Not Your Everyday

Kim Schifino of Matt and Kim on the new LP, Almost Everyday, and the band’s wild shows.

By Lindsey Anderson | Photos by Caleb Kuhl

As I sift through the discography of Brooklyn electronic indie act Matt and Kim, I realize that this duo has a supreme knack for crafting records to underscore the highest highs and take power from the lowest lows. With each of the band’s releases since 2004, Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino have consistently delivered unforgettable albums to the masses.

Their newest album, Almost Everyday, marks their first LP in three years, and their musical return is being met with loads of positive feedback. The tour for this endeavor is also supremely special, since it marks Schifino’s return to live performances after a serious knee injury she endured last year. Almost Everyday is 28 minutes of pure joy. It has the ebullient sound Matt and Kim are known for, coupled with candid lyrics that make a perfect staple for your summer playlist.

We spoke with Schifino about the new album, tour life after her injury, and what she hopes audience members gain from a live show.

I hope you don't have to go to your gym or therapist the next day, 'cause you have completely sweated it out, and you feel f'ing happy when you leave!"

Tom Tom: How does it feel to have Almost Everyday out in the world?

Kim Schifino: So fucking good! I hate how you finish music and then have to sit on it for a few months before you can release it. I think it’s the vinyl pressing that needs such long lead times. How has that not gotten quicker? [Laughs.] But yes, I am so happy to have it out and for everyone to hear it.

Tom Tom: Your last release, We Were the Weirdos, had a pretty quick turnaround time. Are there any lessons you learned during that process that you bought over to the making of Almost Everyday?

Kim Schifino: We Were the Weirdos might have been too quick. We release these vlogs called Matt and Kim SHOW YA STUFF, and one episode is the behind the scenes of releasing that EP. There was a last-minute change that was being tossed in at the final minute. It was stressful as all hell! So, I wouldn’t do it that quickly, again.

Tom Tom: What are your favorite tracks to play from Almost Everyday and why?

Kim Schifino: We only play a few songs off of Almost Everyday right now. We feel like people like to hear what they know by heart, so we only pepper in a few new tracks off the album while on tour. We want to give people more time with the album before we add more stuff to the set. Right now, my favorite is “Like I Used to Be,” but that has a lot to do with the wall’s of my vagina! You got to come to a show to experience that!

Tom Tom: What’s a track or tracks from your past albums that you love seeing audience members dance and sing along to?

Kim Schifino: I like “Now,” ’cause that usually has the biggest mosh pit!

Tom Tom: What do you hope folks get out of a Matt and Kim show?

Kim Schifino: I hope you don’t have to go to the gym or your therapist the next day, ’cause you have completely sweated it out, and you feel fucking happy when you leave!

Tom Tom: If you could describe Almost Everyday in one sentence, what would it be?

Kim Schifino: Honest, personal, and fun. OK, so that isn’t a sentence, but it gets to the point.