Podcast Summary: "Matt Berninger #4" on You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes
Podcast Information:
- Title: You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes
- Host: Pete Holmes
- Guest: Matt Berninger
- Episode: Matt Berninger #4
- Release Date: May 28, 2025
Introduction
In this episode, Pete Holmes welcomes Matt Berninger, the charismatic frontman of The National and his dear friend. Holmes enthusiastically introduces Matt’s latest solo endeavor, the album "Get Sunk," set for release on May 30th. The conversation quickly delves into Matt's musical journey, personal experiences, and creative processes.
Notable Quote:
Pete Holmes [00:04]: "Matt is also one of my dearest friends and I'm so glad that he's back."
New Album: "Get Sunk"
Matt Berninger unveils his new solo album, "Get Sunk," highlighting it as a deeply personal project that encapsulates his authentic self. He clarifies some misconceptions about the album's title and shares his excitement about its release.
Notable Quote:
Matt Berninger [03:15]: "Get Sunk is the name of the album, but Elvi and Meg are both wrong about the single title."
Previous Work: "Serpentine Prison"
Matt reflects on his earlier solo album, "Serpentine Prison," describing it as a soothing project inspired by Willie Nelson's "Stardust." Produced by Booker T. Jones, the album was intended to create a comforting musical space for both him and his daughter.
Notable Quote:
Matt Berninger [05:46]: "The intention for Serpentine Prison was to make a record like Willie Nelson's Stardust."
Personal Struggles: Depression and the House Project
Matt candidly discusses his battle with depression, exacerbated by the COVID-19 lockdown which halted his ability to tour with The National. He shares the emotional toll of selling a six-year house project—an artistic endeavor he never fully realized—as part of his struggle.
Notable Quote:
Matt Berninger [22:02]: "I had to stop everything, say goodbye to all my projects, including the house."
Recovery and Conversation with David Letterman
During his darkest times, Matt found solace in conversations with David Letterman, who had faced similar challenges. This dialogue was instrumental in his path to recovery, emphasizing the importance of discussing mental health openly.
Notable Quote:
Matt Berninger [10:38]: "I've talked about it a lot publicly and I enjoy talking about it because I learned a lot."
Songwriting and Collaboration Process
Matt delves into his songwriting methodology, highlighting a balance between structured collaboration and spontaneous creativity. For "Get Sunk," he primarily collaborated with Sean O' Brien and Paul Maroon, among others. He emphasizes the organic evolution of his lyrics and melodies, often inspired by personal experiences and introspection.
Notable Quote:
Matt Berninger [72:21]: "I write sloppily and then I let the melody and lyrics fall into place naturally."
Reflections on Social Media and Artificial Intelligence
The conversation shifts to the impact of social media on mental health and creativity. Matt shares his struggles with Instagram addiction, highlighting its dual role in fostering community and inducing anxiety. They also explore the role of Artificial Intelligence in art, with both Holmes and Berninger expressing optimism about AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity.
Notable Quote:
Matt Berninger [95:47]: "The best art is about to be made as artists harness AI in interesting ways."
Live Performances and Setlists
Matt discusses the dynamics of live performances with The National, focusing on how setlists are curated to maintain freshness and emotional resonance. He shares anecdotes about performing beloved songs repeatedly without feeling burned out, attributing it to the deep connection with the audience.
Notable Quote:
Matt Berninger [86:39]: "Once you walk out and see these people, adrenaline kicks in. It's addictive."
Conclusion: Album Release Announcement
As the conversation winds down, Pete Holmes congratulates Matt on the imminent release of "Get Sunk." Matt reiterates the release date and expresses his excitement for listeners to experience the new material.
Notable Quote:
Matt Berninger [137:00]: "Get Sunk comes out in two days. We're excited for everyone to hear it."
Final Thoughts
This episode offers an introspective look into Matt Berninger's artistic evolution, personal challenges, and the creative processes behind his music. The candid discussions on mental health, the influence of environment on creativity, and the future of art in the age of AI provide listeners with a profound and engaging narrative.