Harvest Interview with the Bands Trumpet Player, Matt Doe.
Written and Conducted by: Adam Bowie
Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, the talented three-piece group Too Many Zooz likes to describe its music as “brasshouse”. That sounds about right, as the band takes a variety of musical elements – New Orleans- style brass, funk, electronic and house music – and they blend those sounds together until listeners are left with a high-energy party vibe.
Don’t let the colourful outfits, the impressive dance moves, or the viral videos distract you from the incredible musicianship. These guys have some serious chops. If you’re looking to give in to the groove, if you need to release some energy and dance all your cares away, you could do a lot worse than spending an evening with the music of Too Many Zooz.
I was able to catch up with the band’s trumpet player, Matt Doe, who took some time to answer this year’s Harvest Questionnaire.
AB: Some people have nostalgia for a movie or a TV show they watched as a kid. Can you share a movie or a TV show that was special during your childhood?
MD: Star Wars 4/5/6
AB: Is there a sport or a sports team that you follow closely? If so, why?
MD: Boston Celtics
AB: What artist are you currently listening to these days? What do you like about them?
MD: Brakence, Laundry Day, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Khraungbin, SaveAJ. They’re all dope-ass artists/writers doing creative shit.
AB: Is there a song out there that you consider perfect? For example, I might suggest that George Jone’s “She Thinks I Still Care,” or Al Green’s “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?” are perfect songs because the music, the lyrics, the production on those tracks are just so incredible.
MD: “Chandelier,” by Sia. “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” by Michael Jackson. “Sweet Life,” by Frank Ocean.
AB: What’s one good tip for budding songwriters?
MD: Write as many songs as you can and write with intention.
AB: You’re on vacation with your family and the kitchen is fully stocked. What are you making, and why did you choose that?
MD: If it’s summer – some sort of seafood and pasta. If it’s winter – steak, potato au gratin and creamed spinach.
AB: Was there a book, or any other piece of writing, that was influential in your life? Why did that piece have such an impact?
MD: All of Malcolm Gladwell’s stuff – smart guy with a really amazing ability to aggregate tons of valuable information into wonderfully engaging books that are both educational and thought provoking in the way they almost force you to examine yourself. The Richest Man in Babylon by George Samuel Clason – an amazing read on money management and the skills required to accumulate long-lasting wealth. And Homer’s The Odyssey – one of the oldest stories still read today, and for good reason. Amazing storytelling and thematic development. I really appreciate this poem as the archetype for so much literature that followed.
AB: Was there an individual who played a pivotal role in your career, who really helped you take another step as an artist, or in the business? If you could thank them or recognize them publicly, what would you say?
MD: Too many to thank one person individually. I’ve been really fortunate to have a lot of people stick their neck out for me!
AB: Is there anyone, alive or dead, that you’d want to interview, or spend time with, so that you could soak up the wisdom and expertise that they have? Why them?
MD: I’m really fascinated with history in general, so it would most likely be someone dead. I’m not sure who, though. That’s a tough one.
AB: Video games – yay or nay? If so, what game is your favorite, and why?
MD: Video games – yay. I think it’s like anything else. Video games are not inherently bad. However, I think they can easily be abused by people looking for an escape from real life. They can also be tremendous pieces of interactive art, or games, or puzzles that people can find joy in. It sort of depends on how they’re used.
AB: What three things are always in your fridge, or in your pantry?
MD: Seltzer water, coffee, oat milk.
AB: Who helped foster your love of music?
MD: Again, way too many to thank here, but definitely my parents for the constant support growing up.
AB: What’s your favourite sandwich or wrap?
MD: Prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic glaze on ciabatta. That’s what sounds good right now.
Adam Bowie used to write stories and a weekly music column for the Daily Gleaner newspaper. He’s also a former juror for the Polaris Music Prize, the Juno Awards, the East Coast Music Awards and the Music New Brunswick Awards. Now, he works in communications and volunteers with the Harvest Music Festival.
