Brooklyn, NY-based indie rock outfit Lushcamp makes alternative rock music that ignites the senses and captures the bittersweet flow of memories. The band’s debut album, Lushcamp features catchy guitar hooks and vivid lyrics that capture bandleader, guitarist and singer Paul Matarelli’s personal adventures. The album’s 10 tunes are a study of the dark and light in people and the colorful dimensions of vulnerable, flawed anti-heroes and the choices they make that shape their journey.
In this interview, we chat with Paul about his influences, his newest project, and more.
Full Q&A, links, and a few streams below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I’ve been into rock music for as long as I can remember, but I was first introduced to the indie genre around 12 years ago. Back then I was catching incredible bands like Band of Horses at smaller venues in NYC for like $20 bucks – magical times.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I’ve been creating music for about 16 years now. When I frist moved to New York from Chicago I was playing out at bunch of legendary venues like The Bitter End and CBGB’s (before they closed). But I released a solo EP back in 2012, and just released the full Lushcamp album in June.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
The biggest influence on this record is The National. There are a lot of other influences you’ll probably recognize but The National is one that tends to stand out the most. I try to create music that will give a nod of recognition to bands that influenced me, but at the same time trying to keep the sound unique to us. As far as motivation to keep going, that just comes from within. Creating new music has an energy like nothing else. When you are in the process of writing a song and everything is clicking, the feeling is damn near indescribable.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
With this record I was trying to find a balance between hard, guitar driven tracks and mellower tracks to chill out to. The idea behind the record is exploring the duality of light and dark in people, and what drives the choices we make. So it makes sense to have highs and lows throughout the album. You can check out the video to our first single “Love You More”.
This song really captures that light/dark duality we were going for.
What was the last song you listened to?
I was listening to a playlist of songs by The Chainsmokers, at the gym today, I think the last track I heard was “Roses”
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Though I do love the sound of Vinyl, everything I listen to is on MP3. Living in NYC I am always on the go, so everything has to be portable.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I use Spotify as a user every day and I love it. But as a musician, I released my album on iTunes and Bandcamp. It’s tough enough to sell your album as it is, so when people see it is available on Spotify, it becomes and even tougher sell. I think I will eventually put the album up on Spotify, but that will be further down the road.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
You hit the nail on the head, there is so much new music out there that people are inundated. The digital era is great because it allows you to release an album without the permission of the record label gatekeepers of old. But if you want that album to be heard, you have a new gatekeeper to impress, and that is the music curators of music blogs and websites like Middle Tennessee Music!
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
Since this album was a studio project, I haven’t performed or toured. But that is going to change in the near future. I am in the process of putting together a band so we can do just that. Check out our website at www.lushcampmusic.com for updates on news and upcoming shows.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
You can stream the full album from our website here: http://www.lushcampmusic.com/music
The best places to connect online are:
facebook.com/lushcamp
twitter.com/lushcamp
instagram.com/lushcamp
soundcloud.com/lushcamp
lushcamp.bandcamp.com
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Thanks so much for having me here! I’m a big fan of your site so this is a real honor. Let me give a shout out to Brooklyn! We recorded the record there and its where I live so that’s fitting.
