Matt and Kim released their first album, Matt & Kim, on October 26, 2006. The album sold modestly, primarily at live shows. Many indie fans praised their music, and the two gained popularity through their many outgoing tours. Following the release of their first album, Matt and Kim began playing high profile music festivals, such as The Siren Music Festival and Lollapalooza. The duo signed with Fader Label and their second album, Grand, recorded in Matt's childhood bedroom at his parents' home in Vermont, was released on January 20, 2009. A video for one of the album's highlights, "Lessons Learned", in which the duo strips nude in Times Square, was shot during a very cold winter day in February 2009.
On November 2, 2010, the duo released their third album, Sidewalks. Co-produced by Ben Allen, Oliver Strauss and Matt, the album as a whole adopted a more refined, yet dense hip-hop influence in comparison to the previous two, while still maintaining the upbeat and party-esque style they are known for. Matt and Kim headlined two U.S. tours in support, in Fall 2010 and again during May/June 2011. They also played numerous festivals including Australia's Big Day Out, Japan's Fuji and V in the UK. In addition, they played at many American colleges, worked extensively through Europe and South America and, in Fall 2011, they supported Blink-182 and My Chemical Romance on select dates. Although not officially released as a single, the song "Good for Great" received significant airplay in some markets, and was ranked #65 on Boston station WFNX's Top 101 of 2011 list.
On June 22, 2012, Matt and Kim issued a brand new track, "Let's Go" as a digital single, meanwhile, the band put finishing touches on their fourth full length album, Lightning, released on October 2, 2012. The single, "Let's Go", peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. On June 25, 2012, the duo uploaded a video to their YouTube channel featuring ball handler Pat the Roc performing basketball tricks as "Let's Go" plays in full. Then on September 4, 2012, the duo released a lyric video for another new song on the album, "Now". On October 1, 2012, "Overexposed", "Not That Bad", "Much Too Late", "Ten Dollars I Found", "Tonight", "It's Alright", "I Said" and "I Wonder" were released on YouTube as official first listens. Matt and Kim premiered their official music video for "Let's Go" via the Funny or Die website in November.
The full-length album got a digital/CD/vinyl release on October 2, 2012 and the band began their official US Fall Lightning Tour the next day in Burlington, Vermont. On February 5, 2013, Matt and Kim kicked off their US tour with Passion Pit. While on tour, the official music video for "It's Alright" was released on February 25, 2013, featuring Matt and Kim in a choreographed dance routine in bed. In March 2013 Matt and Kim wrapped their US tour and performed at Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Florida before heading to Australia for a three-week tour at the end of April.
In May, Matt and Kim announced their touring schedule for summer 2013, starting with a show at the Great GoogaMooga in Brooklyn, NY on May 18, 2013. In June, Matt and Kim performed at Free Press Summer Fest, Sandy Parts Festival, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Firefly Music Festival, Summerfest and Party in the Park. In July, they played at the Keloha Music & Arts Fest and the Forecastle Festival. In August, they played at Lollapalooza in Chicago. In October, they played at Corona Capital, in Mexico City.
On January 13, 2015, Matt and Kim released the single "Get It" in promotion of their fifth album. Along with this, they also released Spring tour dates, an album pre-order, and a lyric video to accompany the single. "Get It" received mixed reviews from fans as it ventures away from their past DIY sound. On February 10, 2015 Matt and Kim released the promotional video for the single "Hey Now" through their official VEVO Youtube account. On February 24, 2015, the band released "Hoodie On" through their official VEVO account. On April 7, 2015, Matt and Kim released the full album and held an in store performance at Amoeba Music's Hollywood store to celebrate.
Cutdown
Matt & Kim Lyrics
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Check, check
Let's cut down the day
In this green rusty van
Like a red Cadillac
Top down, shoulders tan
But it feels all wrong
Let's wait out the day
Bring the heat along
And when the timing's right
Hold up, wait
We'll pull to the side
Arms up, count it down
Just like
Five, four, three, two, one
The checkered flag
Means we've just begun
Let's cut it down
Let's cut it down
And we cut down
The day in my old van
Count down from
Five, four, three, two, one
The Matt & Kim's song 'Cutdown' has a clear message of letting loose and enjoying life to the fullest. The song starts with a repetitive "Check, check, check" which reflects the idea of making sure everything is in place before embarking on a fun-filled adventure. The main message in the song is "Let's cut down the day." This means that the duo wants to make the most out of life, and they do not want to waste any precious moment. They decide to embark on this adventure in their 'green, rusty van,' which is juxtaposed to a 'red Cadillac' to show that it doesn't matter what vehicle they are in, as long as they are together, they are happy. The reference to the 'shoulders tan' is a metaphor to show that they have been out in the sun and enjoying the day, which is also similar to the 'heat' that they are bringing along, which could mean the excitement or passion that they have for the adventure.
Throughout the song, they ask their listeners to join them in counting down from five, four, three, two, one, which signifies their desire to start the adventure without holding back. The mention of the checkered flag means that they are ready to start their day and enjoy it to the fullest. The repetition of the phrase 'let's cut it down' emphasizes the importance of embracing and enjoying every moment in life without any restrictions or inhibitions. In summary, the song is about experiencing life to the fullest, taking risks, and never looking back.
Line by Line Meaning
Check, check, check
Making sure everything is in order/sound check
Check, check
Continuing to ensure everything sounds good
Let's cut down the day
Shorten the day with adventure and fun
In this green rusty van
Using a beat-up vehicle for the adventure
Like a red Cadillac
Acting like we're cruising in luxury
Top down, shoulders tan
Driving with the top down and enjoying the sun
I bought my first watch
An attempt to keep track of time
But it feels all wrong
Time seems less important in this moment
Let's wait out the day
Relax and take time to enjoy the moment
Bring the heat along
Stay passionate and excited
And when the timing's right
Wait until the perfect moment
Hold up, wait
Take a moment to prepare
We'll pull to the side
Make a quick stop to take a break
Arms up, count it down
Get ready to celebrate and countdown
Just like
In the same way as we rehearsed before
Five, four, three, two, one
Countdown to start a new exciting experience
The checkered flag
Symbolizing the start of an exciting adventure
Means we've just begun
This is only the beginning of the fun
Let's cut it down
Continue to shorten and enjoy the day
And we cut down
Continuing with excitement and energy
The day in my old van
Making the most of the old vehicle
Count down from
Taking our time to prepare and start the adventure
Five, four, three, two, one
Countdown to start the journey, again
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KIMBERLY ANN SCHIFINO, MATTHEW WESLEY JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind