IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Winnetka Bowling League
There’s an immediate brightness resonant in Winnetka Bowling League’s sound. Winnetka Bowling League, formed and based in Los Angeles, California, is a new project led by singer/songwriter and producer Matthew Koma. Just last month on September 21, 2018, they released their beautifully crafted self-titled debut EP via RCA Records, which features tracks including “On the 5” and “Feeling California”. They recently performed their first two shows, one at NYC’s Mercury Lounge on September 24, 2018 and LA’s The Peppermint Club on October 1, 2018. Taking a pause from his busy schedule, Matthew kindly contributed some time and thought to discuss a few of his prominent musical influences, his go-to food spots in NYC and LA, and even his favorite superhero character.
What’s the story behind the formation of Winnetka Bowling League?
I wrote a song called "On The 5" with my friend Dan and after listening back to it, I wanted to be in whatever that band was...I told him I wanted to write 5 more just like it and call it Winnetka Bowling League after the bowling team I play on every Thursday. I sent the song to my brother Kris (the drummer), and we searched for other San Fernando Valleyers who shared the same love for 100+ degree summers, and here we are.
What was the first instrument (musical or non-musical) you started making music with?
I started in guitar really early...my grandmother bought me this white Squier when I was like 2 or 3.
Who are some of your prominent musical influences?
Elvis Costello, Squeeze, Dawes, and Springsteen are definitely some of the most prominent in my DNA.
You released your second single, “Feeling California”, on September 5, 2018. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing it?
It was actually written and recorded in an apartment in New York City in the freezing cold. The EP had just been mixed, and I think knowing the pressure was off, it just sort of showed up and finished itself in this go-go-go 48-hour window.
Which song (released or unreleased) are you most proud of?
There's a song on the EP called "are you okay?" that I really love. I wrote it a few years ago and it felt like the perfect way to end our first EP.
What are you currently listening to?
I absolutely love what Hatchie is doing and all the new music Rostam is putting out. The new Dawes record is wonderful.
What’s your favorite restaurant and/or food in NYC? Any places back in LA?
Russ & Daughters for NY. There's a place in LA called Pace that's our staple.
If there were a pizza with the name “Winnetka Bowling League”, what toppings would it have?
Extra gluten.
Who is your favorite superhero character, and why?
The Hulk. His sensitivity is underacknowledged.
What’s a question you have wanted to get asked in an interview, and what’s the response to it?
Are there plans to expand your Stephan Jenkins tee-shirt business?
Yes.
A tremendous thank you to Chloe at Grandstand Media for coordinating, and to Winnetka Bowling League for the time and thought to respond to the questions!
Be sure to check out their amazing sound, and follow them on Twitter (@WinnetkaBowling) and Instagram (@winnetkabowlingleague), and like them on Facebook (/WinnetkaBowlingLeague)!