Ultra Deluxe – Thanks for Asking

We are on safari for the illusive spotted answer, and we make our way through the Savannah with loaded questions. Our guide, Matt Narotzky of the band Ultra Deluxe.

RRX: Every comic book hero has an origin story. What is the origin story for the band? (Points if you tell it like a comic book origin.)

MN: Ultra Deluxe is a musical project that tells the story of a Sci-fi dystopian saga which is basically a comic book with music so I’ll tell that!

The first album of the Contact Saga takes place in the year 2755 when captain Adrian Park flies the UGF Taillow spaceship to the planet Xevium. It crash lands on the planet leaving Adrian as the only survivor. Over the course of the next 3 albums and 2 EPs we learn the backstory of this crash. In the distant future climate change has wrecked the planet. The tyrannical imperialist force, the UGF, went on excursions to claim new land for the empire. However, the rebel force known as the contra, allied with the Xevians; is determined to fight back! Every album tells a different part of the story from different perspectives as well.

RRX: Every band’s first song is a milestone. But so is the latest song. Describe the first song/album you recorded, and also the latest song/album you recorded; what are the differences?

MN: Our first song was recorded on a split with a band called Flat Stanely. The split is no longer available but what’s cool is that Erik from Flat Stanely later went on to join Ultra Deluxe. Before he joined our first official EP called Bummer is one of two recordings not part of the saga. It tells stories of political rallies, inequity in the public transportation industry and more. Our latest album is actually being recorded right now. LP4, titled The Floria Wars was written mostly remotely during the height of the pandemic. A lot of these songs feature a lot of writing from our newest member Dane York on bass and guitar. The album is also going to feature string sections, horns and features from Phong Tran and Fear Not Ourselves Alone.

RRX: Like songs, every band has a unique feeling about their first show. What was your first show like? Was it your best show? If not, what was your best show like?

MN: My first show was very special because it was during a holiday break from work. My cousin was in town for the holidays and we drove together to the Meatlocker in Montclair, NJ. There was a crowd of about 50 people which is amazing for any show, let alone a first show. Even thought I messed up a couple of times people danced and it was truly a great time.

My best show has to be a tie from two shows this year. The first of which was in February at Dirty Dungarees in Columbus, Ohio. What made this show so great was that it was our first time ever playing Columbus and we played a laundromat to about 150 people. The crowd energy was amazing, everyone was dancing and we got to see a lot of our friends. Truly a spectacular night. The other best show just happened last month and Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios in Denton, TX. This was probably our biggest show ever at around 300 people. But what made it the most special was that it was part of a road trip with my dad who has also been a huge support of me and the band. Getting to play music and spend time with my dad made it something special.

RRX: Music genres are difficult for some bands. Some strictly adhere; others not so much. What is your perspective on the genre you play, or the genres you hover around?

MN: Ultra Deluxe definitely tries to combine different genres but we have our roots in punk and screamo. The songs have a post hardcore and skramz edge that remains constant. However, electronics are at the forefront of our sound and there are also a lot of strings and orchestral samples that make up our more current material.

RRX: It’s a lot of fun living in the present, but we all collect memories and give birth to dreams. We’re talking dreams here. Where you see yourself next year? In the next five years?

MN: I’m really excited to go on some international tours coming up. I’ll be playing Europe next month and then we should be touring Canada and Japan next year. Playing shows is easily my favorite part of music. I love writing and recording but traveling on the road and getting my songs in front of as many people as possible gives me the most joy. As far as the sci-fi saga element is concerned there are at least 2 more major releases before the story can ‘conclude’ that I am excited to share as well.

RRX: We all get a little support from those around us. And we also can be impressed by our fellow bands. Who do you admire in your community, and why?

MN: Since I am from New York City I have to shout out some of my friend’s bands and those would have to be: Fear Not Ourselves Alone, Mirrorxlake, Crush Fund and Tonsil Hockey. The thing I love most about these bands besides their amazing music is they are all great members of the music community as a whole. They all support and come to shows even when they’re not playing, hype up other bands and just bring an overall positivity to the scene that is so important.

Interview by Liam Sweeny.