Matt Pond PA
Encyclopedia
Matt Pond PA is a New York based band formed in Philadelphia
by singer-songwriter Matt Pond. They have released eight LPs and eight EPs since 1998.
Pond has been the only consistent member, although Chris Hansen is now considered to be a core member of the group.
In the studio, they often collaborate with other musicians including former members to achieve their diverse instrumentation and expansive sound. In recent years, Pond and Hansen have produced the recordings from a cabin in Bearsville, NY.
and Bikini Kill
.
Their debut Deer Apartments
gained them recognition in CDNow CDNow
's "Unheard?" competition for unsigned artists that same year. These first albums feature guitarist
/bassist
Josh Kramer, cellist Jim Hostetter, and drummer
Sean Byrne.
Measure
(2000), the first of three albums produced by Brian McTear, garnered comparisons to the Cure, showcasing a shifting agglomeration of acoustic guitar, cello, violin, French horn, flute, bass, and drums.
A third album (and the band's first release for Polyvinyl Record Co.
), The Green Fury
, was released in spring 2002. Now joined by cellist Eve Miller (The Rachel’s), it melded orchestral-type arrangements over pop songs much as their previous records had, however, their solidification as a full-fledged band was beginning to emerge.
The band returned with their fourth full-length, 2002's The Nature of Maps
, marking the band's third release in two years. Although Pond remained the primary songwriter of the group, The Nature of Maps began a more holistic, collaborative process with each band member contributing heavily to the songwriting process.
In 2003, Pond relocated to Brooklyn, and reformed the band with Miller, Brian Pearl, Will levatino and Dan Crowell for the recording of Emblems
, released on Altitude Records in May 2004
. The album was produced by Louie Lino who also helmed the follow-up, Several Arrows Later
in 2005. These albums present a more immediate and rocking expression of Matt Pond PA's music.
Like the previous album, Last Light was recorded at the legendary Bearsville Studios
near Woodstock, NY, where Hansen was an engineer. It would be the last album recorded at the famed studio. Co-produced by Grammy nominee John O'Mahoney (Coldplay, The Strokes), Last Light features a list of guest contributors that includes Neko Case
, Rob Schnapf
(Beck, Elliot Smith) and Mike Stroud (Ratatat).
For The Dark Leaves
, Pond holed himself up in a cabin in Bearsville, NY, with producer Chris Hansen. The intimate nature of the sessions commenced a very productive period for the pair. The resulting record, The Dark Leaves, was released in 2010, and additional material from those cabin sessions found its way onto several EPs, including the free digital release Auri Sacra Fames and the Threeep
, a series of three limited edition 7" singles whose sleeves fit together to form a cube.
During this time, Pond and Hansen composed the score for the film Lebanon, PA starring Josh Hopkins (Cougar Town
) and Samantha Mathis (American Psycho
).
A relentlessly touring band, Matt Pond PA has performed with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
, Neko Case
, Nickel Creek
, Keane, Mick Jones, Mae
, Youth Group
, Guster
, and Liz Phair
.
The band's music has been included in the soundtrack for the Fox
television program The O.C.
, specifically cover versions of Oasis
' "Champagne Supernova
" and Neutral Milk Hotel
's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea." Their song "Wild Girl" was also in the show Chuck in the episode "Chuck vs. the Wookie." In November 2010, the song "Snow Day" off their Winter Songs (EP)
was featured in Starbucks commercials for the company's 'Buy one holiday drink, get one free' promotion and seasonal beverage advertisements.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
by singer-songwriter Matt Pond. They have released eight LPs and eight EPs since 1998.
Pond has been the only consistent member, although Chris Hansen is now considered to be a core member of the group.
In the studio, they often collaborate with other musicians including former members to achieve their diverse instrumentation and expansive sound. In recent years, Pond and Hansen have produced the recordings from a cabin in Bearsville, NY.
History
The son of a minister, Pond grew up in northern New Hampshire, which proved a major influence on his music and lyrics. His first instruments were French horn and trumpet. He began teaching himself guitar in college, which materialized as his own unique brand of "professionally awkward" playing. Soon, he started playing in bands. His first two shows were opening for SuperchunkSuperchunk
Superchunk is an American indie rock band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, consisting of singer/guitarist Mac McCaughan, guitarist Jim Wilbur, bassist Laura Ballance, and drummer Jon Wurster. Formed in 1989, they were one of the bands that helped define the Chapel Hill music scene of the 1990s...
and Bikini Kill
Bikini Kill
Bikini Kill was an American punk rock band formed in Olympia, Washington in October 1990. The group consisted of vocalist and songwriter Kathleen Hanna, guitarist Billy Karren, bassist Kathi Wilcox, and drummer Tobi Vail. The band is widely considered to be the pioneer of the riot grrrl movement,...
