After high school, Matt Myers didn’t really feel like going away to college, so he stayed in New Albany and went to Indiana University Southeast, across the river from Louisville. He didn’t feel like concentrating on anything, so he majored in general studies with a minor in philosophy. Six years later, when the time came to graduate, he thought a little about working in a coffee shop, but he never got around to finding a job. After one last winery gig, he traded in the acoustic duo he had with Katie Toupin and went electric with drummer Shane Cody, an old friend who’d moved back to town. Cody called up bassist Zak Appleby, and something almost clicked. All they needed was for Toupin to join them on organ, and halfway through a session with too many dogs barking in the background, Houndmouth was born. Recorded over five days in the high heat of the Hoosier summer, From The Hills Below The City (Rough Trade) feels like the second coming of the Band, mixing folk, country and rock into a whole that’s bigger than the sum of its parts, with each member writing songs, switching back and forth between instruments, and taking a turn on lead vocals. Houndmouth will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our new feature on the band.
Toupin: There are small joys to indulge in while being on tour. Though people-watching ranks high on my list, finding a pair of jeans that fit my figure takes the cake. This is something rare for me, even as an adult. As a child, shopping for pants was always a struggle. At 12, I was built like a newborn calf. Legs too long and skinny. Knobby knees. Hips in line with my waist. The year I developed hips was welcomed to say the least. But still, my measurements remain disproportionate. Last time I was in New York, I went to the Levi’s store. When I told the employee my measurements, he laughed. Granted I was at the end of a tour and my small bone structure was complimented by mild starvation brought on by stress. My disproportions were at their peek. Still, there were indeed two pairs in my size, and so it was, a good day for the small joys of tour.
Video after the jump.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0wE3H3WTBc
