The dichotomy of LA based frontman Matt Caughthran is an endearing and engaging one. Having fronted hardcore punk band The Bronx for the past 13 years, it seemed unbelievable that Caughthran moonlighted as the lead singer and songwriter for sweepingly romantic and upbeat Mariachi El Bronx for almost the same period of time. It’s a credit to the 37 year-old’s masterful talent as a musician, allowing him an aptitude to expand his repertoire instead of being pigeon-holed by genres and conventions. With a humble attitude that belies a ferocious stage presence when pounding out Bronx lyrics, and a Californian swagger that seeps through his heartfelt Mariachi El Bronx performances, Caughthran has a fascinating duplicity that retains an honesty and faithfulness that allows him to remain true to both bands, and most importantly, himself.

Caughthran is the antithesis to your hazy and disillusioned LA types – down to earth and reverential, whilst still possessing a gritty and cool-as-fuck vibe, the two bands he fronts are indeed the perfect balance for a multi-faceted artist who sees the world with feeling.

My initial thought was to just go with the flow and dive into something new. That being said, it was basically a song study in the beginning; flushing out an idea to kind of reset the creative cycle for a new record. By the time it developed into a full length record, most of us had realised that we were onto something special. The key was not to lose our own identity in the process – that’s what keeps the ‘Bronx’ in ‘El Bronx’.

That’s basically it in a nutshell. Bronx is an outlet for anger, El Bronx is an outlet for love. Obviously it’s a little more complex than that… Bronx isn’t all negative and vice versa, but the truth is that El Bronx gave me an outlet for all the beauty in my life. It created such a healthy balance in my writing and gave me the confidence to embrace the beauty of the music with lyrics of love, loss, sadness and hope.

Love is complicated for me at the moment, so I’m letting it be. I am at a lot of different crossroads in my life at the moment, both personally and professionally. It’s nice to just dive into work and simplify my life a bit. Feels like the right thing for the moment.

Religion is a trip. When I was young I realised that organised religion was bullshit. However, I connect with the idea that there is something else beyond this life. When my Dad died I felt connected to the world like never before; I felt the sadness in the sand at the beach. Everything had meaning. Some people choose to ignore that or just say it’s hyper-emotional, part of the mourning process, but whatever. If you’ve ever lost someone you love you know what I’m talking about. There is a deeper realm that reveals itself. I take comfort in the cross because my Dad did, and it reminds me of him, not Jesus.

Yes and no. I knew when we finished the first record that we had done something special. None of us ever imagined anybody giving a shit about it though ! [ha]. I think that it’s just such an original idea that people wanna check it out. Thank God we don’t suck.

Very proud. We have worked so hard over the last 12-13 years to build something special together, and we have. I’m very thankful for, and proud of, my Bronx/El Bronx family.

Most Bronx fans love El Bronx, but a lot of El Bronx fans can’t handle the Bronx vibe. Too loco for ’em – its hilarious.

It’s very important. I want people to feel what I feel when I hear a song I love or go to see a band that shreds. I try not to focus on it though, because then it becomes forced and you can get wrapped up in the “show”. It’s always worked best for me to just be myself and not hold back.

It is a little weird at times ,but it’s all good. I love having both bands.

Yeah we love Violent Soho. We have spent a lot of quality time with the boys and are very proud of their success. Stoked that they had us out on this big tour!

I’m terrible at multi-tasking. Usually when I’m on tour I’ll take photos, write, organise my ideas… then I’ll come home and start to chip away with Stolen Tuxedo projects. It’s become something that I cherish and it keeps me sane.

Rhys has been there since day one. He’s the man and an amazing artist!

Working on Bronx 5 as we speak. Should be out September next year… maybe sooner.

Going home for the holidays and writing new music! 2016 has been a real bitch, so I’m looking forward to next year.

Drums are my jam. Love guitar too, but drums tap into that primal instinct.

Unfortunately not… loved that suit. Awesome video too and great memories.

Not possible to answer. Last one we played was pretty damn good.

Elvira [Mistress of the Dark].

David Letterman.

We all nasty!

Home.

‘Perfect Day’ by Lou Reed.

Starting a band.

Check out more of Pen To Paper Media’s The Bronx and Mariachi El Bronx coverage here:

https://pentopapermedia.com.au/?s=bronx