Kill Hannah

House of Blues
Chicago, IL
April 25, 2004
 

Kill Hannah Singer to be Criminal

I met up with the illusive Mat Devine at the House of Blues in Chicago.  I chatted him up for a few minutes before Kill Hannah took the stage in a supporting role of the infamous His Infernal Majesty (better known as HIM).  Mat is timid and quiet, but most of all, he is mysterious.  Even as the interview ensued, I never felt like he let down his guard. Maybe it was the shear calm that made me nervous, I dunno.  He did have to good stuff to say.

XROXX: Your band has a unique image.  Do you think that works for or against you?
Mat: You just have to have a broad view of it.  Because, outside of the few times that people are put off by it, in general, you just have to do something to distinguish yourself.  Because, if I see one more band with tattoos, black t-shirts, and wallet chains, I am going to shoot myself.  I think that people need to take risks to be noticed.  I don't think our look is that unique.  It definitely does not warrant any hostility from people.

XROXX: How is the HIM tour going for you guys?
Mat: It's great.  We have a lot of crossover from our fans to their's.  We've followed HIM for the last four years, way before anyone in Chicago.  It's awesome for us to get the chance to be friends with them.  The crowds have been responding well.

XROXX: I know your van broke down a few weeks ago?  How do you deal with a setback like that?
Mat: Whenever our van breaks down it's a total bummer because it is a day spent on the phone and driving and taking cabs and tow trucks.  It's total bullshit and it drives you mad.  I can't do that anymore.  With us, it has been almost once a month that it happens.

XROXX: Do you have any awesome tour memories that make the whole thing worth it?
Mat: On tour?  We recently played Detroit to a club twenty times the size of anything we have ever played before.  And, everyone had their fists in the air while we were playing.  Instances like that make it all worth while.  You think for a second that you could actually do this for the rest of your life.

XROXX: Were you very involved in the recording process of For Never and Ever?
Mat: We were there for every minute of it.  But, our hands were not on the decks.  We were very very involved.  We spent like four months away from our friends in Chicago just to get it done.

XROXX: Who are some of your major influences?
Mat: The Cure, The Smiths, REM, Siouxie and the Banshees.

XROXX: What would you be doing if you weren't in Kill Hannah?
Mat: I'd be a criminal. 

I had a good time for the few minutes I was with Mat.  After eight years, they were there in Chicago and it was awesome for them to be home.  Thanks Atlantic Records for letting us get a glimpse inside Kill Hannah.

Jayne*Star
jayne.star@XROXX.com