.
Their debut Deer Apartments
Deer Apartments
Deer Apartments is the first album from Matt Pond PA, released in 1998. Their debut gained them recognition in CDNow's Unheard? competition for unsigned artists that same year...
gained them recognition in CDNow CDNow
CDNOW
CDNOW.com was an online retailer. The company was founded in February 1994 by twin brothers Jason Olim and Matthew Olim of Ambler, Pennsylvania...
's "Unheard?" competition for unsigned artists that same year. These first albums feature guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
/bassist
Bassist
A bass player, or bassist is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass, bass guitar, keyboard bass or a low brass instrument such as a tuba or sousaphone. Different musical genres tend to be associated with one or more of these instruments...
Josh Kramer, cellist Jim Hostetter, and drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
Sean Byrne.
Measure
Measure (album)
-Track listing:# "Measure 1" – 4:12# "The Sound and the Words" – 1:28# "The Hollows" – 3:24# "Green Grass" – 5:51# "Measure 2" – 3:08# "Sugar House" – 1:42# "New Fall" – 4:38# "Competition" – 2:34# "Flying Through the Scenery" – 2:08...
(2000), the first of three albums produced by Brian McTear, garnered comparisons to the Cure, showcasing a shifting agglomeration of acoustic guitar, cello, violin, French horn, flute, bass, and drums.
A third album (and the band's first release for Polyvinyl Record Co.
Polyvinyl Record Co.
Polyvinyl Record Co. is an American independent record label based in Champaign, Illinois. It has released notable records by of Montreal, Japandroids, Braid, Mates of State and many others.-History:...
), The Green Fury
The Green Fury
-Track listing:# "Canadian Song" – 3:06# "Measure 3" – 3:33# "Neighbor's New Yard" – 1:03# "City Plan" – 4:06# "Promise the Bite" – 2:57# "Silence" – 2:40# "This Is Montreal" – 1:20# "A Part of the Woods" – 3:22# "A New Part of Town" – 4:03...
, was released in spring 2002. Now joined by cellist Eve Miller (The Rachel’s), it melded orchestral-type arrangements over pop songs much as their previous records had, however, their solidification as a full-fledged band was beginning to emerge.
The band returned with their fourth full-length, 2002's The Nature of Maps
The Nature of Maps
-Track listing:# "Fairlee " – 3:16# "No More" – 4:13# "The Party" – 4:17# "Closer" – 4:37# "New Kehoe NJ" – 1:36# "Close Map" – 2:38# "No More " – 1:43# "Summer Is Coming" – 4:03# "A Well of Tires" – 2:53# "A Million Middle Fingers" – 2:00...
, marking the band's third release in two years. Although Pond remained the primary songwriter of the group, The Nature of Maps began a more holistic, collaborative process with each band member contributing heavily to the songwriting process.
In 2003, Pond relocated to Brooklyn, and reformed the band with Miller, Brian Pearl, Will levatino and Dan Crowell for the recording of Emblems
Emblems (album)
-Track listing:# "KC" – 2:53# "Closest " – 4:48# "Lily Two" – 4:03# "Bring on the Ending" – 4:14# "The Butcher" – 4:15# "New Hampshire" – 4:50# "Claire" – 3:03# "Summer " – 4:27# "East Coast E." – 4:00# "Last Song" – 4:06...
, released on Altitude Records in May 2004
2004 in music
See also:* 2004 in music Record labels established in 2004-January:*January 1**The Vienna New Year's Concert is conducted by Riccardo Muti.**Kurt Nilsen wins World Idol....
. The album was produced by Louie Lino who also helmed the follow-up, Several Arrows Later
Several Arrows Later
-Track listing:# "Halloween" – 5:02# "So Much Trouble" – 3:58# "The Trees and the Wild" – 2:48# "Several Arrows Later" – 3:34# "It Is Safe" – 4:58# "Emblems" – 3:12# "City Song" – 4:12# "From Debris" – 4:31# "Brooklyn Stars" – 3:49# "The Moviegoer" – 3:12...
in 2005. These albums present a more immediate and rocking expression of Matt Pond PA's music.
