like it used to. We were christian kids who were kind of sheltered, but our world was opened up by touring. I remember being more focused on our christian message when we were in highschool, then as we grew together we wanted to be a part of the hardcore scene and we were all drawn to that ethic and aesthetic.
We hated mainstream music back then. All we cared about was hardcore bands we loved. I remember being confronted with the christian band title the most, when we were getting ready to put out our first record I had a phone conversation with a record label based in Canada. The owner of the label told me he couldn’t have a group that was homophobic or against a woman’s right to choose. I was shocked because I didn’t think the group held those beliefs. But it was a wake up call that we were being grouped in with some acts that we didn’t fully agree with.
At the time that really bothered me but now I’m older, I know our hearts were in the right place. I’m proud of how we acted as a group and of what I learnt. I would have liked to do a third Means record, but other than that I have no regrets at all.
Since then of course you’ve become Northcote, where did the moniker come from?
I chose a moniker because I wanted the solo project to grow into a more collaborative thing. I also have the same name as a famous Canadian musician. The original idea was Dovecote, but at the time I was living in the Canadian Arctic with my girlfriend now wife. North-side, North-coast. North-shelter. I was also really into the bon iver debut album at that time, and still am, so adding the french spelling of cote was influenced by that.
How would you say your music has developed over the years?
The first couple records feel a little bit like learning to walk. I remember only taking 14 songs into the first LP, and we ended up recording 10 of them. For “Hope is Made of Steel” I must have made 60 demos. After those first couple of records I feel like we have two different types of albums. The self titled is a bit more dynamic and less produced, and “Hope is Made of Steel” hopefully shows our ability to have a bigger sound with lean arrangements and loud guitars.
For those not yet to hear it, what can people expect from latest album “Hope is made of Steel”?
It’s the first Northcote record produced with the band and full sound. There are some quiet moments but generally I wanted to show that the project can play in cafes and in larger rock venues as well. I think we could re-record the record with an acoustic guitar and a piano and it would be just as cool, but I am happy where most of the songs landed.
Hope is Made of Steel – out now
Following its release, you’ve already been on tour with Frank Turner – how did that go?
Frank is someone that I look up to in music. I was able to open a couple of his shows in the past. His skill and natural charisma is incredibly unique. Looking back I think Frank influenced me to not be too shy to speak to the audience, don’t be too shy to produce and execute your live show, and he reminded me about being very feisty when it comes to editing lyrics. I don’t hear many phrases from Franks stuff that is impulsive or bought in the check out line. I think he is really intentional with each phrase.
Some of the gigs have been a full band, others have been solo, how easy is it to switch between the two?
I really enjoy both. I am lucky that I have been able to tour with both set ups. If I am well rehearsed, or if the band is well rehearsed switching is no big deal. I find i yell a at the audience a more when I am out touring with the band. Sorry about that. I think the volume creates natural nerves.
The UK dates next month are with Jon Snodgrass, have your paths crossed before?
Jon and I supported Austin Lucas in the fall of 2014 across America. I was pulled towards Jon because of how he sounds on stage and his humour. Instead of trying to convince you that he is the cool guy in the room, he speak to you just as he would off stage. I don’t think Jon will have pyrotechnics at his show anytime soon, but I have seen some interested things go down when he gets up there. I’m happy that he is my friend.
It’s only a handful of UK shows, followed by the rest of Europe but anywhere you’re looking forward to playing?
I look forward to the first few shows the most. Getting overseas and the first few shows behind us feels great. I haven’t been to Belgium in a couple years, I also think we haven’t been to Vienna since summer of 2014 with Chuck. Those are the first few that come to mind. I am pretty simple to please. I like when the guitar sounds good to me and good black coffee. Maybe I will get to work the bar in Munster again.
When you finally come off tour, what’s next for Matt Goud?
My wife is planning a vacation with a close friend, so I think I will be home taking care of the dogs and working in my writing space at our apartment. I am starting to look towards the next record. There are also about 10 shows in western Canada in January. Couple really cool new festivals that we get to go play and see…. it’s gonna be cold.
Northcote
NOVEMBER – UK DATES
21 Bristol @ Thekla
22 Southampton @ Joiners
23 Manchester @ Gulliver’s
24 London @ Upstairs at The Garage
