Music Spotlight: Close Talker

Indie-rock trio Close Talker recently dropped their first track of the year Half Past Nine, and we’re in love with their chill sound + emotive vocals. The band, composed Will Quiring, Matthew Kopperud + Chris Morien, has a new album up their sleeves, and if it’s anything like this latest track, we already know we’ll have it on repeat. We got to know the band + chatted with matt all about the new track.

Asymmetric Magazine: Congrats on your recent release! Can you tell us about Half Past Nine and what it means to you?
Matthew Kopperud: The song is about a moment we all shared watching our friend perform at a music festival and how rare it is to recognize something special when it is happening right then and there. Usually it takes hindsight to help realize the significance of a moment, but in this case, we all felt it. The song is about trying to cling to that moment, because you know in some way or another, it is fleeting.

[it’s] about how rare it is to recognize something special when it is happening right then and there. Usually it takes hindsight to help realize the significance of a moment, but in this case, we all felt it.

AM: How does it compare to your previous work?
MK: This song is and our new songs are definitely more growers not showers. By that, I mean they have a quiet confidence and simple presentation. We tried to really protect the song and the simplicity of both the music and the lyrics.

AM: We love the single artwork! How do you think it parallels your sound?
MK: Thanks. We love it, too. I am not totally sure how it parallels our sound. I wish I had a deep, meaningful answer, but we gave our artist Corey Meyers full reign, and we were really happy with the results.

AM: For first time listeners, how do you like to describe your sound?
MK: We're alternative indie rock—whatever that means. It is definitely melodic and pleasant sounding but still indie rock and hopefully just left-brain enough to be intriguing.

AM: Are there any consistent themes you typically pursue through your music?
MK: We typically write from experience, and our records seem to have a time capsule aspect to them and shed light into where we're at for that particular season. We write about change a lot and how we all adapt and work through shifting social climates.

AM: What other musicians are you currently listening to?
MK: Lambchop's new record is amazing—a lot of depth in the production and some pretty wild effects. Gregory Alan Isakov was recommended to me by a friend of ours via our band's Anti Playlist, this project we have where we feature albums front to back, and try to push back on the singles market we find ourselves in. I've been really enjoying the record Evening Machines.

AM: What can we expect to hear from you next?
MK: We have a record coming out soon. I can't elaborate just yet, but we're really excited about it. We also have made some pretty strange music videos that we're excited to share with the world, as well. Lots in the pipeline.

// listen to Half Past Nine:

// photos courtesy of the band
// Listen to more Close Talker on Spotify.