Like the previous album, Last Light was recorded at the legendary Bearsville Studios
Bearsville Studios
Bearsville Studios was a recording studio at Bearsville, New York just west of Woodstock, New York.The studio was opened in 1969 by Albert Grossman, manager of Bob Dylan, The Band, Janis Joplin and Todd Rundgren....
near Woodstock, NY, where Hansen was an engineer. It would be the last album recorded at the famed studio. Co-produced by Grammy nominee John O'Mahoney (Coldplay, The Strokes), Last Light features a list of guest contributors that includes Neko Case
Neko Case
Neko Case is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her solo career and her contributions as a member of the Canadian indie rock group The New Pornographers....
, Rob Schnapf
Rob Schnapf
Rob Schnapf is an American record producer and musician. He was the co-producer of Elliott Smith's albums Either/Or, XO , Figure 8 and From a Basement on the Hill, for which he was recruited by Smith's family to complete after Smith's death.Schnapf, along with Rothrock and partner...
(Beck, Elliot Smith) and Mike Stroud (Ratatat).
For The Dark Leaves
The Dark Leaves
The Dark Leaves is the eighth studio album by Matt Pond PA, released on April 13, 2010. The album was produced in a cabin in Bearsville, NY by Matt Pond and Chris Hansen.-Track listing:#"Starting" – 3:50#"Running Wild" – 4:21#"Specks" – 3:49...
, Pond holed himself up in a cabin in Bearsville, NY, with producer Chris Hansen. The intimate nature of the sessions commenced a very productive period for the pair. The resulting record, The Dark Leaves, was released in 2010, and additional material from those cabin sessions found its way onto several EPs, including the free digital release Auri Sacra Fames and the Threeep
The Threeep
The Threeep is a three part EP consisting of three singles from the album The Dark Leaves, by Matt Pond PA. Each single, released on limited edition vinyl by Altitude Records and digitally through iTunes and Amazon MP3, will consist of three songs; a single from the album and two b-sides, one...
, a series of three limited edition 7" singles whose sleeves fit together to form a cube.
-
- “Somehow EP’s are less stressful. We don’t have to be as cautious — which helps make them freer than our albums. We left the door open while making our last EP. We let in all the ambient noise — the scratches, the chirps, the hiccups.” - Matt Pond
During this time, Pond and Hansen composed the score for the film Lebanon, PA starring Josh Hopkins (Cougar Town
Cougar Town
Cougar Town is an American television sitcom that premiered on ABC on September 23, 2009. The series focuses on a recently divorced woman in her forties facing the often humorous challenges, pitfalls and rewards of life's next chapter, along with her son, ex-husband, and friends who together make...
) and Samantha Mathis (American Psycho
American Psycho (film)
American Psycho is a 2000 cult thriller film directed by Mary Harron based on Bret Easton Ellis's novel of the same name. Though predominantly a psycho thriller, the film also blends elements of horror, satire, and black comedy...
).
A relentlessly touring band, Matt Pond PA has performed with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists are an American rock band formed in 1999 in Washington, D.C. and currently recording for Matador Records. They have released six full-length studio albums and have toured internationally...
, Neko Case
Neko Case
Neko Case is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her solo career and her contributions as a member of the Canadian indie rock group The New Pornographers....
, Nickel Creek
Nickel Creek
Nickel Creek was an American progressive acoustic music trio consisting of Chris Thile , Sara Watkins and Sean Watkins . The band was founded in 1989 and released 6 albums between 1993 and 2006...
, Keane, Mick Jones, Mae
Mae
Mae was an American alternative/indie band that formed in Norfolk, Virginia in 2001. The band's name is an acronym for "Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience," based on a course taken by drummer Jacob Marshall while a student at Old Dominion University....
, Youth Group
Youth Group
Youth Group are a rock band based in Newtown, Sydney, Australia signed to Ivy League Records.- Biography :Youth Group formed in Sydney in the late 1990s. They have released four albums in Australia, with the three most recent albums also gaining releases worldwide...
, Guster
Guster
Guster is an American alternative rock band from Boston, Massachusetts. Formed in 1991, the group is known for its live performances and humor, founding members Adam Gardner, Ryan Miller, and Brian Rosenworcel came about to begin practice sessions while attending Tufts University in Medford,...
, and Liz Phair
Liz Phair
Phair's entry into the music industry began when she met guitarist Chris Brokaw, a member of the band Come. Brokaw and Phair moved to San Francisco together, and Phair tried to become an artist there...
.
The band's music has been included in the soundtrack for the Fox
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
television program The O.C.
The O.C.
The O.C. is an American teen drama television series that originally aired on the Fox television network in the United States from August 5, 2003, to February 21, 2007, running a total of four seasons...
