Matty Mullins, the dynamic lead singer of Memphis May Fire, shares his band's inspiring journey from obscurity to becoming a top act in the music scene. He reflects on his Christian upbringing and the unique challenges of balancing a touring lifestyle with personal relationships. The tension with Shane during Warped Tour in 2013 adds a surprising twist. They dive into nostalgic Spokane memories, Nashville's vibrant music scene, and the strategic hurdles the band faced in the industry, revealing the importance of perseverance and strong relationships.
Matty Mullins reflects on overcoming misunderstandings with Shane, emphasizing the importance of context and personal growth in relationships.
The band's upcoming fifth album showcases Memphis May Fire's creative evolution, fueled by ample time to develop songs and explore their artistry.
Matty shares the challenges of balancing touring life with family aspirations, highlighting the sacrifices artists often make for their careers.
Deep dives
Connection and Misunderstanding
The conversation highlights the initial misunderstanding between Shane and Matty Mullins, stemming from Matty's stage presence during the 2013 Warped Tour. Shane reflects on how Matty's message about wanting to be 'the voice of a generation' came off as arrogant at first. However, as they got to know one another during their more recent encounters, Shane came to appreciate Matty's positive personality and perspective on life, leading to a newfound friendship. This narrative emphasizes the importance of understanding context and the potential for growth in personal relationships.
Creative Process and New Music
Matty shares insights into the songwriting process for Memphis May Fire's upcoming fifth album, noting the ample time the band had to write and perfect their songs. This experience is contrasted with previous projects, where time constraints made it challenging to explore their creative potential fully. The current state of creativity has led them to feel confident that this new record will surpass prior works. Matty expresses excitement about recording, revealing a plan to track vocals soon and integrate a finished collection of 13 songs, which may include additional B-sides or exclusives.
Band Dynamics and Label Struggles
The discussion turns to Matty's experiences with record labels, particularly his prior affiliation with Trustkill Records and the tumultuous period that followed. He recalls the challenges faced due to Trustkill's declining status and how it affected Memphis May Fire's opportunities. Despite the hardships, Matty successfully negotiated a way for the band to exit the label with a clean slate, which led to their current partnership with Rise Records. He candidly shares that the transition was a miracle for the band, resulting in them finding a platform that provided the needed exposure and support for their music.
Personal Life and Marriage Insights
Matty discusses his unique love story, having married his high school sweetheart, Brittany, in a simple yet heartfelt ceremony shortly after graduation. They had a fairy-tale relationship, growing closer through shared life experiences and facing challenges together. He highlights the importance of mutual support and understanding in their marriage, particularly given their young age at marriage. This commitment has allowed them to navigate life as a team, avoiding significant conflicts and strengthening their bond over the years.
Balancing Career and Personal Aspirations
As the conversation wraps up, Matty touches on the challenges of balancing his touring schedule with potential future plans for having children. While expressing a desire to become a parent, Matty emphasizes the importance of being present and available for his family. He mentions how Memphis May Fire's busy touring schedule complicates that decision, as he appreciates dedicating time to his relationship with Brittany. This candidness about his aspirations underlines the sacrifices often made by artists in pursuing their careers while nurturing personal lives.
Episode 16 - This week Shane sits down with Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire. The conversation runs the gamete of Matty's Christian upbringing, Memphis May Fire's amazing story of going from "dead in the water" to one of the biggest bands in the world, to Shane having beef with Matty on Warped Tour in 2013. Is the beef squashed? You better listen to find out.