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.
Northeast
Matt & Kim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With dust and bricks and some cars in the snow.
It's like New York in the late summertime.
Can breathe again, even through this lovely grime.
As I said, the skyline's brighter tonight,
But this time I turned on five more lights.
It's like New York in the late summertime.
I've got the northeast on my side.
Matt & Kim's song Northeast is an ode to the northeastern region of the United States. The opening line, "The northeast, well it's all I really know," speaks to the deep-rooted connection the artists have with their home region. They describe the environment, mentioning the presence of "dust and bricks and some cars in the snow." The imagery is clear and relatable, evoking a sense of nostalgia for anyone who has braved the harsh northeastern winters.
The mention of New York in the late summertime suggests a contrasting picture of the region, one that is vibrant and alive. The artists seem to draw inspiration from the light-filled skyline and the energy that comes with it. The reference to turning on five more lights perhaps signifies an attempt to fill the absence of daylight during the notoriously short northeastern winter days. Despite the grit and grime of urban life, the northeast offers a rejuvenating experience. As the lyrics say, "Can breathe again, even through this lovely grime" and "your bones, they feel alive."
Overall, Northeast is a celebration of the northeastern US and its unique atmosphere. The artists depict the region's diverse aspects, from the bleakness of winter to the vibrancy of summer, making this song an ode to the place they call home.
Line by Line Meaning
The northeast, well it's all I really know,
My familiarity is limited to the northeastern region of the country
With dust and bricks and some cars in the snow.
Elements such as dirt, construction materials and vehicles covered in snow indicate winter
It's like New York in the late summertime.
The atmosphere and mood resemble that of New York City towards the end of summer
Can breathe again, even through this lovely grime.
Despite the filth, the air quality in this region is still breathable and tolerable
As I said, the skyline's brighter tonight,
The city view looks more illuminated and distinct than usual
But this time I turned on five more lights.
To enhance the view, additional lights were turned on
Can breath again, and your bones, they feel alive.
The air quality in the region brings a refreshing feeling and invigorates the body
I've got the northeast on my side.
I have a connection and loyalty to the northeastern part of the country
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KIMBERLY ANN SCHIFINO, MATTHEW WESLEY JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind