Digest

This episode of Christa Makes a Podcast features a conversation with Matt Skiba, lead vocalist and guitarist for Alkaline Trio, about the writing, recording, and inspiration behind their fan-favorite single "Time to Waste." Chris and Matt discuss the song's origins, the creative process with producer Jerry Finn, and the various layers of instrumentation that contribute to its unique sound. They also delve into the personal meaning behind the lyrics, with Matt sharing insights into his struggles with addiction and the inspiration behind the line "hide the cutlery." The episode concludes with a discussion of Alkaline Trio's current tour and their upcoming European dates with Less Than Jake and the Descendents.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Guest Introduction

This Chapter introduces the episode and welcomes Matt Skiba, lead vocalist and guitarist for Alkaline Trio, as the guest. Chris expresses his admiration for Matt's career and the band's continued success.

00:00:19

The Making of "Time to Waste"

This Chapter dives into the creation of "Time to Waste." Chris and Matt discuss the song's origins, the creative process with producer Jerry Finn, and the various layers of instrumentation that contribute to its unique sound. They explore the piano hook, the use of octaves, and the influence of horror movie soundtracks on the song's atmosphere.

00:34:24

Lyric Analysis and Personal Meaning

This Chapter focuses on the lyrics of "Time to Waste." Chris and Matt discuss the meaning behind the lyrics, with Matt sharing insights into his struggles with addiction and the inspiration behind the line "hide the cutlery." They also explore the themes of self-destruction, societal judgment, and the search for salvation.

00:50:44

Live Performance and Fan Reaction

This Chapter discusses the live performance of "Time to Waste" and the fan reaction to the song. Matt shares his experience of playing the song live and the enthusiastic response from the audience. Chris expresses his appreciation for the song's enduring popularity.

00:52:58

Upcoming Tour and Alkaline Trio News

This Chapter focuses on Alkaline Trio's upcoming tour and their current projects. Matt discusses the band's European tour with Less Than Jake and the Descendents and shares his excitement for the upcoming shows.

00:53:51

Outro and Band Spotlight

This Chapter concludes the episode with a brief outro and a spotlight on the band Mean Mistreater, a heavy rock band from Austin, Texas. Chris shares his enthusiasm for the band's music and encourages listeners to check out their debut album "Razer Wire."

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the inspiration behind the line "hide the cutlery" in "Time to Waste?"

  Matt Skiba explains that the line "hide the cutlery" is a reference to his experience with LSD as a teenager. He would lock up sharp objects in his room when he was high on acid to prevent himself from sleepwalking and harming his family.

• How did the creative process for "Time to Waste" differ from Alkaline Trio's usual songwriting approach?

  Matt Skiba notes that "Time to Waste" took longer to write than many of their other songs. They realized it had potential to be an album opener and spent extra time developing it. This contrasts with some of their other hits, which were written quickly and spontaneously.

• What is the significance of the piano hook in "Time to Waste?"

  The piano hook is a key element of the song's sound and atmosphere. It is described as haunting and instantly grabs the listener's attention. The hook is also notable for its complexity, with Roger Manning, Jr. playing two piano parts simultaneously.

• How does the use of octaves contribute to the overall sound of "Time to Waste?"

  Matt Skiba explains that he uses octaves as a way to create suspense and build tension in the song. He notes that the octaves are more prominent in "Time to Waste" than in some of their earlier songs, where they were often used more subtly.

• What is the significance of the bridge in "Time to Waste?"

  The bridge is a brief but impactful section of the song that features a change in chord progression and a sense of hopefulness. Chris describes it as a "full band outburst" and notes that the change in chords creates a sense of uplift despite the song's dark subject matter.

• What is the fan reaction to "Time to Waste" on Alkaline Trio's current tour?

  Matt Skiba shares that "Time to Waste" is a fan favorite and is often played as the last song of their set. He describes the crowd reaction as amazing and notes that the song's simplicity and emotional depth continue to resonate with listeners.

• What is the significance of the arpeggiated synth in "Time to Waste?"

  The arpeggiated synth is a subtle but important element of the song's sound. It is barely audible but adds a sense of depth and movement to the music. Chris describes it as something that is felt more than heard, and notes that it helps to keep the song moving forward.

• What is the significance of the vocal harmonies in "Time to Waste?"

  The vocal harmonies are a key element of the song's sound and atmosphere. They are often used to create a sense of haunting and ethereal quality. Chris notes that the harmonies are particularly prominent in the chorus and that they add a layer of complexity and emotion to the song.

• What is the significance of the percussion in "Time to Waste?"

  The percussion is an important element of the song's driving rhythm. Chris notes that Derek Grant, Alkaline Trio's drummer, is also a skilled percussionist and that he likely played most of the percussion parts on the song. The percussion adds a sense of energy and urgency to the music.

Show Notes