Sean Steinfeger w/ Matt Johnson
As your dad used to have a music shop it sounds like you’ve been growing up in heaven. What age were you around the time and can you share some more insights of it?
He always had the shop. It’s not so exciting as it sounds but I used to help out on Saturdays and could get to try out some of the keyboards. I used to get annoyed when customers came in haha!
What instruments did your dad and two brothers play when you were growing up?
My dad played clarinet and organ and my brothers played piano.
Can you remember the very first time you consciously listened to music?
Not really, I had some piano lessons age 5 or so. That was the first time I really listened to music.
What was the reason for choosing the trumpet as your first instrument and what made you switch to keys within as a teenager?
I tried lots of instruments but I found an affinity with the Trumpet!
If you could travel through time and take a few piano lessons from a deceased pianist,who would you choose and why?
Maybe Bill Evans, I just love how he approached the piano.
When did you decide to make music for a living and how did your parents react to it?
I drifted into it and started age 16. My parents were cool with it although they weren’t sure I could do well!
Could you name your top 3 living pianists who have had the biggest influence on you and your sound?
Herbie Hancock, Richard Barbieri, Stevie Wonder
Almost every musician starts their career with hustling. Can you maybe share some of your struggles back then and which jobs you did to pay your rent?
Well I did some door to doors sales although I was useless! I moved to London age 21 and I busked on the streets for the first few months to make ends meet.
Since auditioning for Jamiroquai in 2002 was the turning point for you as a musician, could you tell us a little more details about it (nervousness, vibes..)?
I wasn’t really nervous but it was exciting to suddenly be at Jay’s mansion playing with the band. I just did my thing and went home. I was so exhausted afterwards I went to bed and never answered when Jay called me to tell me I got the job!
You started out in the London scene in the 90s and have been playing keys for Jamiroquai since the early 2000s – what made you decide to start your solo career in 2020?
Mostly Covid, suddenly I had the time to do it.
How did Mononeon come to play bass on two songs on your debut album „With The Music“?
I just reached out to him on instagram and he said he was up for it. He played some great stuff on that album.
What makes your appoach to composing new music as a solo artist different from working with others?
Well I don’t have to please anyone except myself. That is liberating but also more demanding.
You’ve already played on both: the big stages and in smaller venues. Regardless of the artist’s fee, what do you prefer to play when you have to choos and why?
I love massive crowds, preferably outdoors in a hot country! But then I also love small venues when the sound is good and the crowd is up for it.
What is your personal philosophy of „jazz“?
I don’t really regard myself as a Jazz musician. I’m only interested in self expression.
If you had a free budget which singer would you like to collaborate with and why?
Maybe Anderson Pak, I love his vibe.
Imagine if you could only listen to 3 albums for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Innervisions by Stevie Wonder. Secrets of the Beehive by David Sylvian and Moon Safari by Air.
Tomorrow would give a different answer!
Which current songs/albums are you listening to lately?
Some old Brazillian stuff and my own new music as I am making another record.
What’s your connection to Berlin and Club Gretchen in particular?
I’ve never played Gretchen, looking forward to it! I love Berlin, I’ve been many times it’s a great city.
Can you give us an insight into what the Berlin audience can expect from your upcoming concert at Gretchen on March 4th?
Full on Funk!! Lots of improvisation and upbeat space funk vibes. It’s not just for musos, everyone will enjoy so come on down!
Matt Johnson & Band live @ Gretchen.
Click here for details: https://gretchen-club.de/detail.php?id=2714