Matt Pond and Chris Hansen Talk Dreams on New Radio Show
Matt Pond and Chris Hansen are better known to the world as Matt Pond PA, but they are no one trick pony. Recently the group have released their captivating radio show, “In Dreams,” which airs live from Kingston, New York (WKNY), on Sunday evenings. Taking their songwriting skills and intertwining them with listener’s dreams and visions, the result is a brilliant look that brings their voice to life. Stepping back from the solid core of the band for a while, the duo enchant with a dreamy show that will have you eager to tune in every week. What will they come up next? Are ears are perked and attentive. We had the pleasure of catching up with Matt and Chris as they give us the behind the scenes look into the show.
Tune in, here: https://radiokingston.org/en/archive/filter/in-dreams
What was the ultimate inspiration for the “In Dreams” radio show?
I guess it was a collision of several lingering and sudden thoughts at once.
We’ve included speaking in our music since the beginning. The reflection and honesty in those pieces has always stuck with me, rattling around the back of my brains.
In this day and age, we have fully succumbed to broadcasting and consuming over the internet. With opinions, with words — truth and beauty are becoming secondary to ego and like.
I wanted to take a non-dogmatic approach to thinking and listening. I am trying to to find the non-denominational good in myself, the good in everyone. The craziest part is that music crosses gender, race and socio-economic standing. So without shouting from the mountaintop, diversity and respect are built in.
Also, the song Losing Haringey by The Clientele. It’s so simple and heavy and beautiful.
In the digital age, what drew you more to air the show mainly on old-school radio? AM as well…
I love radio. Even until our last tour, I would scan the dial for random, strange shows. Someone out there transmitting Cocteau Twins in the middle of the night. Afternoons with awkward college hosts who can actually weave magic with their playlists.
As much as I’ve begun to accept and believe in streaming, there’s too much control and too many algorithms controlling us.
My only true spiritual belief is that life is a search. Finding music is the greatest, simple thrill of my existence.
Stepping away from music as Matt Pond PA, what factors went into the decision?
I grew tired of being the boss, tired of seeing my name on everything we make.
I’ve had enough of getting the credit and the blame.
I want to collaborate from now on. I want to split both the glory and the cost of gas.
More than anything, I said what I wanted to say from that perspective. MPPA, It was supposed to be a series of juxtapositions — nature vs. city, youth to now, me to you. It have closed the portal and now look to find rebellious, jubilant release from our internet overlords.
Each show you focus on different listeners’ dreams. What is the process like from start to finish as they submit and then collaborate?
We’re just beginning to have a “process”.
We come up with a vague theme and then pursue the theme with streams of consciousness with friends and strangers. We listen to music while we assemble the words, each piece of the puzzle informing the next, thoughts leading to harmony, harmony to thoughts.
Honestly, it’s really too hazy to pretend like we know exactly what we’re doing. For now, we love doing it. So that’s the fuel for the process, wherever it takes us.
Working on the show alongside longtime musical companion, Chris Hansen, how does your dynamic work within the new show?
We probably argue too much about films. We can bullshit for hours in between guitar solos.
Since we’re equals now, I no longer wear a captain’s hat. We are often blissfully adrift in our music-making.
I don’t know what he thinks about me, we’ve never exchanged vows. But Chris is a genius and an amazing musician. I’m lucky to know him.
Was hosting a radio show something that has always interested you?
Funny. Being a radio show host never interested me. Being a musician never interested me.
Simply, I want to make something good in my life. Or something good out of my life. I don’t need to be rich, I don’t need to be famous. But I would like to make a difference, in ways that matter and mean something — to me, to anyone willing to listen.
What are some of your favorite songs about dreams?
Let us begin with In Dreams by Roy Orbison, finding that haunting song through David Lynch’s lens.
To be frank, all the music I love has a dream-like quality. Even Danzig.
The freedom and sexuality of When Doves Cry. The lifting majesty of death in All Things Must Pass.
I used to hide my Joni Mitchell albums from my redneck friends back in New Hampshire. I would listen to Blue late at night and drink stolen beer by myself. That dream doesn’t die.