Mat Hook On the Making Of “Runaway Road”
What was the creative process like for this particular "Runaway Road?"
As far as the songwriting it's all just a feeling, it's always feeling. All my songs come from the same place, It's a mix of carrying the past whilst looking to the future.
As far as production that's when it gets a bit more light-hearted. Me and Paul Tuffs (producer) just kinda bounced little ideas off for certain elements, just playing around with things until I was happy
What was your favorite moment in making the music video?
From what I remember the 'band' shot was pretty rushed as we had a rehearsal that night for a gig the next day. We did a few takes filmed at Sidney & Matilda in Sheffield.
I probably enjoyed the scenic shots the most, they’re actually all little spots me and a handful of mates chill at some nights and especially did during the lockdowns! So I’ve got an affection for those specific little spots.
Megan and Dylan (video producers) were cool kids to be around too.
Have you noticed any particular interpretations or connections that listeners have made with this song?
He'll be sick of me mentioning it now but a mate of mine, Franny, mentioned that the song felt like it was made for a kinda self-realisation moment in a film and I think that's a great summarisation for the feel of it. I think it has a feel of it’s-time-for-something-to-happen kinda vibe, or maybe it’s time to make something happen! Most people just tell me they have it stuck in their head or find themselves humming it randomly… You’re welcome!
Your lyrics often tell stories. Can you talk about your approach to storytelling through music?
It depends on what you mean by stories? I tend to tell my own story, in a roundabout way. I’m not someone who’s writing objectively about things I see or made up characters or observations etc. and I’m definitely not trying to convey a ‘message’. For me, like I touched on it’s just a feeling inside, a vibe I carry. I’m someone who spends a lot of time in my own head, I’ve always been like that. It can be both good and bad. These days for me I’m in a place where that’s generally good!
What do you enjoy most about performing live and connecting with your audience?
The main thing I enjoy is the energy and it’s always best if it’s obvious people are enjoying it. It becomes a walk in the park at that point.
The older I’ve got the more I like performing live. The gigs I play aren’t as big (currently) or atmospheric as I used to do (in Kartica) but I definitely enjoy them just as much, if not more.
I used to be more self-conscious when I was first starting out. In fact, I’d walk on stage with a kind of confrontational mentality back then... It’s strange in a way cos I feel quite disconnected from those days now. Who I was and how I felt just in general was so different. I can remember them but it all seems very dreamlike. Nowadays I’m a lot more relaxed to the point where often I can spend a gig sorta observing people in the crowd. With that relaxation, it becomes easier to connect with an audience. I think that relaxation comes from lots of experience but also in the realisation that I see myself as a complete chancer in this singing lark. The idea that I could be seen as this serious singer is hilarious to me internally, but the most hilarious bit, is knowing I’m as good as any of them.