Review Fix chats with keyboardist Matthew Godfrey, vocalist/multi-instrumentalist David Godfrey and drummer Jo Jo Godfrey, the three brothers that comprise MJT. Discussing their new EP, “Nightmares and Daydreams†the band lets us know exactly what makes them special.
About MJT:
Twenty-one-year-old keyboardist Matthew Godfrey, nineteen-year-old vocalist/multi-instrumentalist David Godfrey and fifteen-year-old drummer Jo Jo Godfrey are Central Islip, New York trio MJT, presenting their new album Nightmares & Daydreams. Formerly known as the Michael Jazz Trio, this band of brothers creates alternative rock that dips its toe into funk, r&b and jazz. They have multiple wins at Amateur Night at Harlem’s Apollo Theater and have performed at the Great South Bay Music Festival, Long Island Winterfest, Montauk Music Festival, Arlene’s Grocery, Hofstra University, Memory Hotel, Café Wha?, Friars Club and more. Nightmares & Daydreams is the follow-up to their debut Hour Glass.
Review Fix: How is Nightmares & Daydreams different from your first EP?
MJT: Well, this EP had a lot more thought put into it because the first one started out as just a demo. Also, we had a bunch more instruments to choose from because this EP was done at Seballa Studios which is a really an incredible place to record. We were able to really cultivate our sound and bring it to life there.
Review Fix: What’s the standout song on the EP? Why?
MJT: You know there are a couple of songs that helped us change our outlook on writing songs but I’d say Best of our Days is probably the standout. That song just came together perfectly for us and really showcases our background while holding on to this alternative foundation we’re trying to lay down.
Review Fix: What’s the band’s creative process?
MJT: Well usually I’ll come up with the general arrangement and lyrics and then bring it to rehearsals and see where it goes. Sometimes it ends up completely different from the original idea because Matt and Joe bring so much to the songs, you know, stuff I wouldn’t even be able to write myself. For us it’s totally collaborative because everybody knows their place in our sound and we know each other really well.
Review Fix: How did you guys get together?
MJT: Being that we’re brothers, it was kind of easy. Once we all realized that music is what we wanted to do it just happened. Music has always been there for us and being brothers makes it even better because I don’t know anybody better than I know my brothers and I believe it translates in the music really well.
Review Fix: What makes you guys different?
MJT: I believe what makes us different is that we approach everything with an open mind. Rock music has lost its place in the world because people are constantly reliving the glory days of rock and aren’t willing to progress into the future. Most rock radio stations don’t even play anything newer than the 90s. We understand that music changes and that we can create something new and it still rock.
Review Fix: What are your goals for 2016?
MJT: We just want to keep playing bigger and better shows. We’ve had some pretty exciting things happen in 2015 but 2016 is about growing the fan base. We’ll definitely put out a couple more projects but the emphasis is on getting people to hear us first hand all around the country.
Review Fix: What’s next?
MJT: You know, I’m not really sure. We’re gonna keep working and try to be prepared for the opportunities that come our way.
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