An Interview with AMERICAN AUTHORS, Drummer Matt Sanchez!

Based in New York City, American Authors members are Zac Barnett, James Adam Shelley, Dave Rublin and Matt Sanchez. They are most known for their hit singles, “Best Day of My Life” and “Believer”. 

Learn more about American Authors in the following interview with their drummer, Matt Sanchez:

Can you remember the moment that you wanted to start this band? How did you come up with the name?

Interestingly enough there was never an exact moment that starting this band was a decision. When we all met at Berklee in Boston, it was understood that we were all there to find each other. The sole purpose was so we could start creating in what our minds would be a movement through our musical expression.

The name comes from our lyrical stories, and because we’re from all over the country.

What are some of your favorite American authors? 

Charles Bukowski (German born). His poetry is at time crude and beautiful, but always true and real.

John Fante. His novel Ask The Dust is a very influential novel to a lot of the best generation. It’s an easy read with Ana amazing message about life.

How have things changed for you since you premiered your video for “Believer”?

Things have changed in the way that our message of unity and the beauty of life is starting to be realized. Life is heavy but we’re all capable of holding it above our heads. 

Let’s talk about “Best Day Of My Life”. Did you have any idea that it was going to be such a success?

We actually had no idea! When we first wrote it, we walked away thinking “good try guys, we’ll get it next time.” It’s truly amazing to see how much it’s grown.

I read a touching comment somebody left on “Best Day Of My Life” recently, they said “Thank you guys so much for writing this, whenever I have a bad day, I listen to this song and it just makes me feel so much better”. How does that make you feel as songwriters?

It’s the dream you have as a songwriter. The thing about the connections we make is the realization that no one in this world is alone. Music is just another reassurance of feeling.

You have toured with a ton of huge acts like One Republic, The Script, Echosmith, The Mowgli’s and more. What tour has really stood out to you? Were there any memorable moments?

The One Republic tour was eye opening on multiple levels. It was the first time we all could see in every avenue what we wanted to become. The 20,000 fans plus a night, the production, the well oiled machine, and above all the way the band treated everyone. There was just so much respect for everyone who was a part of the operation.

What’s the band’s songwriting process like? Where do you find the inspiration for songs?

Our inspiration comes from our personal life experiences. Everyone sees so much everyday, and we just try to put it in words. Sometimes it’s 2 of us, sometimes it’s all of us, sometimes it’s 1 of us…there’s no real stock way we do things. In the end we are a team though and every song has all of our touch on it.

What are your favorite songs to perform?

“Home” is what we were opening our set with this last tour. It was pretty damn epic.

“Best Day Of My Life” is great cause it’s really propelled our career. Also it gets the most fan reaction dude to its recognition. There’s something amazing about 10,000 people jumping up and down and singing their hearts out.

More times than not, influences tend to bleed through. What artists have consistently inspired you? Who are some of your all-time favorite bands?

Coldplay in a million ways has inspired us, especially their evolution as a band. Classic bands like Queen, and newer bands like Fun. have all left their mark on us. We do all have different backgrounds but none of us can deny Elvis or The Beatles.

Thus far, what’s a favorite memory or something quirky that’s taken place (in-studio, onstage, or elsewhere)?

We played the VH1 You Oughta Know concert, and Rob Thomas was our presenter.  He was seriously the nicest guy ever and even ad-libbed the TelePrompTer to make us look more bad ass. (haha)  As he was walking off stage he slipped and ate it onstage! In a weird way it was comforting because we’ve all been there. Zac has literally fallen off stage, Matt has slipped on stage, and James has tripped over the stage. Dave seems to be the solid rock.

Do you have any pre-performance rituals? What’s been a favorite venue to perform at?

We do have a pre performance ritual but it’s a secret! Red Rocks has been our collective favorite. The energy and history is next level.

American Authors recently played an event benefitting the BMI Foundation for the creation, performance, and study of music. How did you get involved with that? 

We have a long history with BMI and music education. Truthfully we wouldn’t be where we are with either one of those things. They asked us to play the event and it was a no brainer moment for us…it wasn’t even a conversation.

Is there anything else that you would new and old fans to know about American Authors

1- We can’t wait to show you album 2!

2- Unity is unstoppable

3- We still can’t wait to show you album 2!