Memphis May Fire release their fourth full-length, ‘This Light I Hold’ later this month. Frontman Matty Mullins (who’s also just finishing up his second solo album, FYI) fills us in.
So you’ve a new album on the way – when did you start working on ‘This Light I Hold’? Did you know how you wanted it to sound from the off?
We started working on the record over a year ago. We spent a couple months at home writing for it and by the time we hit the studio we knew exactly what we were after.
You’ve said it’s a “giant step forward” – in what way?
We spent a lot of time on every aspect of the record and also added a new producer (Matt Good) into the mix which really brought a fresh perspective to the table. The album is definitely one we’ll be proud of forever.
Did you learn anything about yourselves during the recording process?
We always learn a lot during the recording process. It’s important to hold yourself to a higher standard than previous albums & push yourself to become a better artist in the process.
Are there any themes that run across the album?
There’s no specific theme that’s mentioned in every song, but I’ve been learning that it’s okay to not be okay sometimes, and how important it is to be honest about that with yourself and with others. So I wrote from that perspective quite a bit.
What were your main sources of inspiration during its creation?
The inspiration was to make the best MMF record yet, and we absolutely accomplished that.
Are there any tracks on the release that particularly mean a lot to you?
They’re all special to me for different reasons, but ‘Carry On’ is a very bold and vulnerable statement and I’m proud of that.
Finally – what are you most excited about right now?
I’m most excited to be breathing and living another day.
Taken from the October issue of Upset, out now – order your copy here. Memphis May Fire’s album ‘This Light I Hold’ is out 28th October.