LUCID FORGE

Since 1981 54’40 has been one of Canada’s modern rock enthusiasts. They have paved the way and kept it going. They live the life and make a living out of it, which takes time, effort and in the beginning a lot of money and hardships, but they did it and should be proud. With radio hits such as Baby Ra and One Day in Your Life 54’40 certainly knows how to attract an audience and keep them on their toes. Now with members Neil Osborne, Matt Johnson, Brad Merritt, and Dave Genn having been together for 4 years, and having put a new album together the same year Genn was made an official member, 54’40 is on tour again to strut their stuff and this Lucid writer had a opportunity she couldn’t possibly pass up.

Since life on the road can be troublesome and they have been together for a long time, this opportunity posed to be fun to get into the heads of these rockers at heart. I had the chance to interview Matt Johnson the esteemed drummer and here is a transcript of our conversation:

 

Lucid Forge: So since 1981 54'40 has been around, have transitions in members been a tough go?

Matt Johnson: Fortunately the transitions have been smooth. The band has always put a high value on character as well as musicianship. Personality clashes between band members are usually the main reason bands break up or lose personnel.  
We find it important that new members are not that bright and have low self esteem…this ensures that they have small egos, thus we can have complete control over their stinking useless lives...of course I was a new member once....mmmm.....?!

LF: How does family life play into the rock and roll lifestyles?

MJ: Our families pay double to come to our shows and if they get backstage they are not allowed to drink our beer unless we give them written permission several weeks before hand (just joking....kind of…). Actually, on our new record Neil's daughter Coral sings on a few tracks.

LF: Has there ever been any moments where you have not got along with each other? MJ: Of course, but never to point of it threatening the bands line up.Our disagreements are usually very civilized and boring...and I’m always right. LF: Are there any moments that are completely unforgettable that you have experienced? MJ: Many, as we have been a band for over 20 years . Opening up for The Rolling Stones would have to be a recent highlight for sure. LF: What do you love about music? MJ: It's pretty obvious…Sex, drugs and doing your laundry when you're on tour.

LF: How do you feel Canadian rock differs from American?

MJ: I think Canadian music is less in your face than our American counterparts…maybe it’s because of the sheer size of the U.S. market and its competitiveness. It requires an American artist to be less subtle in their approach as to ensure getting some attention from press and fans.    

LF: Do you find it tough living the life of rock and roll?

MJ: No, not at all. Our touring schedule is not like it was 10 years ago. We try and make life on the road easy and enjoyable.

LF: What are the hard times and what are the easy times?

MJ: Being in a band is always difficult. The music biz is very competitive and forever changing, so not only are we trying to deliver the best art we can, we are always looking at new ways in keeping our fan base happy and interested as well as expanding on ways we can connect with new fans. This is a non stop process which has become very challenging over the last few years with the huge changes that have gone on in the music industry.

LF: Do you feel being popular is easy or more difficult? MJ: Being popular always makes it easier...Doors are opened to you that might never have been there otherwise. LF: What do you enjoy better, smaller venues or larger ones? MJ: Both are fun and have their different challenges. LF: What is your personal favourite album and why? MJ: I don't have one...I listened to a variety of artists....lately I’ve been enjoying listening to early Elton John, and the latest Datarock. LF: How do you write music?  Is it random or do you always sit down with the band? MJ: It's usually done with the band all together. Jamming ideas have been a successful way for us to write songs.

LF: Is there anything in the music that's specifically notable? What's it all about?

MJ: No nothing notable specifically. It is all about connecting with the listener that can be through the lyrics, the beat or the melody. Usually it’s a combination of the three.

LF: Are you going to retire or is this a lifelong thing?

MJ: Yes...and yes.