, specifically cover versions of Oasis
Oasis (band)
Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
' "Champagne Supernova
Champagne Supernova
"Champagne Supernova" is a song by English rock band Oasis, written by guitarist Noel Gallagher. The seven-minute anthem is the closing track on the record-breaking album Morning Glory?...
" and Neutral Milk Hotel
Neutral Milk Hotel
Neutral Milk Hotel was an American indie rock band formed by singer, guitarist and songwriter Jeff Mangum in the early 1990s. The band was noted for its experimental sound, obscure lyrics and eclectic instrumentation....
's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea." Their song "Wild Girl" was also in the show Chuck in the episode "Chuck vs. the Wookie." In November 2010, the song "Snow Day" off their Winter Songs (EP)
Winter Songs (EP)
-Track listing:All songs written by Matt Pond PA except as noted.#"Snow Day" – 3:32#"Fall Two" – 1:33#"Winterlong" – 3:17#"Winter One" – 1:09#"I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight" – 3:07...
was featured in Starbucks commercials for the company's 'Buy one holiday drink, get one free' promotion and seasonal beverage advertisements.
-
- “I think I just write a ton of songs, for some reason or another. In one way, I feel lucky and in some ways it's like a burden. I never really thought I'd do this [be a musician]. I thought I'd be some kind of lazy history professor, so this is a weird thing. I just keep writing songs and keep the best ones and throw out the clunkers. I mean, we might come out with another album this year. I don't know. You gotta get some kind of ... It becomes how you live your life. When you make an album, you go on tour and all of that, [so it's part of my life]. I just don't know anything else.” - Matt Pond
Current
- Matt Pond – vocals, guitar
- Chris Hansen – guitar, vocals, keys
- Leslie Sisson – guitar, vocals
- George Souleidis – bass
- Dan Crowell – drums
LPs
- Deer ApartmentsDeer ApartmentsDeer Apartments is the first album from Matt Pond PA, released in 1998. Their debut gained them recognition in CDNow's Unheard? competition for unsigned artists that same year...
(1998) - MeasureMeasure (album)-Track listing:# "Measure 1" – 4:12# "The Sound and the Words" – 1:28# "The Hollows" – 3:24# "Green Grass" – 5:51# "Measure 2" – 3:08# "Sugar House" – 1:42# "New Fall" – 4:38# "Competition" – 2:34# "Flying Through the Scenery" – 2:08...
(2000) - The Green FuryThe Green Fury-Track listing:# "Canadian Song" – 3:06# "Measure 3" – 3:33# "Neighbor's New Yard" – 1:03# "City Plan" – 4:06# "Promise the Bite" – 2:57# "Silence" – 2:40# "This Is Montreal" – 1:20# "A Part of the Woods" – 3:22# "A New Part of Town" – 4:03...
(2002) - The Nature of MapsThe Nature of Maps-Track listing:# "Fairlee " – 3:16# "No More" – 4:13# "The Party" – 4:17# "Closer" – 4:37# "New Kehoe NJ" – 1:36# "Close Map" – 2:38# "No More " – 1:43# "Summer Is Coming" – 4:03# "A Well of Tires" – 2:53# "A Million Middle Fingers" – 2:00...
(2002) - mpPA (With Audible) (2003)
- EmblemsEmblems (album)-Track listing:# "KC" – 2:53# "Closest " – 4:48# "Lily Two" – 4:03# "Bring on the Ending" – 4:14# "The Butcher" – 4:15# "New Hampshire" – 4:50# "Claire" – 3:03# "Summer " – 4:27# "East Coast E." – 4:00# "Last Song" – 4:06...
(2004) - Several Arrows LaterSeveral Arrows Later-Track listing:# "Halloween" – 5:02# "So Much Trouble" – 3:58# "The Trees and the Wild" – 2:48# "Several Arrows Later" – 3:34# "It Is Safe" – 4:58# "Emblems" – 3:12# "City Song" – 4:12# "From Debris" – 4:31# "Brooklyn Stars" – 3:49# "The Moviegoer" – 3:12...
(2005) - Last Light (2007)
- The Dark LeavesThe Dark LeavesThe Dark Leaves is the eighth studio album by Matt Pond PA, released on April 13, 2010. The album was produced in a cabin in Bearsville, NY by Matt Pond and Chris Hansen.-Track listing:#"Starting" – 3:50#"Running Wild" – 4:21#"Specks" – 3:49...
(2010)
EPs
- I Thought You Were SleepingI Thought You Were SleepingI Thought You Were Sleeping EP is the follow-up to Matt Pond PA's second album Measure. It was released on April 17, 2001.-Track listing:# "Other Countries" – 3:24# "Put Your Hair Down" – 3:38# "St...
