In this modern age of Netflix and chilling, I’m proud to say that I know at least three humans who are committed to antiquated-yet-tangible entertainment such as the 7-inch EP (I took all the pics at the super-fun record release show at Cafe NELA last month) and ye olde art of being in a garage punk band. Andrew Material, Daryl Material, and Sean Material (bass, guitar, and drums, respectively, with all of them taking stabs of various sizes at vocals) are indeed Marriage Material, and their band is as raw as it is fun.
Side One of Making The Worry Worth It Pt. 1 sorta has the tag-team vocals of Dillinger Four and no-holds-barred energy of live Rocket From The Crypt, and perhaps resembles long-lost tapes of some of your other favorite bands before they were “good.” Don’t tell the guys that I think Side Two sounds a little like an early Rancid or Downfall demo. (A compliment!) I would look up the song titles but the sleeve is blank and you can’t read a record’s label when it is spinning.
In a tiny room steaming with pizza, comics, and cats, I met with the band of brothers that proudly carries on the musical tradition of the Everlys, Ramones, and Nomeansno but clearly doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Martin: On the heels of a triumphant first year—being invited to Awesome Fest, receiving an honorary degree from Vince Lombardi High School, putting out a killer 7” single, and playing a jam-packed party at Cafe NELA—what can possibly be planned for Marriage Material’s second year?
Daryl: I’m looking forward to buying more Instagram followers. I mean, at $20 for 2,500 it seems kinda foolish not to.
Sean: I’m looking forward to learning how to drum. But I might put that off until 2020.
Andrew: A couple practices. And we are recording a song that my 5-year-old nephew, Joey, wrote. It’s called “Yeah Yeah I’m A Weirdo”
Martin: As contributors to a magazine and recording studio, all of you cross paths with so many amazing bands. Is that inspiring or humbling? Depressing?
Daryl: There’s nothing better than the three of getting together and making fun of all the bands we don’t like. Hey, the bands that I love might not always be good, but at least they aren’t boring.
Sean: Yeah, we usually sit around making fun of Marriage Material.
Andrew: As a studio owner I find it inspiring to work with lots of great local bands and to play music with two of my heroes: Jenae Material and Daryl Material. Who’s this Sean guy that keeps answering questions?
Martin: Have you found it handy that each of you can pretty much give fellow members lessons on their instruments? Or too ridiculous to think about?
Daryl: Not ridiculous at all, I actually taught Sean how to play the drums and Andrew how to play the bass.
Sean: Yeah, Daryl was like, “Just hit things really fast and hard with drumsticks.” That was an invaluable lesson because I thought you drummed with your hands and elbows.
Andrew: I can’t teach anyone shit, unless it’s about the Marvel Cinematic Universe or cats.
Martin: Which character in the Marvel Universe does each of you relate to? Which ones do you relate to your bandmates?
Daryl: [stares blankly at Martin]
Andrew: I relate to Cap and Black Widow. I think Sean is Thanos, and Daryl is Baby Groot.
Sean: Andrew is right; I am the most like Thanos because I like to wear colorful rings.
Martin: Would you rather have a reserved seat in Hall H or have a cabana at Coachella?
Daryl: All I want is $20 to buy more Instagram followers.
Andrew: What is Hall H? I’ve never been to a Coachella or been in a cabana, so I’d choose to let Daryl spend his $20 on Internet followers.
Sean: Wait. Daryl spent $20 on Instagram followers?
Martin: Back to the band, are you ready for your first long tour? How will this challenge your somewhat established and copacetic relationship? What will you do with your pets?
Sean: All my pets will be on tour with me. Their names are Andrew and Daryl
Andrew: I have seven cats so I’m not ready to leave them, but Daryl said I could bring home three cats from tour so I’m ready for that. And Sean said he’d brush me at least once a day. And Daryl said he can deal with my snoring because he farts and snores simultaneously. Also, I’m gonna be using Sean’s phone all tour to text Jenae since my phone doesn’t work.
Daryl: Life hack: don’t get pets, just get roommates with pets so you can leave town and not have to think about what to do with them. As for our relationship on the road, as long as Sean doesn’t finish my Sudoku, and Andrew stops talking to me about the MCU, we’ll be fine.
Martin: Are you really marriage material?
Daryl: More than you’ll ever know, Martin. more than you’ll ever know.
Andrew: I’m barely “dating material.” But I do have a girlfriend I want to marry and I’m divorced, so… yes?
Sean: Doubt it. I’ve asked both Daryl and Andrew to marry me more than once and they turned me down.
Check out Marriage Material on a West Coast Tour in May and look into their brand-new tour T-shirt pre-order action, too. I’ve owned a Redd Kross shirt featuring Linda Blair and Killing Joke shirt with a pope being sieg heiled by Nazis), but neither is as badass as a Howard Zinn getting busted design!
By Martin Wong 