While they may not have left the state of NY just yet, might just make it past state lines to your ears soon enough. With plenty of buzz in the Brooklyn area and overwhelming sales of their recent album, The Life and Times of Rosa Lee, The Library make sure their brand of sleepy dream rock is not taken as your average Brooklyn carbon copy shoegaze. This is a hardworking band that truly appreciates mid 90s-era minimalistic soundscapes and provide dark, smoke filled rooms with an anthem.
This week lead singer-songwriter Matt Long provides interesting and insightful answers for the Kuestionnaire…
1. Could you state your name and what you do in the band?
My name is Matt Long. I am the songwriter and singer and I play guitar now and then….
2. How would you describe your sound?
Describing your own sound is always tough. When I started The Library I really wanted to be an americana band in the spirit of Graham Parsons and The Flying Burrito Brothers, but I could never fully get my songwriting away from my love of The Replacements, Big Star, and Guided By Voices. So I guess we kind of fall somewhere in between a country band and power pop band with a twist psychedelia.
3. What is your favorite local band?
My favorite Local band is . Without a doubt. I love those guys. They have great songs written by Neal Rosen and a couple of the guys from Longwave on board as well. Really great band. You can find them on myspace if you like…. Falcon the band in brooklyn NY
4. Any concerts that blew your mind recently?
I was back in north carolina last month and my old band The Mayflies USA played a show with our old buddies in The Connells and I thought they were fantastic. The Connells were always one of my favs growing up and it was really nice to see them play again and hear all those old tunes that bring back such fond memories. And they are still a great band!
5. Any non-musical influences you would like to mention?
Cant really think of any non-musical influences other than all the people who have breezed through my life and given me such great material to write about. If it wasn’t for them, I am not really sure where the songs would come from.
6. If your music was to be the theme of a film/TV show, what would it be?
Film or TV show?….Mmmmmm that is tough, because that is how I pay my bills- writing music for TV and Film. I have always tried to keep my artistic pursuits separate from my “Job”, but I guess if you put a gun to my head… shit man. I don’t know. You tell me!
7. What musician/artist would you like to collaborate with for a day?
That is easy. Steven Drozd from The Flaming Lips… that guy is the biggest bad ass walking. I think he can do just about anything.
8. What is the album you listen to on a cold rainy day?
Rainy Day music? Well, my initial go to would be “Either/Or” by Elliot Smith, but a close second would be The Band’s second record. Not “Music From BigPink” (which is amazing) but I just love that self titled second record.. Really good stuff.
9. List four songs you would listen to on a roadtrip?
Running on Empty by Jackson Browne, Harnessed in Slums by The Archers of Loaf, Roadrunner by The Modern Lovers, and September Gurls by Big Star
10. Where do you see yourselves in 7 years?
I never think past next week…
11. What is the last book you read?
I just finished reading Redemption by Max Hastings. Tells how the last year of World War 2 in the pacific bled over into the Cold War and the effects of decision made then resonate in todays world. Interesting stuff…
12. Is image a factor in music or is it a waste of time?
I have never really thought much about image but that does not mean it is not important. If image is the way you are perceived by others then, yes, you would be crazy to think it does not matter. I just always try and be myself and let the chips fall where they may. Considering the minimal amounts of success I have had in my musical life maybe I should try and switch things up. Can you tell me where I can buy 5 shiny shirts and some hair product?
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you would like to share?
Well, Once we were getting ready to play a show at Pianos on the LES in the city and as per usual the guys ran out to get high in the van as the the band before us was finishing up. When the time came to start setting up I walked outside to tell them it was time to go and what do I see but half my band being loaded into a police van… They did not get into to much trouble. They were gone just long enough to miss the show and the load out. We were all drinking at a bar 2 hours after they were carted off. The show sucked, but I remember the night being pretty fun.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
The Library has never left NYC as a band, but we are going to change that next year. Anybody reading this want to book us?
15. Lastly, what is your present state of mind?
My present state of mind is great. We are halfway through our second record and that is kind of an all consuming task. Work has been busy and life in the Big Apple is alway go go go…… All in all, I cant complain! I am ready for more of everything!
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The Library – Club Amnesia from The Life and Times of Rosa Lee (2009)
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Falcon – Q Of T from Falcon EP (2008)