5 Minutes w/ Matthew Healy of The 1975

Published in The Santa Barbara Sentinel

It seems to be a British Invasion tradition to bring colorful pop and rock to the U.S. and The 1975 continues to carry the torch.

Two years ago, they won an award for most tours in one year out of any band in the last ten years (well over 200 shows) and continue to bring their experience to venues around the world.

Lead singer Matty Healy sat down with us to relay some The 1975 particulars.

For best results, read answers in a friendly British accent.

(Follow the band on Instagram: @the1975 or www.the1975.com)

Have you been to Santa Barbara? If so, what did you get to experience?

We love Santa Barbara. It’s beautiful and it’s where all the pretty people are.

Aw, thanks! We like to think so…What was the first concert you ever went to?

The first major concert I went to was Michael Jackson in 1996.

It was a huge moment for me because it was the first time I saw him as a human and not just some major pop star.

It was a moment that changed my life, really.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

Let me see if I get the wording correctly.

Don’t treat your old material like it’s from your past. Treat it like the artist you are today.

Like, if it’s a message that still rings true to you, but may sound quite juvenile as it is, work on it like the person and artist that you are now.

As a writer as well, I truly appreciate that advice and I’m taking it to heart! What is the craziest or best thing a fan has ever done for you or the band?

There have been so many…I can’t tell you some because they are not PG.

I can’t tell you others because they sound lame.

But I guess jumping in front of a car, now that pretty mental, isn’t it?

For sure! Definitely mental. Do you have a routine before going on stage?

No, not really.

We just like to f*** around, that’s all.

Once we get on stage, we’re very serious but once we are off the stage, we like to f*** off.

Favorite song to play live?

It varies all the time but right now, I’m really into performing “Paris”.

What’s your biggest goal? 

I would like to be President of the United States of America.

I think it would kick ass at it.

Matty 2020.

That has a nice ring to it.