Mat Hook On the Making Of “Bleed Me Dry”
How does "Bleed Me Dry" reflect your musical journey and growth as an artist?
I dunno if it reflects any growth as such. It's just a vibe and an energy and it's the same vibe and energy I've been carrying and approaching songs with for years. Maybe it reflects a journey more, in life that is, it sorta has that feel to it, like it's going somewhere. It's definitely a car journey sorta song, open road, clouds on the horizon.. That kinda vibe.
Could you discuss the lyrical themes or messages conveyed in "Bleed Me Dry?"
It's just about self-realisation of your circumstances or environment sometimes.. and often that can be jarring or a bit of an emotive place to go. I'm the type of person where wherever I am, I always have this kinda nagging feeling, I should be somewhere else. Even when I'm doing exciting things... It's like I feel that there's somewhere far away out there for me, I'm a bit restless in that sense at times. I think 'Bleed Me Dry' kinda conveys that feeling.
How do you feel this song represents your artistic identity?
I don't know if it represents an artistic identity but it definitely represents a part of me, all my songs do, and that's what it's all about really.
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
Well for a start I'm not an overly talented muso type (as the lads that in the band who are delight in reminding me haha) but I just love music that puts you in a good place, whether that's energised or calm.. or whatever.
I became the singer of the best indie band you never heard of in 'Kartica' back in the day. I left as my life went seriously into free fall in pretty much every way you could imagine and to be honest I genuinely thought my performing/recording days were over... It was the lockdown that proved the catalyst for me. That time in general was a great time for helping me get direction in life again, so I take everything I'm doing now as a blessing.. and I'm back aiming for the stars and hopefully I'll hit the roof a few times.
Do you have any memorable on-stage moments or performances that stand out to you?
I've had loads to be fair, Kartica crowds grew pretty rowdy towards the end. I remember at a gig in Manchester dedicating 'Dare to Dream' to all the Real Madrid fans, after they'd just knocked Man Utd out of the Champions League one time. That went down well! haha. Apparently I said some stuff about Leeds in Leeds too but I can't remember. Jon McClure out of 'Reverend and The Makers' told me about a time I was on stage calling out all the local music cliques of the day, one time. Again, I can't remember it but he said his brother Chris tells the story to people. So I obviously enjoyed being a gobshite as and when.
These days I'm a lot more genial on stage and in general, so my memories are more of the nice moments. The first (acoustic) gig back I did after 7 years away, was a lovely night and one of the easiest gigs I've ever done. Also I remember fairly recently doing a gig in a pub local to me. It wasn't a proper setup or anything but it was rammed and it was a great atmosphere, by the end of it the crowd was proper with me. When it's like that, singing's the easiest thing in the world.
