With help from their manager, Melissa Garden, who they met in February of 2003, the band sent out a bunch of CDs, trying to solicit some type of label interest. Luckily for them, salvation and confidence came from two of the industry's most respected artists: Steve Kravac and Greg Hetson (Bad Religion). After sending in a handful of demos to Greg and Steve's fledgling label Porterhouse, the band began a long distance relationship that eventually culminated in their first self-titled release.
Working with mostly Steve in Porterhouse's Los Angeles studio, the band and their oft-times taskmaster producer created a gem of memorable and timeless songs. Of the experience, bassist Matt Lang says, "There was definitely an age difference. Steve has a reputation and I heard a lot of horror stories about bands that have worked with him, but it was awesome for us. It actually went pretty smooth; we didn't spend days and days working on parts, so it was relaxed and straightforward. We did the majority of preproduction for 2 or 3 days and worked on some arrangements and smoothed out a couple of things."
He adds, "It was our first recording experience in a studio setting. Next time around, I'd definitely like to keep a lot of the little noises and such because that's why I like rock and roll and earlier stuff. It has a lot of the character. I wish we would have left some of that stuff in there because those are some of my favorite things about bands like At the Drive In, The Blood Brothers and Coheed and Cambria."
Matt began playing music at age 12, though he had always been a fan and a big collector of records. He was in his first band at 12 and was also involved in the high school marching band, playing Saxophone and percussion. "I picked up a really good work ethic by doing marching band," he states matter-of-factly, "and I learned a lot about placement and timing and that every single person is important to the group. I learned how to focus on parts and how to make them perfect and also taking pride in what you do."
Many things have changed in the past several years for Matt and Andy. When they were getting ready for their first national tour, both Justin and Joey backed out and quit the band. Luckily, the two of them found Rob Barnes and Brian Penick to replace the loss of their drummer and guitarist. With that kind of intense lineup change in the midst of a media buzz, it could've broken apart any band. That wasn't the case with Lightweight Holiday.
"It almost feels totally different. With the writing, now everyone brings their parts to the table, the majority of the parts are written by all of us. Its pretty much equal opportunity. Everyone's opinion counts for each person's part. It also makes for a way better environment, and that has something to do with the new additions. We're writing more intricate parts and creating catchier melodies and not just throwing down power chords. We're trying to create ear candy."
As far as plans go for the next Lightweight record are concerned, Matt says they are contemplating doing a concept album, "but we aren't sure yet."
Lightweight Holiday will be playing rthe 10th annual Warped Tour on the Uproar Stage, and if you do yourself any favors this summer, it would be a good idea to see them live.
--Stolen From: http://www.themusicedge.com/moxie/news/featartist/lightweight-holiday-matt-.shtml
Keep On
Lightweight Holiday Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Keep on keepin' on, let it have fun
If it should stop, we'll take it from the top again
We'll hit the floor, you've heard the rest before my friend
Chorus:
I'll take your word
You've fallen for him
And oh by the way
What would you say
To you bein' mine someday
I'll drive for hours to your house
I know your inside thinking of me
For hours away
[Chorus]
I wrote this song to communicate
When your locked in the trunk with your mouth taped shut
You're making it hard
To scream
You're making it hard
To leave
What would you say
What would you say
[Chorus x2]
The song "Keep On" by Lightweight Holiday is an upbeat and catchy tune that speaks about not giving up on something that brings joy and happiness. The singer urges the listener to keep on going and not let the glow of the moment fade away, and if it does, to start anew. The chorus of the song talks about the singer acknowledging that the person he is interested in has fallen for someone else, and how it was selfish of him to want her to be his. However, he still wants to know if there could be any chance for them in the future, subtly expressing his admiration for her.
The second verse of the song takes a dark and unexpected turn where the singer talks about writing the song to communicate when trapped in a situation where he is bound and can't speak. He conveys how the experience makes it challenging to scream or even leave, hinting at a painful and traumatic event that he could not escape. Overall, the lyrics of the song keep to the theme of hope and persistence, touching on a few different topics but still managing to keep a cohesive tone throughout.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't stop, don't let it fade away
Keep pursuing and nurturing what you have without letting it diminish
Keep on keepin' on, let it have fun
Persist in what you're doing and let it enjoy itself
If it should stop, we'll take it from the top again
If it ends, we'll restart and get back to the beginning again
We'll hit the floor, you've heard the rest before my friend
We'll carry on and move forward despite any obstacles that may arise
I'll take your word
I believe what you say
You've fallen for him
You have developed romantic feelings for someone else
(I guess that was selfish of me)
I acknowledge that my actions may have been self-centered or self-serving
And oh by the way
By the way, let me tell you something else
What would you say
How would you respond
To you bein' mine someday
If we were to be together romantically at some point in the future
I'll drive for hours to your house
I'm willing to go to great lengths to be with you
I know your inside thinking of me
I'm certain that you are thinking about me internally
For hours away
Even if I have to travel for hours to get to you
I wrote this song to communicate
My intention with this song is to convey a message
When your locked in the trunk with your mouth taped shut
In instances when you are trapped or feel muted in life
You're making it hard
It's difficult to move past this way of being or thinking
To scream
To express oneself loudly and freely
To leave
To depart from a difficult or oppressive situation
What would you say
How would you react or respond in this scenario
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ademisc
haven't listened to these guys since like, 2002? good to hear them again
k-mo
Thanks for the comment
Dreadybear Ichode
love these guys!!!
Brandon Hall
Holy throwback
k-mo
Haha I know!
Danielle Diakoff-King
Great great song.
Matt Becker
hell yea been so long
Dvvmfvc
word so glad we keep them underground