Matt Jardine

This e-mail interview was conducted June 2002.

Calsaga: What was it like growing up as the eldest son of one of the original Beach Boys?

Matt: This is always such an awkward question for me to answer because people have preconceived notions on this subject. I grew up on a horse ranch in a semi-normal environment. Dad was just Dad to me, not a rock and roll star. Being on the road was like being on vacation and the concert atmosphere and travel were exciting. A real departure from cleaning horse paddocks after school. (lol)

Calsaga: What is your fondest childhood memory of your Father?

Matt: My fondest memories are of him coming home from long tours.

Calsaga: When did you first begin to show a serious interest in music?

Matt: It was gradual. I think just being around a musical atmosphere all of my life rubbed off. I always felt that it was in me.

Calsaga: You are a percussionist, do you play any other instruments? Were you formally trained as a musician or singer?

Matt: I was trained in voice and some percussion. I play enough guitar in order to write my own music.

Calsaga: What is your earliest memory of the Beach Boys?

Matt: Hard Question. My earliest memories are all globed together. I remember playing percussion with Bobby Figueroa on the red and white boat which was a stage prop/riser. I remember being in Greece and England in the early seventies when the guys were recording Holland. I remember Kowalski, Carter, Carl and Dennis, and members of the crew being more or less like extended family. It was a great time to be a kid.

Calsaga: Could you describe each of the Beach Boys?

Matt: It would take me pages and pages to describe each of them individually. They are all extremely creative and driven, and eerily alike at times. They created a legendary group together and grew up together in the process. An amazing, interesting and at times, quirky and eccentric group of people.

Calsaga: When and how did you become a member of the Beach Boys touring band?

Matt: I was in college and needed a Summer job. I was hired on as an assistant road manager/gopher. Mostly doing transportation, bags, and herding the band along from place to place. When John Stamos left the road they needed someone to fill in for him. Carl asked me if I could fill in on parts of the show. They asked me to sing later when they needed an extra voice. When they needed me full time, I actually auditioned for Carl, Mike, Dad and Bruce in a hotel room. Talk about being intimidated! But they liked what they heard and I got the gig.

Calsaga: As a member of the Beach Boys' band, what was it like working under the direction of Carl Wilson?

Matt: Starting the way I did as a part-time performer and never intending to make my living as a musician, it was intimidating as hell. Carl demanded excellence and pushed me and encouraged me in ways I never thought possible. He was such a pro and I learned by his example and preparation. To this day I always show up to a gig prepared, warmed up and ready to go. He always cared about his band and took extra pains to make sure we were holding up, rested, etc.

Calsaga: What do you value most from your experience touring and recording with the Beach Boys?

Matt: It was like a lifetime's worth of musical experience crunched into a ten year period. I was in the company of pro's all the time. What better learning environment!

Calsaga: I think many fans would appreciate it if you could share any insight on your Father's departure from the Beach Boys.

Matt: He never intended to leave. He was actually forced out of the band. After Carl's death the whole structure of the organization and band changed 180 degrees. It makes me sad because I have such fond memories of the band that I grew up with as a child.

Calsaga: You were working on an album with your Father and your Brother Adam. Are there any plans to release this album in the near future?

Matt: Not at this time.

Calsaga: You have worked with Brian Wilson on Beach Boys' and his solo projects. What are your feelings about working with Brian?

Matt: My experiences working with Brian have always been very positive. He is an incredibly nice person and very open and giving in the studio. I look forward to working with him again someday.

Calsaga: Your Father formed a group, "Al Jardine's Family & Friends," that includes you and your Brother Adam, and Carnie & Wendy Wilson. Can you tell us how this band came about?

Matt: I guess it was partly out of necessity being that he was not involved with the Beach Boy's touring band anymore. He and others thought that Family & Friends would be a strong representation of the Beach Boy's music. The vocals were GREAT!

Calsaga: It has recently been announced that your Father will be touring with a group called, "Al Jardine's All Star Beach band," with some members of the Surfaris and the Rip Chords. Is this an entirely different group than Family & Friends? Are you part of this group?

Matt: I am part of this group. The only difference is that Carnie and Wendy are not part of this group.

Calsaga: I've heard you have a home studio. Do you have plans to record a solo album?

Matt: I do have plans to record my own music and am currently working on a solo project.

Calsaga: What do you do to relax (hobbies, interests, etc)?

Matt: I'm an avid reader. I like to play guitar and I like to be outdoors, hiking, biking, etc. And going on road trips and spending time with my fiance' Sooz.

Calsaga: Who are your favorite bands or artists?

Matt: I still listen to a lot of classic rock and folk rock like the Police, Eagles, Bob Seger, Joni Mitchell. Current music that I listen to; Dave Matthews, Lifehouse, and Train. Honestly, I listen to a wide range of music.

Calsaga: You were at last year's Carl Wilson Walk Against Cancer. Will you be performing at this year's Walk/Beach Party/Concert?

Matt: If I am asked back I would definitely perform.

Calsaga: Your Father recently recorded a song "PT Cruiser" and a new version of "Sloop John B" to accompany a children's book. Were you involved with these projects?

Matt: No.

Calsaga: What are your future plans?

Matt: To work on my solo projects and to tour with other bands, preferably non-beach bands (lol). I'd love to branch out!