The Active Set Interview

The Active Set is an Indie/Alternative band based out of Los Angeles. The band was formed by lead singer, Matthew Stolarz back in 2007. They've released a ton of music throughout the years, the most recent being their 'Everything Changes EP', which was released in 2016. Although it's been a couple of years since the band has released any music, Stolarz revealed that the band is set to release new music very soon. It was originally due to be released this year, but has been pushed back several times due to travel. Stolarz insists that the band has been incredibly active throughout the past two years, even when they weren't creating music, but hitting an all time low in terms of shows in 2017, revealing that the band has already played more shows in 2018 than they played throughout the entirety of 2017.

It's clear that the band is setting a tone for 2019, and we can't wait to see what they come up with on their next album.

Below is a briefed transcript from our exclusive interview with Matthew Stolarz:

Q: So, you guys have actually been around for a significant amount of time. Much longer than anyone we've interviewed before. You’ve created a fair share of music and have gained around 7k on instagram, as well as 152 monthly listeners on Spotify. How does it feel to still be seeing growth after roughly eleven years?

A: The band started pre-social media. We’ve seen that era explode. Bands that are starting now, base their lively-hood after it. It only really became a focus a couple years ago. I always think about how bands before I was born did business. How did people do any business?

Q: Over the years have you ever lost any members?

A: Yeah, we’ve gone through a couple line up changes. When I first put the band together, it was

me just putting it together. A couple people helped out. This version of the band is a little different, but it's a good different.

Q: The last piece of music you officially released was in 2016, are you guys working on anything new that the fans can get excited for?

A: We’re working on an album. We originally planned to release it this year, but we’ve had to push it due to travel. We’ve been refining and making changes. Another thing that’s changed a lot is that I used to be like, “Okay, we wrote these songs, so this is what we're releasing". Now, we're really focusing on refining everything and making sure that we're putting something out that we're really proud of. I'd definitely say that this next album is our most refined.

Q: What inspired your name?

A: The word “Active”. I’m obsessed with energy. The common denominator of music that I like is that it has some type of energy with it.

Q: Where is your band based?

A: Los Angeles

Q: How many gigs have you done?

A: HUNDREDS. Last year was a sad low for us. We did a lot of strange dark acoustic gigs.

Q: Do you have an end goal with The Active Set? Is it a side gig or do you plan on taking it all of the way?

A: I mean, with any band. Especially bands within LA. You need to dream, but also be a little realistic. Part of it is dream big and go for what you're going for so you don’t end up being the forty year old working at Guitar Center who’s neglected the rest of his life but is still chasing the dream. For right now, the goal is to be playing some bigger festivals and what not. Q: Where do you find inspiration for your music/how did you discover your sound?

A: Ohh, that’s actually a really good question. It was actually really inspired by 70’s new wave british music. More playful, like the Buzzcocks. Like a punk band that has a sense of humor, but also have the moodiness. I've also found a lot of inspiration in 'The Strokes'. Not even in their sound. They just really made me realize that this is what I wanted to do and that if I was going to start a band, I couldn't wait around to do it. I remember hearing them on the radio and I was just like, “This is so cool”. Then, I went out and purchased their album. I was just driving around one day and listening to their album and I was just like, “This is it, I need to do it”.

And there you have it. Our interview with The Active Set. Stay tuned for their upcoming album as well as more articles and interviews from us!!

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By: Alexis Lightle