Top: Matt Whiteford, Left: Martin Buechler, Right: Anthony Rossi. Photo by Alex Ayabe
Hailing from the city of brotherly love, Cigarettes for Breakfast brings its own flavor of shoegaze and dream pop to the Philly indie scene. Created by leading man, Matt Whiteford and supported by Anthony Rossi and Martin Buechler, the band looks to release their second full-length album early next year. Their first full-length album, Join the Circus, was released at the tail end of 2023. Highlighted by songs such as "Hollywood Daydream" and "Pretend", the album served as a great culmination of their early EPs and singles. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to ask Matt some questions about the band and the creative process that goes into making an album.
 What are the advantages of having an "ever-changing cast" of members working together?
Yeah, the "ever-changing cast" has been interesting. It's not really something we've been seeking out, it just kind of happens. The only consistent members since the beginning of the project have been me and our drummer Tony Rossi. The way I see it, our roles haven't changed much aside from me being the only person singing now. When I started Cigarettes for Breakfast, I didn't really consider myself a singer, so that is where a lot of the "collaboration" was taking place. You know life happens, things change, but as long as I'm still here, we're going to keep trucking along.
You guys are currently working on your second full-length album, can you describe the process/work that goes into not only composing the music, but also finding the character of the album and putting it all together?
Yeah, I mean I'm pretty much always writing and demoing ideas. So that part of the process is kind of never-ending. Typically, once I have a collection of songs that feel right together, I'll work through the drums with Tony. Once we’re both feeling good about the feel/tempo/etc, we will record them (unless a drum machine is used). I do all of the production myself, so after that, I can take my time with the bass, guitars, and vocals. When I think about an album, I try to make sure that things flow together, while still keeping enough variety to keep it interesting. I'm not usually a fan of records where all of the songs kind of sound the same. I want the record to take you on a journey. I like interludes and stringing songs together so everything feels like a cohesive body of work. I ended up doing a decent amount of that for this album, Slow Motion. I think a lot of the character and flow of things happens organically. For Slow Motion, I really tried to find a balance between a modern and classic sound. There is obviously influence from My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive, but I was referencing Ringo Deathstarr and Nothing records a lot through the production and mixing process. All in all, the theme and flow just kind of present themselves. It all comes together pretty organically. At the end of the day, I just want to create the kind of music I would want to listen to.
Aside from music, what are some other forms of art/media that have helped shape your creative identity(s)?
I kind of end up dabbling in all kinds of digital media. Editing videos, taking photos, designing merch and tour posters, digital marketing, website design, etc., etc. These days, as a musician you kind of have to wear a million different hats. It can be pretty overwhelming but I do love how much control it gives me over the whole image and vibe of Cigarettes for Breakfast. Just about everything you see or hear from us is DIY.
Photo by Nickee Plaksen
What are your go-to artists in a genre(s) outside of the ones you create in?Â
There are other genres?
What's the album or song that has found its way into your heart and has been crucial to who you are?
I’m sure this is shocking, but Loveless [my bloody valentine] changed my life
What are your thoughts about the need to have a creative outlet?
I think having a creative outlet is what keeps me sane. Hopefully, it helps whoever is listening out there feel a little less alone.
Having talked to different bands around the country, there is a certain energy that comes with playing home crowds. How would you describe the Philly Shoegaze/Rock scene?
We love going on tour and playing other cities but there is just something about Philly that is hard to top. Philly shows up and Philly knows how to have a good time.
Photo by Vinny Barreras
If you could, feel free to drop some local Philly bands that you think deserve some love.
Flatwaves, Doused, Soft No, Slide, Pale Shade, So Totally, Skeever, I could keep going but this might get out of control haha.
Cigarettes for Breakfast's new single, Seeing Stars is out now on all platforms. Be sure to look out for updates on their upcoming album, Slow Motion which aims to come out February 21st of next year. A special thanks to Cigarettes for Breakfast and Matt Whiteford, check them out on socials and as always, live VASH.
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