INTERVIEW: Matt Chila of Major League

How would you describe your music to those who have never listened to Major League before?
Catchy, upbeat and hard-hitting alternative rock.
The band has gone through a line-up change this year. How was it for Brian to move into the lead vocal position after Nick’s departure?
It didn’t take long for us to become comfortable as a four-piece. Brian’s really stepped up as a frontman and a singer and I think it really shows on this record.
Was there ever a thought that the band wouldn’t be able to continue without Nick?
Absolutely not.
You released your new album, There’s Nothing Wrong With Me, on November 4th. What can those who have yet to listen to it expect?
DON’T expect us to try and recreate Hard Feelings or try and sound like we did as a five-piece. We feel like a new band with this line-up and we pushed ourselves as musicians with this record. These songs are a bit slower, but that’s not to say they are powerless. I think these songs are some of the strongest we’ve ever written. Don’t get me wrong, we still have catchy choruses and guitar hooks, but it’s all way more rock driven.
How would you say it differs from your past releases?
Well, there’s a new voice on the record obviously, but I feel like each one of us really stands out and shines in our own way with this record. It’s a very raw-feeling [album], with no auto-tune or drum samples. What you hear is all real; we didn’t want to fake anything on this record.
What would you say if your personal favourite off the new record?
My personal favourite is “Bruiser”. It’s constantly upbeat and just drives from start to finish. Also, it’s some of my favourite leads that I play on the record.
You’re currently on the Honeymoon Tour with Mayday Parade, Tonight Alive and PVRIS. How’s it been so far?
Amazing; we couldn’t have asked for a better tour to release this album on. Every band is filled with great musicians and even better people. It feels like family.
How has the crowd response been when you’ve played the new songs?
I think a lot better than we expected. We came into this tour knowing that the crowds probably haven’t heard of us before, but I think we are doing a great job at winning them over. Every crowd has been a pleasure to play in front of, so I can only hope they all come out again when we pass through on future tours.
Do you have any plans for after the tour’s finished?
We have a few holiday shows coming up, but as far as 2014 goes we are pretty much done. We head back out again in January, so it won’t be that long a wait.
A lot of great albums and EPs have been released in 2014. Do you have any personal favourites?
Moose Blood’s I’ll Keep You In Mind, From Time to Time
Transit’s Joyride
Have Mercy’s A Place of Our Own
Taylor Swift’s 1989
Final Question: what’s your go-to karaoke song?
Any AC/DC song.
Major League’s new album, There’s Nothing Wrong With Me, is out now via No Sleep Records.
By Clare Fitzgerald
