A-Sides Interview: Matthew Koma of Winnetka Bowling League — Catchy Songs, Deep Conversation

It was June 2020. Home-school or remote learning was still going on. Peaceful and not-so-peaceful protests over the untimely death of George Floyd were somewhat new. The pandemic, well, was the pandemic. Times were sad yet, depending on how you looked at it, hopeful. June 2020 seems like six years ago. That’s how the year has been. Getting through each day has been an accomplishment. Anyway, June was also the month I interviewed Matthew Koma of Winnetka Bowling League to discuss his band, a bright spot for many during this daze. In particular, “CVS” has resonated on radio and streaming. When I say “streaming,” I mean it’s turned up on many a playlist for me. It’s not really a mystery why. It’s catchy AF. It’s chorus will dance in your head, and occupy some space there. You want it there. It’s a happy place. Catchy music is what Koma has given us for years, but it’s not catchy mindless stuff. It’s well-produced, put together, raw and honest music. Substantive infectious hooks and killer melodies is what this guy brings to the table and Winnetka Bowling League’s songs deserve all the love they’ve been getting.

Koma’s the front man, songwriter and producer for Winnetka, and before I embed that interview I told you about, I’ll say the triple threat thing is no surprise if you’ve been following his career. He started out as a solo artist in the mid-2010s roughly, and was wildly successful. He also became a go-to producer and writer. Speaking of the latter, he wrote a bunch including the Grammy-winning “Clarity” for Zedd. Anyway, watch the interview. We tackle some serious stuff because, well, 2020. We do, however, talk about CVS having a good year. Phoebe Bridgers knows what’s up.