The Agony and the Irony of Matt Skiba

Alkaline Trio front man Matt Skiba is a self-proclaimed, card-carrying, member of the Church of Satan, and he idolizes Anton Lavey. Super-Catholic Pepperdine University refuses to play his band on the school's radio station. A most amicable and relatable rock star, Skiba holds up a long, pointy middle finger at the mainstream and anyone who takes this short life too seriously. In his chilling, raspy voice, the last original member of Alkaline Trio discusses David Bowie, Tegan and Sara, and joining the Church of John Waters.

The new album, Agony & Irony, has reached the 13th spot on Billboard, breaking your previous records. What do you think changed?

We never want to make the same record twice. We always hope our latest effort is our best. We wanted a fun rock record that still has depth and meaning.

Is the title representative of your lyrics and song choices?

We’ve always used dark imagery and written pop-influenced rock. There are light and dark sides to all aspects of our group. It’s an appropriate title, and indicative of the band.

Do you have a favorite song on the new album?

“I Found a Way” is fun to play live, and I really like its meaning.

How do you feel the band has been changing?

The band is more focused. The touring has gotten a lot more luxurious. We’ve grown a lot as people and as a band, but we still know where we come from.

How does it feel to be the only original bad member?

I’ve been with Tim for so long—we’ve kept it going, we’ve kept the band, even though the meaning has changed. It’s weird that it doesn’t feel weird.

You’re a card-carrying member of the Church of Satan. What’s that like?

I don’t carry my card anymore. I’m more of an atheist, but very spiritual. Not knowing keeps things interesting. The Church of Satan isn’t a philosophy I wholly agree with. If there were a Church of John Waters, I would join it. [People are taking the Church of Satan] extremely seriously now. It was initially for fun, shock value, and entertainment. I don’t get in people’s faces telling them I’m a Satanist.

Have you lost potential fans because of your beliefs?

Pepperdine University in California won’t play us on the radio. Other than that, I don’t know. I have friends who consider themselves Christians, Buddhists, Satanists. Whatever gets you through your day and makes you more fun, I’m backing it.

Who are some of your favorite artists and influences?

I was listening to Tegan and Sara’s “The Con” a lot while writing the new album. We’re going to do some stuff with Tegan, hopefully soon. In the last few years, I’ve grown to understand all the hubbub over David Bowie. I had never really listened to him, and now I listen to him constantly. I grew up with a lot of punk rock: the Misfits, the Ramones, Agent Orange. I still listen to that and think about it when I’m writing.

Do you enjoy being on the road?

There’s a great quote by Andy Warhol to the effect of, “there’s no such thing as work when you love what you do.” That’s very true for me. I love to be home, relax, paint, hang out with my wife and cats. But I also like to be on the road, playing every night. I’m very lucky.