Interview with Mat McHugh

Mat. McHugh has been performing for years in the Australian music scene as the frontman from roots/folk/rock band The Beautiful Girls. He has just released a new album under his own name which explores a more personal side to his music while also showcasing his talents as a singer and songwriter. We were fortunate enough to have a chat with Mat about his latest project.

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Q1. Love Come Save Me is your new album. Could you share the significance of the title for us?

Mat: I think the most important thing in the whole world is love. Not necessarily in the romantic sense but in the sense that it generates compassion and empathy for your fellow humans. Love promotes being selfless and I think that very notion could save us all.

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Q2. A fortune-teller in India prophecised that you would make your ‘most important creative work’ in 2012. Was there a bit of pressure to deliver on that prophecy for you?

Mat: A little bit, I thought for a long time what it might mean. Once I removed any sense of traditional ‘achievement’ criteria such as musical performance, quality of song, record sales etc it became easier. I figured out nothing could be more important than promoting love and sharing.

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Q3. You have been incredibly generous offering the album as a free download. Do you think that your music has been exposed to a wider audience this way? What was the motivation?

Mat: Definitely it has. My only motivation was to share and have people step away from the capitalist mindset for a second and just share music. I like the idea of people being able to give through sharing.

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Q4. Do you have any favourite songs on the new record?

Mat: Breaking Your Fall is my favourite song I’ve written up to this point.

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Q5. What’s in store for The Beautiful Girls?

Mat: Maybe something, maybe nothing. All it is, is a name. I love the guys and will always play music with them in some form but I’m not sure I will release another album called ‘The Beautiful Girls’ again. Until I can see a point, at least.

Q6. What 5 artists have you been listening to lately?

Mat: Dylan (always), Chief Keef, Danny Brown, Clams Casino, Giraffe Aftermath

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A big thank you to Mat for having a chat with us. You can download his new album Love Come Save Me for free. You can also catch him on tour around the east coast of Australia. Dates below.

April 27 - Belford, NSW: The Gum Ball Buy tickets

May 19 - Cairns, QLD: Tanks Arts Center Buy tickets

June 1 - Surrey Hills, NSW: The Standard Buy tickets

June 7 - Melbourne, VIC: Corner Hotel Buy tickets

June 8 - Adelaide, SA: Jive Buy tickets