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1.) We’re very excited to be speaking today with alternative pop-rock band extraordinaire
Phatt James; greetings and salutations gang and welcome to Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, could you all say ‘hi’ and introduce yourselves to our ever-inquisitive reading audience?
Hi!! Thank you for having us!! I am Matt James, lead guitarist and singer for our band.
Hey! I’m Matt Christoforo and I’m the bassist.
WOOO WHATS GOING ON?! I’m Chris Wilson and I play drums!
2.) Major kudos and accolades on the freshly-minted new single Quick to Notice and its
companion music video! Matt J., can you talk about what inspired this gem of a ditty?
Ahh this song came about in one of my favorite ways. One of those times where you pick up your instrument and the first thing out of your fingertips is a new song like it’s been there the whole time. The entire song wasn’t written that way; some revisions were made, but as a whole there it was and it was because of the environment. I was living with five of my best friends after college and had been through a change in perception of the direction I should take going forward before I moved in with all of these creative artists. I made some decisions that I felt a deep regret for, but living with these other creatives really brought me to focus on my craft and move forward. One night, as I headed up to my room, I picked up my guitar and played that main rhythm to “Quick to Notice.” I jumped up and showed my buddy Andrew as he walked up the stairs to check on the upstairs squad. Playing my acoustic with no strap and standing in the hallway, I was hyped. We soon after recorded a soundcloud version with him on melodica! This song is about staying in the moment and using that momentum, just how it was made.
3.) Chris, the companion music video for Quick to Notice reads like a true love letter to the Red Hot Chili Peppers and their music video for the classic gem Scar Tissue! Can you talk about what the Peppers influence has been on Phatt James?
I would have to say that the Chili Peppers had a huge influence on all of us individually, but I’d say the most on Matty J! John Frusciante is one of Matt’s favorite guitarists and I truly see a lot of Frusciante in Matt’s playing style! As for me personally, I’ve always had a major appreciation for Chad Smith’s energy behind the kit, always looking like he’s having the best time! I think I emulate that pretty well myself.
4.) Matt j , who did the producing honors on Quick to Notice and what did the in-studio
collaboration between band and producer look like while fashioning and shaping the new track?
I would say Trevor Buckingham stood at the helm of most all of the producing. He was not present for most of the recording unfortunately, but he would give us input on recording more or less as we sent him the tracks. I remember the vocals of this song being a point of needed collaboration between Trevor and I because with so many vocal tracks, we had to line them up in a way that benefited the song. On the breakdown of the drums I know Chris had some effects that he wanted, which also required similar collaboration. Largely, this song is a culmination of an idea over time. The song was written a few years ago with a good friend and has been worked over by the band, which is great for a song because it naturally becomes what it will be. This helped us a lot in the production of the song.
5.) Matt J., in your humble opinion what differentiates Quick to Notice from the Distinguished Competition on the 2024 music scene?
I’ve honestly never viewed it as a competition except for within myself to write the best song I can. I think “Quick to Notice” specifically is different from what is out there because everyone is different and nobody can write a song like the next person. This is as long as they tap in and just let loose with their songwriting, of course.
6.) Chris, what does the touring/performing dance card look like in the coming weeks and months for Phatt James?
As of right now, the next show we have coming up is February 7th at Cafe Nine in New Haven! We are playing with some amazing local bands and we are really looking forward to getting back out there after the holidays! Currently we are hitting the studio incredibly hard to put out some new music soon! 2025 will be an exciting year for us. I can feel it!
7.) Matt C., we touched a few questions back upon the Red Hot Chili Peppers and their
influence on the brand-spankin’ new Phatt James music video for Quick to Notice. Other than the Peppers, who else has musically inspired the band?
Another huge influence on us is Incubus. We all come from different backgrounds musically in terms of what we listen to, but we all meet in the middle with Incubus. They have such a wide range as a band and I think that’s something we aspire to emulate in our music.
8.) Matt J., can you give fans and readers a hint or three as to what they can expect from
Phatt James in 2025 as far as music goes? Might an EP or LP release be in the bands near future?
Thank you for this question. I’m looking forward to releasing some new music with the boys. We have been writing. We have old and new stuff that needs to see some light for sure. Up next though, we are going to release a song called “Step Taken.”
9.) Chris, Phatt James hails from the beautiful state of Connecticut! How do those specific roots and stomping grounds inform the sound and energy of the music which you create?
I love the fact that all of us hail from Connecticut. I think there’s an energy that comes from Connecticut that’s in our blood! I love that three guys from Connecticut with all different musical influences growing up got together and built a bond that will last a lifetime! We just get in a room together and musical magic happens!
10.) Matt C., any final thoughts you might like to share regarding Quick to Notice and its
incredible new companion music video?
“Quick to Notice” has always been one of my favorite songs of ours. I was really happy to watch the song form into what it is now through the recording process and I’m thrilled with how it came out. As far as the video goes I think a chill song deserves a chill video and cruising around the beach with your friends in an old convertible is about as chill as it gets!
