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Class Of 2008: Dinosaur Pile-Up

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'If Michael J Fox can look that good on a hover board, so can I!'

Posted 22nd January 2008, 11:39pm in Interviews
Dinosaur Pile-Up It's 2008: and no, we're not sure where the last twelve months went either. What we are fairly certain about, however, is that it popped up more than a couple of ace bands for us to get all excited about.

We've taken the best of the bunch that got DIY Towers buzzing and quizzed them about both themselves and what they might get up to in the next 12 months. Not universally sure fire bets for unit shifting superstardom, we're expecting good things from them all.

Someone ring the bell, then. The Class of 2008 is in.


As seems to be a bit of a theme in 2008, Matt (the 'real' name of Mr Dinosaur Pile-Up) is a 'one-man-band'. This means he does everything on record, at least, and often all of the live show. In Matt's case, he has some helpers when he plays live: Tommy DM on bass and guitar, and Tommy Davidson on drums. The latter is, according to our main man, "a dream boat". His words, not ours.


Who are you, and what do you do?
I'm Matt Bigland. I'm 22, and I live in Leeds. But I wish that I lived in New York. I write songs all day. And I work in a cafe in the kitchen to pay bills and eat. It kills me.

Lazily, compare yourselves to at least three well-ish-known bands in a semi-comical way.
Maybe Jimmy Eat World, Weezer, and... Kiss?

What's the best thing about being in a band so far?
Playing instruments.

...and what's the worst?
Being in a band.

Why do you think 2008 is going to be a great year for Dinosaur Pile Up?
Because 2007 was like an enormous ditch! And because I'm a positive person, and if Michael J Fox can look that good on a hover board, so can I!

Are you making any new years' resolutions?
Yes. Be bold and get organized... and return this interview!!

If people were to listen to just one of your songs, which one would you hope it was and why?
Probably the next one I'm writing, because it's always better than the last one. Every time I listen to my stuff I worry that I'm freaking depressed so I don't know. Maybe 'Love Is A Boat And We're Sinking', because it makes you dance your FUCKING boots off. But thinking about it... It's mighty depressing.

Where do you hope to be in twelve months' time?
In New York. But thats more of a wish. I'll probably be in London... Isn't that where everybody goes?

What's the worst piece of advice anyone's ever given you?
Jump off a cliff. But I'm not sure that was technically advice...

If Dinosaur Pile Up were to have a motto, what would it be?
'STAY ON TARGET... STAY ON TARGET...' : (STAR WARS, A NEW HOPE. Quoted from Gold Leader in the attack on the Death Star, right before he was tragically vaporized.)

What would be your reaction if someone were to cover one of your songs on X Factor?
I'd be flattered. Massively. But they'd probably do a better job than me so I'd be pissed.

Do you have an album in the pipeline?
Three actually. So heres to hoping...

Who'd be your dream producer to work with?
Probably Gil Norton, He did 'The Colour and the Shape', Foo Fighters' second album. It's like my mantra. Or Mark Trombino. He did Jimmy Eat World's 'Bleed American' ... as well as all their others I think, too.

Remixes are, it would seem, 'all the rage'. Who would you just love to remix one of your tracks?
MSTRKRFT. Because I think they are just fucking SICK! But doesn't everybody?

What does it take to be a fan of Dinosaur Pile Up?
Probably a massive love for Back to the Future, or any over played 80s sci-fi films. Maybe a pair of tiny red shorts. Like old Brooklyn types. And maybe a headband. Oh yeah, and a lot of positivity! You gotta be a happy person...

What's the weirdest thing anyone's done at one of your gigs?
Teleported...

Tell us something random yet interesting about you.
I'm an impulsive liar... that last one wasn't really true.

You're part of the DIY Class of 2008 - what was your favourite subject at school?
Heavy Metal.
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