Talking to Matt Noveskey, bassist for the hugely popular rock outfit Blue October, he portrays an aura of perpetual humbleness. He sounds as though he's doing his first interview, as though he's still a part of a group struggling to make it in a culture inundated by mediocre bands and less-than-heartfelt musicians.
Maybe it's because the group has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity thanks to smash hits such as "Hate Me" and "Into The Ocean," transforming them from a band touring mainly the Southwest into a nationally recognized musical force, crisscrossing the continent and playing shows in places such as England and the Netherlands. Or maybe it's just because he's that nice. Or maybe - and this is the likely answer - it's both.
"I was signing some stuff for fans the other day in New York, and then I walked onto the bus and looked at somebody and just said, 'This is our job,'" Noveskey said. "'This is weird. This is overwhelming.'"
Formed in Houston in 1995 by vocalist Justin Furstenfeld, his brother and drummer Jeremy Furstenfeld and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Delahoussaye, Blue October released their first album, The Answers, in 1998. They were quickly signed by Universal Records, on which they released their sophomore effort, Consent to Treatment, in 2000.
However, the band was soon dropped due to lackluster album sales, and they wrote, recorded and released History For Sale independently in 2003. The album received a much better response, thanks, in no small part, to the freedom the band had to produce the album they wanted without label restrictions. Ironically, they were soon re-signed to Universal. The single "Calling You" from the album rose to prominence after being featured on the "American Wedding" soundtrack, and the group was once more in the spotlight.
In 2006, they cemented their status as up-and-coming greats when they released Foiled, a powerful slice of moody, modern art that has since been certified "platinum." The group has been touring in support of the album for nearly two years now and recently released Foiled For The Last Time, a two-disc set featuring a full version of Foiled, as well as several remixes and a collection of songs recorded at the band's sold-out show at Stubb's Barbecue in March.
"We got to this point where we had these great remixes of some songs, and we were like, 'OK, how do we get these to people,'" Noveskey said. "We know this current touring cycle is winding down, and since we're so picky, it took us a while last time to release an album. So we're thinking, 'How do we make sure people don't forget us?' Plus, with the live songs, hopefully it'll give people a different perspective once they hear that energy of a live show."
A live Blue October show is indeed an experience unmatched by many of today's bands. Not content to simply reproduce their albums live, the group plays lengthy sets every night to rabid fans, constantly bringing new material and reworking songs to give them a special feeling when performed in front of an audience. But Noveskey said it's all part of the daily routine.
"We're a touring band by definition," Noveskey said. "We tour, and everything else is just a part of the job. We've been doing it for so long, and we just feel blessed that we have that opportunity, and we definitely don't take it for granted. I've had horrible jobs half my life, and I don't want to go back to them."
The band has taken some hefty risks throughout its career, in large part because it doesn't specifically cater to the mainstream. This includes Justin Furstenfeld's deeply personal lyrics that deal with a wide range of subjects, including, but not limited to, depression and suicide. But, whereas bands in the horrid "emo" genre do it as a part of a certain scene, Blue October does it because it's real.
Furstenfeld, a recovering drug addict and alcoholic, was at one point committed to a mental institution, providing the basis for songs such as "HRSA." But he isn't content to wallow in self-pity, as his lyrics are confessional in nature and, thus, a type of therapy. And it's obvious he still believes in the power of love and hope, as evidenced by beautiful tracks such as "Everlasting Friend" and "18th Floor Balcony." Fans seem to have reacted to this form of personal revelation, taking solace and comfort in the songs. But this isn't the case with everyone, and the band seems to have fallen victim to the elitist phenomenon, losing a considerable part of their college fan base.
"When we were a regional band, there were a lot of college kids that were into us," Noveskey said. "We were secret for a long time, and as things got bigger there was a little bit of a backlash, and they were like, 'Now you're commercial. Now you're big.' But it happens, and you have to be thick-skinned. As long as you stay true to yourself, that's all you can do. There's always going to be people that don't like what you do, but you can't let that hurt you as an artist."
The band clearly hasn't been injured and has continued to produce the brand of moving indie rock they're now known for. And after a lengthy tour and plenty of opportunity for inspiration regarding new material to make itself known, the band is itching to get back into the studio.
"You can tell the band's getting a little bit restless," Noveskey said. "It's unspoken. Everybody knows that it's time to start thinking about new material. Justin is going from more fetal ideas to actually sitting down and getting ready to organize them."
Noveskey said the new material the group is working on is, just like the transitions between each of their previous albums, completely different from its predecessor.
"The new stuff is very melodic and dynamic," he said. "The one thing we're consistent about is that we're completely inconsistent. I really admire Radiohead, because they don't necessarily adapt to what's 'in' and just do what they want to do. It might alienate some people, but if you want to stay true to yourself, you can't worry about just making hit songs. And you let go of that structure and just roll with it."
It's quite clear that the band won't compromise their sound or beliefs for anyone, ensuring that their future output will be just as innovative and great as their previous releases. And, as for Noveskey, forever humble, he will never take for granted the success the group now has.
"We found out that people like Sublime are fans of us," Noveskey said. "I remember when you'd go out there and fight and say, 'I'll put you and 30 of your friends on the guest list. Just show up.' Now, you find out you have fans and people who appreciate what you're doing, and it just blows you away."
Blue October will be playing at the Frank Erwin Center Saturday at 6:50 p.m.
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