Seven Hour Days is the shoegaze project from multi-instrumentalist, Steve Matzkov following on from noise projects "The High Impedance", "Dobson & Fitch" and "Matzal". Seven Hour Days sound can be described as Cocteau Twins and Lush influenced, swirling nostalgic blissful dream-pop, soothing and euphoric ethereality vocals against the urgency of the guitar distortion and hypnotic drum loops that strikes a fine balance of emotional intensity and melodic subtlety.
How did the band form and what does the band name mean?
The band formed after I played in a couple of experimental bands that disbanded. I still wanted to make music so I combined with what I'd learnt from this and what I'd recorded previously as a solo artist. The name Seven Hour Days is taken from the working hours I was currently doing everyday at the time.
Previous musical projects? How'd you first get into music?
Due to the sounds of what David Pearce of FSA and Windy & Carl were making and of course MBV's Loveless, I decided to experiment with effects pedals creating drones and noise under the name "The High Impedance" I then went on to play drums for "Matzal" and "Dobson & Fitch" which were both experimental drone / post rock type of bands.
First concert that you ever went to?
The Meanies from Melbourne Australia and Summersault Festival Perth 1996
What's your writing process like?
I usually start off with a drum pattern at a certain BPM which pops in to my head all of a sudden. I then follow that with a bass line, guitar drones, guitar melody, vocal melody and then finally the lyrics.
What's the live experience like and your philosophy on playing live? Do you think the music live should be identical to the recorded version or should it be it's own thing?
When people go to a live show some expect to hear exactly what's on the album which is usually not the case and are disappointed of what they've heard. I believe a live show should be a whole new experience for the listener as if you're almost listening to new music by their favourite artist.
Has the band toured? What has the touring experience been, best shows?
Seven Hour Days hasnt toured as such but I have played numerous shows in the above mentioned projects locally and a one off solo instrumental set in Japan a few years ago. I usually find the best shows is when the venue is packed and everyone's getting into it.
In your opinion, what are the essential qualities that make a “good songwriter”?
I believe a good songwriter writes something that can relate to someone that makes them say "yeah, that happened to me once, I thought it was just me"
What is the basis for writing attention-grabbing music in the year 2023?
Although it's getting harder to do now, I believe new music should be original or have something that stands out and captures the listener, a good hook if you will.
What has it been like working with an indie record label as opposed to working on your own?
When working with a label it makes you feel like your part of a family and like minded people.
Can you pinpoint some specific songs and songwriters that changed the way you write music?
Generally I like the way Jazz Fusion is written as the compositions are sporadic but at the same time make sense.
Do you find it hard to be inspired by artists that are younger than you, or are you motivated by their energy? Can you name any new artists you find inspiring?
Definitely motivated by their energy and consistency. The latest album by Nossiennes was inspiring, the album had everything going on from start to finish.
For your new album, what inspired the lyrical content, album title, and overall vibe?
Lyrical content is always about life experiences thats happened in the past, present or possibly future.
The vibe of the album is talking about these issues which some people may have probably been through topped off with a positive sound.
Do you find that you deliberate over writing songs and hold on to them for a long time before including them on a record? Or do you prefer to write them, release them, and be done with them? Do you ever re-visit old material to do a re-write or once it’s done it’s done?
The way social media is right now, new music is getting released non stop so i prefer to get my musc out there as soon as possible to basically keep up.
I'll listen to my old tracks sometimes when I get stuck writing new material, i'll either grab something that ive done before and perhaps change the sound or guitar bit.
Were there any lessons you learned in the writing and recording process for your current release that you will take with you into your next project?
As always when recording at home I try to get clearer recordings with what I have so I experiment with mic positioning, mixing and mastering techniques. I always learn something new for next time.
https://sevenhourdays.bandcamp.com/album/seven-hour-days