Hailing from Southern California, Crossing I’s Dotting T’s provides an emotive type of alt-rock that they describe as “emo-gressive alt rock” …It has been described as new grunge to punk, but they don’t even know…it’s all just rock n roll Starting in his bedroom and car in Southern Orange County, Matt Mucerino started to write songs until he teamed up with Alex Estrada of Pale Moon Audio (known for his work with Joyce Manor, Touché Amoré and Nails, as well as being the frontman of Silver Snakes).
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
This project was started when my (Matt Mucerino) cousin passed away due to cancer. We seemed to be the only people we knew who bonded over the same music, ranging from bands like FIDLAR and Joyce Manor to bands like Hippo Campus and The Counting Crows. We’ve gotten to where we are because we believe in this band, each other and the music. It’s all about the music, it’s just tough to get it into everyone’s ears.
What is the favorite song you wrote and why?
My favorite song I wrote was “7.45am” because I like the way it has a soft acoustic intro but then leans into heavy alt rock/grunge tones for the chorus. I just like the dynamics of it and the message of the tune.
Who are your all time musical icons?
Adam Duritz of The Counting Crows, Barry Johnson of Joyce Manor and Frank Black of The Pixies.
What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive?
It’s already us. This isn’t an act or a scheme to get famous or to write the catchiest pop song. It’s honest, sincere, raw music that is from the heart and meant to be yelled.
Who are you binge listening to these days?
A lot of Modern Color, Have Mercy, Basement, Citizen, Violent Soho, Webbed Wing, Drug Church, Narrow Head, and a lot of alt rock 90s…man, quite a lot
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
We are releasing the first single from our debut full length album and it was written real quick actually. I was just fiddling around with a few chords and hit a grungey vein so ran with it. Lyrically it’s all about how people are insecure and always thinking about how others perceive them and how we just don’t feel like we can relate to those people. “While you’re thinking about what they think of you, they’re thinking about the same thing too” are the opening lyrics.
Do you have any peculiar pre or post show rituals? No, we just try to get there on time. I’m not sure we’ve ever sound checked because we have always been late.
What’s the future looking like for you? The future is looking like we will release an album in July and it will be on Billboard charts, or we quit forever and never talk to each other again. Jk, but it should.
Who inspires your style and aesthetics? We don’t necessarily have any I’d say. We just kind of try to keep it emotional. Maybe we should figure out an Aesthetic.
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why? Either getting on *local* CBS performing a live session with The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Enter Shikari, and The Haunt, or, performing a live session for Orange Amps with Jam In The Van and doing a product demo for Orange’s new Terror Stamp pedal amp for their socials and YouTube.
What do you think is the best way to make it as an artist nowadays?
To be consistent, personable and push to get yourself out there. There’s a million bands, you’re not special, So figure out who can make you look special or who can help you become special.