(2001) - This Is Not The Green FuryThis Is Not The Green FuryThis Is Not The Green Fury is the preceding EP to Matt Pond PA's third full length album The Green Fury. Originally released on limited edition 7" green vinyl at the end of 2001, the vinyl is now out of print, but This Is Not The Green Fury is available as a digital download through iTunes and...
(2001) - Four SongsFour Songs (Matt Pond PA EP)Four Songs EP is the preceding EP to Matt Pond PA's fifth album Emblems. It was released in 2004.-Track listing:# "Closest " – 4:50# "Lily One" – 3:22# "Red Ankles" – 3:30# "Counting Song" – 5:45-Personnel:...
(2004) - Winter SongsWinter Songs (EP)-Track listing:All songs written by Matt Pond PA except as noted.#"Snow Day" – 3:32#"Fall Two" – 1:33#"Winterlong" – 3:17#"Winter One" – 1:09#"I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight" – 3:07...
(2005) - If You Want Blood (2007)
- The FreeepThe FreeepThe Freeep is an EP from musical Indie group Matt Pond PA. Originally released for free, the EP was available as a direct download from the band's website...
(2008) - The ThreeepThe ThreeepThe Threeep is a three part EP consisting of three singles from the album The Dark Leaves, by Matt Pond PA. Each single, released on limited edition vinyl by Altitude Records and digitally through iTunes and Amazon MP3, will consist of three songs; a single from the album and two b-sides, one...
(2009–2011) - Spring Fools (2011)
Singles
- Lily Two/Golden BrownLily Two/Golden BrownLily Two/Golden Brown is the single from Matt Pond PA's fifth album Emblems. It was released in 2005.-Personnel:*Eve Miller – cello, vocals*Will Levatino – bass*Dan Crowell – drums*Brian Pearl – guitar, keyboards, bass...
(2004) - HalloweenHalloween (Matt Pond PA song)Halloween is a single from Matt Pond PA's sixth album Several Arrows Later. It was released in 2005.-Personnel:*Brian Pearl – guitar, keyboards, bass*Dan Crowell – drums*Daniel Mitha – bass*Matthew Pond – guitar, vocals...
(2005) - Snow Day/Holiday RoadSnow Day/Holiday RoadSnow Day/Holiday Road is a holiday single with two tracks taken from Matt Pond PA's Winter Songs EP. It was also released in 2005.-Track listing:# "Snow Day" – 3:31# "Holiday Road" – 3:38-Personnel:...
(2005) - So Much TroubleSo Much TroubleSo Much Trouble is a single taken from Matt Pond PA's sixth album Several Arrows Later. It was released in 2005....
(2005) - SunlightSunlight (Matt Pond PA song)Sunlight is a single from Matt Pond PA's seventh album Last Light. It was released in 2007.-External links:**...
(2007) - People Have a WayPeople Have a WayPeople Have A Way is a single from Matt Pond PA's seventh album Last Light. It was released in 2007.-External links:**...
(2007) - The Threeep - Part I - Starting (2009)
- The Threeep - Part II - Remains (2010)
- The Threeep - Part III - ? (2011)
Compilations
- "Champagne Supernova" (OasisOasis (band)Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
cover) from The OC: Mix 4 (2005) - "Green Shirt" (Elvis CostelloElvis CostelloElvis Costello , born Declan Patrick MacManus, is an English singer-songwriter. He came to prominence as an early participant in London's pub rock scene in the mid-1970s and later became associated with the punk/New Wave genre. Steeped in word play, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader...
cover) from Almost You: The Songs of Elvis Costello (2002) - "I'm Not Okay" (My Chemical RomanceMy Chemical RomanceMy Chemical Romance is an American alternative rock band from New Jersey, formed in 2001. The band consists of lead vocalist Gerard Way, guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero, and bassist Mikey Way and have a diverse sound incorporating elements of punk, emo, glam metal, and progressive rock...
cover) from Guilt by Association Vol. 2Guilt by Association Vol. 2Guilt by Association Vol. 2 is a compilation album released November 18, 2008 by Engine Room Recordings. Like its predecessor, Guilt by Association Vol. 1, it features indie rock artists covering well-known pop and R&B songs.-Overview:...
(2008)
External links
- Matt Pond PA collection at the Internet ArchiveInternet ArchiveThe Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library with the stated mission of "universal access to all knowledge". It offers permanent storage and access to collections of digitized materials, including websites, music, moving images, and nearly 3 million public domain books. The Internet Archive...
's live music archive