Spotlight on … Matt Nawara (The Outfit).

*When did you really get involved into music in general and into metal specific? Who was responsable for your interest in (metal) music?

I got involved in music at the early age of 8 years old. It was my own curiosity of music that started it all.

*Which artists or bands did influence you the most.

There have been many over the years that I have liked, but I have always tried to create your own sound.

*Which instrument do you play and how and when did you learn to play? Did you had lessons in school or private lessons? If so, was that because your parents expected that from you? Or did you learn to play the instruments by yourself? Do yo still follow some lessons.

I play guitar. I started at the early age of 8 years old. I never took lessons. I was self taught.

*Do you follow other or are you intrested in other styles of music beside metal / hard rock? If so, what is the music you prefer to listen to?

I listen to all styles of music. I try to keep an open mind and appreciate all music styles. I believe this helps in the creative process when writing your own music.

*Is music a full time job for you now or do you have a job beside music? If so, what kind of job are you doing? If you would be really succesful with music, would you quit your other job?

Currently music is not my full time job. I also work as a consultant in the automotive industry.

*If you could start a band with other musicians on other instruments, which artist would you pick for wich instrument and why? (Something like an “All Stars Band”.) Would you still go for a Rock band? Or would you do something completely different?

I have to say that I would still form a rock band, but with the members I’m currently playing with. The Outfit are the musicians I would pick. These are the best band mates I could ever hope to create music with.

*If you had been banned to an uninhabited island and you may pick 5 albums to listen to, wich albums would you choose and why?

I would choose: Yes – ‘Close To The Edge’, Wishbone Ash – ‘Argus’, Deep Purple – ‘Machine Head’, Rainbow – ‘Rising’ and Alice In Chains – ‘Facelift’.

I would choose these because I always enjoyed the sonic tones. These helped me in developing my own personal tone.

*Every new album of a band or an artist is the best one. So here is a chance to promote the album. Why should a music lover buy your album? What are the standout tracks for you on this new album and why?

I believe our music on our latest album has a lot of diversity and is sonically pleasing. I hope that most listeners will enjoy what we collectively have worked very hard on.

See “CD-Review” for a review (written in Dutch) for the new The Outfit album ‘Viking’ (Pavement Music) –

*I suppose you will promote this album through live concerts. If so, would you prefer small clubs or big festivals? And is there a chance we can see THE OUFIT in Belgium?

I love performing at all venues. From small clubs to large festivals. Connecting with an audience no matter how small or how large is always a pleasure. We would love to come to Belgium to perform given the opportunity.