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.
Lightspeed
Matt & Kim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You might not see me from the nosebleeds
I'll stand up on top of the dugout
And shout out and wave my arms and hold my tongue
'Cause it's not me
I wondered how fast is light speed
Would life itself stay or follow me?
And coach look at me now
Look at me now
And team look at me now
Look at me now, look at me now
Foul ball deep in center field
Ninth inning, two outs
Look at me now, look at me now
Look at me now, look at me now
I wondered how fast is light speed
Would life itself stay or follow me?
If I caught that one, would it be the same?
It's a good thing this is just a game
The lyrics to Matt & Kim's song Lightspeed can be interpreted as the internal monologue of a baseball player who is struggling with the pressure of performing well in front of his team and fans, and who is contemplating the significance of his actions within the larger scheme of things. The first lines of the song establish the singer's position as the center fielder, but also point to the fact that his role is often overlooked by the audience, who sit too far away to truly appreciate his contributions. The image of standing up on top of the dugout can be seen as a moment of defiance, as the singer tries to assert his presence, but ultimately decides to remain humble and not draw too much attention to himself.
The second verse introduces the concept of light speed, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and the impermanence of all human endeavors. The singer wonders whether his own life would be impacted by traveling at the speed of light, and whether his accomplishments would still matter in the grand scheme of things. The chorus then shifts the focus back to the present, as the singer pleads with his coach and team to acknowledge his efforts and successes in the current moment.
The final verse brings the narrative back to the game, as the singer imagines the possibility of catching a difficult ball that could change the outcome of the match. However, he also acknowledges that ultimately, the game is just a game, and that its importance pales in comparison to the larger questions of existence that he has been pondering throughout the song.
Overall, Lightspeed can be seen as a meditation on the tension between individual accomplishment and the larger forces that govern human experience. Through its use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, the song invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and the impact that they hope to have in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I play center field for the home team
I'm a part of this team and I'm always ready to play my role at a moment's notice.
You might not see me from the nosebleeds
From up high in the stadium, I might not be noticeable, but I'm still giving my all on the field.
I'll stand up on top of the dugout
I'll stand up high so everyone can see me, and I'm not afraid to take risks in order to get attention.
And shout out and wave my arms and hold my tongue
I'm focused on being loud and energetic, but sometimes it's better to stay quiet and let my actions speak for themselves.
'Cause it's not me
Even though I'm putting on a show and trying my best to impress others, deep down I know that this isn't who I really am.
I wondered how fast is light speed
I'm contemplating the world around me and wondering about the mysteries of the universe.
Would life itself stay or follow me?
If I were to achieve something great, would my success cause others to follow in my footsteps, or would I be left alone?
And coach look at me now / Look at me now / And team look at me now / Look at me now, look at me now
I'm desperate for the attention and validation of those around me, and I long to be seen as a valuable member of the team.
Foul ball deep in center field / Ninth inning, two outs
Things are getting tense and the game is on the line. Every moment counts and I'm doing my best to stay focused.
If I caught that one, would it be the same?
I'm reflecting on what could have been and wondering if even the smallest change could have made a big difference.
It's a good thing this is just a game
I'm realizing that even though I take the game seriously and work hard to win, at the end of the day it's just a game and there are more important things in life.
Contributed by Isaac H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Anthony Sorendino
I wondered how, fast is lightspeed? Would life itself stay or follow me?
Still listening 15 years later.
DXXP
Hell yeah, same here brother. Still one of my favorite tracks
kierra matson
I’m just trying to find somewhere to listen to it besides just on youtube
Imran m
I’ve been watching this video for nearly 10 years and I didn’t realise it was uploaded in 2006, just struck me, makes you think the good work you put into the world as a human being, no matter how small can impact peoples lives in ways not first conceived by the creator. The world was a very different place in 2006, I hope your life has brought you a lot of joy throughout your despairs much like this video has done for many others.
AverageBFplayer
July/07/2020 and still listening. This song is timeless. Thank you Matt and Kim. Thank you music video creator.
Montygue
Still my favorite song from them. Wish it was on Spotify in the US. Been watching this for over a decade and always multiple times in a row, thanks! Hope this video never goes away
sean smith
This was an instant classic for me 8 years ago.
IY
This song never gets old. Such an masterpiece.
IY
This song is so magical and the music video makes it even more meaningful. It takes you back to a moment of trying to prove you are good enough towards a certain person. Little did do you know, you are and always will be good enough without anyone's glory.
Patrick Judge
i have watched this soo many times and still love it..... i think its my favorite song by them and ive seen them 9 times and they've only played it once.