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Marianas Trench have been killing it with their music releases, videos and touring since their formation in 2001. The Canadian band from Vancouver has had four full-length studio albums and toured the globe multiple times. There seems to be no sense of slowing down either, as they’re now gearing up for their biggest European tour to date, and we at United By Pop were lucky enough to sit down with band member Matthew Webb for a good old chat.
Hi guys! First off, can you explain where the name for the band came from?
I’ll be totally honest with you, all other band names were taken. We wanted U2, but sometimes Irish guys beat you to the punch, and you settle on naming yourself after an aquatic ditch.
You formed way back in 2001; what would you like to accomplish for your 20th anniversary?
Good health and happiness, to release a few more records, and to continue performing for wonderful, sizable crowds all over the world. Also, I hope to retain my hearing.
You’re touring the UK soon; have you ever been before?
Yup, and it was fuckin’ awesome.
What’s been the best crowd you’ve ever played for?
The most satisfying feeling for us as a band is to perform in a country where we have never been and pack a room full of people who are screaming loudly at our faces.
Thank you all just for being good people. We like that.
— Marianas Trench (@mtrench) April 15, 2017
You recently released the single ‘Who Do You Love’ and decided against doing a generic music video. What was the reasoning behind that?
We typically spend music video funds on helicopter overhead cams, fast cars, and explosions. This time, we didn’t. Because doing nice stuff for the people you love feels goooood.
Josh recently wrote for pop starlet Carly Rae Jepsen on her smash hit ‘Call Me Maybe’. What was that experience like?
I started seeing a lot more Porsches in the studio driveway, not sure if there is a connection.
Are there any artists you’d like to jump into the studio with that you haven’t already?
Sting, Max Martin and maybe Don Henley.
Your most recent album is heavily influenced by fantasy films; has that always been something you’ve been inspired by?
‘Astoria’ is heavily influenced by the sound of the 80’s, the music we grew up on. You’ll hear nods to some of our favourite artists of the time: Huey Lewis, Eurythmics, The Police, and many more.
Canadian acts are killing it at the moment, including Justin Bieber, Drake, and The Weeknd. Are there any Canadian artists you think are going to breakthrough in the next year?
Look for big things from our good friend Shawn Hook and label mates The Zolas.
My new single #RemindingMe featuring @VanessaHudgens is out NOW!
Download: https://t.co/twlAEKrsL1
Stream: https://t.co/7RoI7n9RzH pic.twitter.com/xqknrk9BQC— Shawn Hook (@ShawnHook) April 21, 2017
You’re nominated for a Juno award for your album ‘Astoria’. How does that feel?
It is always such an honour to be nominated for a Juno, or any award for that matter, especially by your peers. It’s the Canadian GRAMMY’s, so you know Brian Adams will be there. BA is so BA (bad ass).
Lastly, as a group what’s next for Marianas Trench?
BIG Europe tour on deck, summer festivals all over North America, then hopefully some Asia and Australia in the fall. Other than that, just shredding the ab-wheel to offset daily margarita consumption.
Tour dates for Marianas Trench European tour are listed below. All tickets can be found here.
May 1, 2017 – Bristol, UK – The Fleece
May 2, 2017 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute
May 4, 2017 – Liverpool, UK – O2 Academy 2
May 5, 2017 – Sheffield, UK – O2 Academy 2
May 6, 2017 – Edinburgh, UK – Liquid Room
May 8, 2017 – Newcastle, UK – O2 Academy 2
May 9, 2017 – Manchester, UK – Gorilla
May 11, 2017 – Portsmouth, UK – Wedgewood Rooms
May 12, 2017 – London, UK – Koko
May 13, 2017 – Brighton, UK – The Haunt
May 15, 2017 – Paris, FR – Les Étoiles
May 16, 2017 – Zürich, SUI – Dynamo
May 18, 2017 – Amsterdam, NL – Paradiso Noord
May 19, 2017 – Berlin, GER – Musik & Frieden
May 20, 2017 – Hamburg, GER – Indra
May 22, 2017 – Cologne, GER – Gebaude 9
May 23, 2017 – Antwerp, BE – Kavka
