Q&A with Matt

Name: Matt

Hometown: Washington DC

Living in: Washington DC

Occupation: A bit of everything right now: baker, barista, cook, accountant.

You recently wrapped up your site music blog, Everybody Taste. You started in 2009 and finished with a vinyl-centered record label, Analog Edition. What is your favorite story from the four years? Releasing a 7" single by Blake Mills was an enormous honor. I love all the bands on Analog Edition, but Blake Mills is really one of the best musicians I've ever seen play. He's touring with Fiona Apple right now as a duo, and his guitar play is simply out of this world. His solo record Break Mirrors is in my all-time top ten. Few people have heard it, but everyone that does falls in love with it.

What will you miss the most about the blog? Discovering new music everyday. I just don't have the time anymore. I'm going to trust other blogs do the dirty work for me.

This must be such a frustrating question, but what are you currently listening to? I'm obsessed with the new Cass McCombs track "There Can Be Only One." It's just about the best thing i've ever heard. Blake Mills' girlfriend is also the lead singer of Haim, who are an absolute blast. I'm certain they're going to play the Super Bowl halftime show one day.

Your new project is Little Red Fox, a gathering spot in DC that you are getting ready to open. When did you first get the idea for the business? What's been your favorite part of the development process? Little Red Fox is a hybrid: part coffee shop, part prepared foods store, part market. The idea is to offer restaurant quality meals for folks that don't have time to cook, because they're either too busy working or taking care of their families. It's an idea I've been toying with for a few years. Being able to be creative is always the best part for me, so logo design and menu creation have been really fun and collaborative experiences. As far as opening, if all goes well with construction, we'll be open in late October.

What is your favorite food and drink? Cornbread crust pizza. Black coffee made via pour-over.

How will Analog Edition be incorporated into Little Red Fox? I'll definitely have all the bands' records on constant rotation in the store. Beyond that, we'll have to wait and see.

If someone had a day in Washington DC, what would you recommend them to do and see? If it's a Saturday, go to Three Stars Brewery for a free tasting and tour in the afternoon. Then head to Union Market for a smoked whitefish sandwich from Neopol Smokery. Go put your name in at Toki Underground for the best ramen in the world. The wait will be at least two hours, so head downstairs to try a few local brews at the Pug.

What is the best trip you've ever taken with your Alues? I married my wife Jena on the big island of Hawaii this summer and wore my Alues the whole time. It was one of the best weeks of my life.

What is your dream trip? I've promised my wife that I'll take her to New Zealand one day. So Little Red Fox better sell a lot of grub.

How would you describe your own style? Band t-shirts and jeans.

Three essentials that you always carry with you to travel? My Alues, a giant straw hat, and an Aeropress.

If you could have a superhuman power, what would it be? Superman-style space flight. In other words, flying with the ability to breathe in space and not freeze to death. I want to find some aliens!