You know Eric Matthews from his work with Cardinal and his solo records but now he has a new project. One called Seinking Ships with his friend Christopher Seink. I found the new record intriguing and a great listen and wanted to find out more about it.....

How did the project come about ? Had you known Christopher previously?
Seinking Ships started as an extension of having been hired to produce Christopher’s solo record project. That went so well and I had contributed so much that I suggested that he and I band together and make a proper record.

Christopher and I didn’t know each other. He approached me as a fan of my records and we just got to talking. He sent me some music of his that I loved. He was a young guy (to me) and yet his music seemed really informed by the stuff I loved from my teen years, the UK new wave bands with big guitars with lots of effects and synths.

Was the collaboration all through the mail? Have you ever met him?
The album was made totally remote control. We have never been in the same room.

Welcome to the 21st century.

Were the songs already written and did he ask you to add your magic to it?
Christopher would hand me the songs started, usually on synths with some guitars coming in and out of the mix. Sometimes they would just be ideas that I would cut up and add to make a complete song form. From there, yes, I did my magic with that big list of instruments I like to play.

How did Miki Berenyi come to sing on it? Did you have her vocals in mind?
We made a short list of lady singers that we liked. At the top of voices we thought would be cool was Miki. I didn’t know her but we had some mutual friends. I contacted my friend Simon Raymonde from The Cocteau Twins. I thought he might know how to contact her. He didn’t. Few people do. Turns out, Miki is more or less retired, which in retrospect makes it pretty hard to believe we got her into the studio.

Simon called Emma for me and Emma passed along my info to Miki. In a few days, Miki and I were chatting online. Thanks to the power of the mid-90’s WEA machine Miki knew who I was and my records. She was flattered I wanted to write for her so she agreed. I quickly wrote all the vocal bits and lyrics specific to what I believed was her vocal range. She now says some of the stuff was right at the top of her comfort level. But she did a great job.

Wasn't it supposed to come out on Wishingtree Records a few years ago? How did it end up on S-Curve?
Wishing Tree did have plans for it but they went out of business. S-Curve came on board when my manager Jason Reynolds heard that they were looking for a few artists

to fill some open roster spots for the rest of 2010. The one condition was that the records have to be finished and ready in a matter of weeks, artwork, everything. So, it ended up a marathon for Christopher and I, coordinating all the finishing touches. I even had to master the record myself – with some tutorial help from Tony Lash and Larry Lachmann.

Will you and Christopher be working again in the future?
I hope so. I love working on his ideas. It’s a good mix. We have to see how this one goes sales wise, and if we get some proper placements going in Hollywood. If any of that shit goes well we will of course try and keep this cow milking. It’s all about milk.

Any live shows planned?
That was a cute question Tim.

The record is more chill than your solo records. Did you like recording in this style?
I don’t know what “more chill” means. My solo records are pretty calming in general, I think… As for recording style, it’s the same process really I always use. I think it’s that the songs are largely instrumental that you are being thrown a bit. And it’s not all me. Christopher starts the songs so my job is to expand upon and preserve the moods that he sets at the start. It’s a good project for me.

What is next for your solo career, Eric?
I have an album done, just mastered yesterday called Too Much World. I hope to have it out by the end of the year. No label yet but I am getting a stack to my manager next week.

Who are some of your favorite current artists?
This is easy: The Divine Comedy, Jason Falkner, Spookey Ruben. I don’t like any of the newer bands. I mostly listen to orchestral music if I am telling the truth.

Anything I forgot to ask that you want to mention?
Well, I love you Tim but really, I can still kick your ass at horse.

Oh – yeah, I have a musical debuting in NYC in December this year. It’s a big deal for me. A producer approached me with the idea of an all-Eric Matthews review of songs along side a presentation of dance and acting and storytelling. Who knew I would be “off Broadway” before the age of 42? Not me. But it’s a good place to me. I am considering writing an opera. I have started also on a chamber music path. I might be 10 years away from Symphony Hall in San Francisco. I always loved Davies Hall.