Matt Skiba: I started writing the record while on tour with Alkaline Trio. We were in Europe and I started setting up studio time so when I got back from that tour, I had a collection of very stark, rough ideas because I wanted Kuts to be a studio creation. I worked with producer Rob Schnapf who ended up playing lead guitar on the record. He was unfamiliar with Alkaline Trio and any of my previous work, which is part of the reason why I wanted to work with him. We went in the studio with a vague idea and we built the record from the ground up.
To me, it sounded like a more punk rock version of The Cure. Was there a certain musical style or influence you were going for on this release?
Matt: Not necessarily, like I said, I approached this album with a really openness of what it would sound like. But we ended up referencing a lot of David Bowie as far as guitar tones and keyboard sounds. Along with groups like Gary Numan and Tubeway Army. Of course, The Cure is always a huge influence; they are one of my favorite bands. There were things that we referenced that weren’t so much the songs or styles but rather the sonic qualities.
Where there any specific lyrical themes you were hoping to convey on the album?
Matt: Most of the record was written in Europe and I think that you’re always going to be influenced by your surroundings. The last song on the record is called “Vienna” and I wrote that song while sitting in the back of our bus in Austria. I think there’s a British or European kind of influence or theme to it.
Do you see yourself making more music with the Sekrets in the future?
Matt: I do, yes. This record isn’t even out yet, so it’s hard to know. But I’m sure I’ll be continuing to make music in this project.
Matt: In the punk rock world, nothing like that has ever happened before. When I was just learning the songs, Mark joked, “Don’t worry, everyone’s just going to be staring at you and judging you.” From the time that they asked me to play with them to the first show, all I did was learn Blink songs. When I would go to the gym, for a run, or a hike, I would go over the set. We decided on the setlist early on in rehearsals so I knew what I would be playing. We rehearsed five days a week. As we got better and the date got closer, I got more comfortable with everything. The pressure was always there but it began to feel like a band rather than I was just replacing Tom.
When I spoke to Travis last month, he described the process as very positive and even considered writing an album with this new lineup. What are your thoughts on that idea?
Matt: I think that’s a great idea and it’s something we have discussed. I’m pleasantly surprised to see Travis mention it to you guys. It’s something I would be very excited to do and I’ve known the Blink guys for about fifteen years and we’ve become good friends. Playing songs I haven’t written with Mark and Travis is a blast, so to go in and create music with them would be amazing.
As of now, do you view yourself as a permanent member of the band?
Matt: I think it’s too soon to know. I’m about to go on an Alkaline Trio tour for a couple months. There’s some time and some things that those guys need to figure out before we can start saying I’m a permanent member. But that is a hope of mine. If we’re discussing recording an album, I think that seals the deal. But, we shall see, only time can tell.
Is there any bad blood between you and Tom DeLonge now?
Matt: No, I haven’t been in contact with Tom at all, but we have always been friends and had a good relationship. My role as replacing him in these shows is nothing personal. The guys asked me to play with them and I said absolutely and it was nothing to spite of Tom. Every experience I had with Tom was positive while touring with him in the past. So, there is no bad blood between us, or at least not from my end.
Alkaline Trio released their eighth album, My Shame is True, in 2013. Has the band put any thought towards a follow-up yet?
Matt: Not really, we thought we would take a little break. We don’t want to put out records too often. There’s already so information being pumped into people’s brains everyday that if you start making too many records, people start forgetting with because they have short attention spans. I think it will be awhile before Alkaline Trio makes another record, but we definitely will and I’m sure we’ll discuss it on the next couple tours we’re going on.
Throughout your entire musical career, what personally are some of the most significant events that stand out?
Matt: Over the past twenty years, it has been a series of very pleasant surprises. For Nirvana, Kurt Cobain said that he knew they became superstars when “Weird Al” Yankovic did a spoof of one of their songs. Obviously we’re not on the level of Nirvana, but I think Alkaline Trio made it when Make-A-Wish Foundation contacted us. That was really huge for us. Every time we get on the stage, it is a special moment thanks to our fans. The amount of love and commitment of our fans and following is insane. Having to play with Blink-182 has been amazing. That’s a huge thing for me. But, I love every time I go into the studio or step on stage, whatever band it is.
Are there any collaborations or ambitions you’d like to achieve on your bucket list?
Matt: I feel like so far everything we set out to do so far, we’ve accomplished somehow. There’s things that have happened that are out of our control or meant to be. And there are things that you will to happen and others that happen to you. We’ve had the blessing to work with a lot of amazing people. We asked Keith [Morris] from Black Flag to guest on our record. He’s a huge hero of mine and we’ve been friends since. To put out a record with BYO Records made me realize I could do this. I don’t know what’s next, we don’t have anything written down yet, but I’m sure it’s bound to be great.
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