No Need For Sunscreen: Motion City Soundtrack Returns to FM-Area

I’m sure you’ve heard people recommend books for summer reading at the beach or on vacation. Maybe you have even done the same for others. The same can be done with music, and one of those artists should be Minneapolis rockers Motion City Soundtrack.

Their last album, “Even If It Kills Me,” full of pop punk tunes, can be enjoyed effortlessly in the warm summer afternoons and evenings.  Tracks like “Calling All Cops,” “This Is For Real,” and “Hello Helicopter” are sure to invite the crowd to sing along with their infectious choruses.

Comprised of Justin Pierre guitar and vocals, Joshua Cain guitar and vocals, Matt Taylor bass and vocals, Tony Thaxton drums and vocals, and Jesse Johnson keyboards and Moog, MCS will be returning to Fargo next Tuesday, July 15th at the Venue. HPR was able to talk to bassist Matt Taylor from his home in Virginia last month about the upcoming tour, new material, and how to spend time off the road.

HPR:  Any expectations for this summer’s headlining tour before you embark on the Vans Warped Tour?

Matt Taylor:  Expectations…well, I hope we remember our songs (laughs).  That’s my first hope.  We just got off of the Honda Civic tour, which was Panic’s (At the Disco) tour, obviously, so we are excited to play a little longer for our fans.  We can go deeper into our catalog and maybe play some more obscure songs.

HPR:  Is there any chance some of the acoustic versions from your last release, Acoustic EP, will make it on the set list this summer?

MT: Not yet, although that would be pretty cool.

HPR: I just wondered if it was more for the fans or was it something the band was looking at including in your live performance?

MT:  We try to never say never.  I would love to do a couple of those songs. I really like the way a couple of them turned out. That’s actually a good idea and I will mention that to the guys and give you credit.  (laughs)

HPR:  The tour is through the month of July; so what have you been able to do to enjoy your summer so far?

MT: Well, um… unfortunately Mario Kart Wii has consumed most of my time so far (laughs).  I just got back from the pool, so I guess hanging out there and with friends too.  I also got a wicked sunburn, which was fun.  I was outside by the pool for maybe an hour and I was toast.  I’ve recorded a few little ditties.

HPR:  For……?

MT:  Just for fun, my own personal library.

HPR:  Do any of those tunes ever make it out to the rest of the band?

MT:  Absolutely.  Provided that they can stomach it, yes.  I like things that don’t necessarily fit with what we (Motion City Soundtrack) do right off the bat.  I kind of like that idea, where I don’t know, I record whatever comes into my head, just a snippet of something, not a full song, just a part.  I will send this part to the other guys and when we get together just kind of see what they think. Eventually we are all going to start doing that as we are going to get together to write songs at the end of the year.

HPR:  On a different topic, are there any blockbusters the band is looking to see this summer while you have an off day during the tour?

MT:  Yes.  The Dark Knight for sure.  We are all going to freak out over that one.

HPR:  Thanks for your time, enjoy your vacation, and good luck with the tour.

MT:  We are looking forward to coming back to Fargo; it’s been awhile.  Thanks a lot.

If You Go

Who: Motion City Soundtrack with special guests The Spill Canvas and Sing It Loud
Where:  The Venue at The Hub
When:  Tuesday, July 15, 7 p.m.
How Much:  $19.50
Info: 701-232-6767