Matt Berninger

 

 

The National is a band whose music has helped me (and many others) through troubled times. Their songs seem to tap  into our worst anxieties, and then they help us exorcise those emotional demons. I drew this portrait while listening to their new album, The First Two Pages of Frankenstein. It was inspired directly by lyrics from their singer, Matt Berninger. If you're familiar with the band's music, you might be able to guess the song.

 

Matt Berninger

My favorite band in the world is the National. Their sound is dark, moody, and sad. Yet, somehow, listening to their music is a cathartic experience. As someone who experiences anxiety on a daily basis, I find comfort in their sound and lyrics. I sense that others share the same internal struggles which I go through. I don't feel alone. Unsurprisingly, there happens to be an incredible communal bond amongst fans of the National. They're an amazing live band, and they do a lot of charitable work.

This is a little portrait of their singer, Matt Berninger, who (like the rest of the band) is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. His deep baritone is one of the most unique voices in indie rock. The lyrics which he (and his wife) write are haunting and beautiful. On stage, his wacky sense of humor is a perfect counterbalance to the moodiness of their sound. I started this drawing while riding on a train from Rhinecliff, NY to Buffalo, NY. The Amtrak route I traveled on is called the Empire Line, which happens to be the name of one their songs!