The founding members of Murder FM came together in story what could have been taken from a rock ‘n’ roll book of fairytales: Vocalist/guitarist Norman Matthew (Never 3nough, Lylah) and bassist J6 share the stage at a Psycho Plague reunion show in McAllen. Five months later, they’re in LA working on their debut album with a completed lineup.
Matthew, J6, drummer Tim Mowry and guitarist/backing vocalist Matt Xero (Chaos Follows Order) take inspiration from a spectrum of influences that spans the likes of KISS to Metallica to Buddy Rich, Motley Crue and Depeche Mode to make what is currently being laid down on “Anthems for the Used,” slated for release later this year. Having already played with The Used and Saosin, Murder FM will make their rounds at Texas venues later this month, opening shows for Dope and Korn before a stop at Smokin’ Aces on April 26.
How did Murder FM form?
Norman Matthew: I was writing a lot for the next Never 3nough record and writing a couple tracks for platinum producer Beau Hill (of Ratt, Warrant, and Alice Cooper fame) and in the process, I realized I needed to get this music out. I had a done a Psycho Plague reunion show in September [2008] with J6 and Bones from Julien-K, and J6 and I immediately had the spark. Thus, Murder FM was born.
When it comes to writing or performing, what is it about the dynamics within the band that work? Tim: Above all, our friendship. You can’t buy or manufacture that. We are about as real as it comes.
Is working together usually smooth or is there a lot of back and forth between members?
Norman Matthew: Very smooth. We have a mutual respect for one another and the visions for the band. It’s not about the individuals; it’s about the whole.
J6: It’s been really cool working with these cats. Bros ‘til the end of time, no matter how tough.
What are the members’ individual influences?
Tim : Vinnie Paul, Buddy Rich Matt: Metallica, Yngwie Malmsteen
Norman Matthew: Kiss, The Cure, Motley Crue, Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode
J6 : NIKKI FUKKIN SIXX!
What inspired “One Step Closer”? Norman Matthew: The one sided relationships we have all been in at one time or another. That feeling of just being one step closer to being pushed away from that person’s life and your part in that relationship. It’s something we can all relate to.
Do you ever feel exposed writing such personal lyrics?
Norman Matthew: That’s the key to connection. You need to expose yourself. People may not have the same perspective that I do, but I may be saying something someone can relate to, so you have to lay your heart on the line if you want people to connect to it.
How would you describe the experience of being on the road to someone who’s never lived it?
Tim: Bring a toothbrush, a towel and throw hygiene out the window.
J6: Being away from loved ones to do what we do is hard, but all the hard work pays off when someone comes up to us and says, “I fuckin’ love your music.”
Are you fans of the bands that you’ve toured with? Tim: Depends on the attitudes.
Norman Matthew: When you spend time on the road, the people on tour with you become the fabric of your everyday for a point in time, so you learn to love and hate, but it’s a point in time that cannot be erased, and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.
What have been some of your favorite moments on tour, on stage, or in the band in general?
J6: Everything! Matt: Chillin’, being bros, seeing the world one day at a time.
The band has said before that they don’t care about being trendy. Do you feel like bands who don’t have a defined “look” can succeed in an industry that is notorious for being about image? Norman Matthew: The thing is, you can’t plan it…it’s a lifestyle. You have to take your art and craft seriously, but you need to live it. You can’t just do it for the moment it’s happening, people see through that. The music MUST come first, though.
Tim: It’s all about the songs.
Do you think you’ve had to sacrifice anything personally or as a group to reach your goals?
Tim: More than most would ever think.
Norman Matthew: Defiantly. I never see my friends of family. I have no social skills and I miss out on all the cool movies, haha! But there’s a trade off. I’m doing what I love, I live the dream, and every day I grow as a human.
Looking back at the beginnings of Murder FM and your careers as musicians, how do you feel about where you are right now?
Tim: Pretty fuckin’ good!
Matt: So amazing. I can’t believe how people are soaking us up. It’s a great a feeling
Where do you see Murder FM a year from now?
Tim: At the Grammys.
Matt: Sitting next to Tim on my left and J6 on my right.
J6: The same as I see us now: working hard and doing what we do.
Norman Matthew: In a bus in the middle of nowhere plotting world domination with Stewie from Family Guy!
At the end of the day, what is it that Murder FM wants to create?
J6: We want to Murder F**k Music!
Norman Matthew: We want to leave our mark on the world. I want to kill the stereotype of the typical “rockstar.” I don’t drink, smoke or do any drugs, and I’m just as lethal, if not more lethal onstage. I want the integrity of the art to remain intact for all the right reasons.
