To mark the new season of T-shirt label Unknown Soldier, stocked at the OCLA store, I decided I would follow its designer, Mathieu Schreyer, around Los Angeles for a day. Mathieu wears many hats on the daily, heading up the Unknown Soldier label, DJ-ing every Friday night on KCRW, and running his record label Quieres Chicle. In the LA music scene, Mathieu is a trendsetter, often breaking new artists who go on to enjoy regular rotation. He uses Unknown Solider as a means to express his views on the current state of society.
Armed with a tank full of gas and plenty of coffee, we visited Unknown Soldier HQ where I delved into Mathieu's extraordinary record collection and peeped the new season prints. Later we visited his studio where he DJs for Los Angeles' 2 million drivers each week and dropped by the KCRW on-air studio where we listened to the show. Read what we chatted about below.
What is the intention of Unknown Soldier?
To wake up the submissive souls of our brothers and sisters by sharing information concerning the struggles of the world. We'd like to take ourselves seriously but we are incapable of it, so we just make serious T-shirts.
Tell me about the Spring/Summer collection?
It was inspired by the early industrialization of the 20th century—the unions, socialism, the train tracks, the strikes, and the people who lived through this amazing period of history.
Unknown Soldier is all about social commentary. Where do you see the world heading?
Well, the pessimist in me will tell you it's all shit and that we are all going to die of unknown cancers. But the optimist in me will tell you, man, don't worry we've been through it all before and we are still here. Keep on keepin' on. I think somewhere in the middle of that is where we are at, or where we are heading.
I do believe that we’re all becoming too individualistic through social media and iPhones. We may all end up like Narcissus if we keep only thinking of our status updates and ourselves!
What music are you currently excited about?
I am excited about a lot of stuff, from the very clever reissues from labels like Light In The Attic Records, Strut Records, Finders Keepers Records, Soundway Records, Numero, and Favorite Records, to new releases on labels like Brownswood Recordings, Alpha Pup Records, Don't Be Afraid, Running Back Records, Have A Killer Time, WOLF Music Records, and Innovative Leisure. There’s a lot of great music out in the world—it’s amazing. You can always tune in to my RADIO SHOW to hear what excites me!
Speaking of records, what's going on with your record label?
I started Quieres Chicle last year and have since released two singles, both produced and written by Robin Hannibal, the producer behind Rhye and Quadron. He is a dear friend and an ultra-talented producer. My third release will be his solo effort, under the name Bobby. I started this label to release singles and EPs and to help artists and musicians who I wholly believe in.
Where are some of your favorite hidden spots around LA?
El Cochinito in Silver Lake is a good Cuban spot, Baco Mercat, and always Chateau Marmont, but those are not so hidden [laughs]. I like Mount Analog for record shopping, as well as The Last Bookstore. Also, the very tiny Laurel and Hardy Park at the end of my street.
If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be?
Tough question—there are so, so many people I would want to hang with! I’ll say, Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis, or Oscar Wilde (
Armed with a tank full of gas and plenty of coffee, we visited Unknown Soldier HQ where I delved into Mathieu's extraordinary record collection and peeped the new season prints. Later we visited his studio where he DJs for Los Angeles' 2 million drivers each week and dropped by the KCRW on-air studio where we listened to the show. Read what we chatted about below.
What is the intention of Unknown Soldier?
To wake up the submissive souls of our brothers and sisters by sharing information concerning the struggles of the world. We'd like to take ourselves seriously but we are incapable of it, so we just make serious T-shirts.
Tell me about the Spring/Summer collection?
It was inspired by the early industrialization of the 20th century—the unions, socialism, the train tracks, the strikes, and the people who lived through this amazing period of history.
Unknown Soldier is all about social commentary. Where do you see the world heading?
Well, the pessimist in me will tell you it's all shit and that we are all going to die of unknown cancers. But the optimist in me will tell you, man, don't worry we've been through it all before and we are still here. Keep on keepin' on. I think somewhere in the middle of that is where we are at, or where we are heading.
I do believe that we’re all becoming too individualistic through social media and iPhones. We may all end up like Narcissus if we keep only thinking of our status updates and ourselves!
What music are you currently excited about?
I am excited about a lot of stuff, from the very clever reissues from labels like Light In The Attic Records, Strut Records, Finders Keepers Records, Soundway Records, Numero, and Favorite Records, to new releases on labels like Brownswood Recordings, Alpha Pup Records, Don't Be Afraid, Running Back Records, Have A Killer Time, WOLF Music Records, and Innovative Leisure. There’s a lot of great music out in the world—it’s amazing. You can always tune in to my RADIO SHOW to hear what excites me!
Speaking of records, what's going on with your record label?
I started Quieres Chicle last year and have since released two singles, both produced and written by Robin Hannibal, the producer behind Rhye and Quadron. He is a dear friend and an ultra-talented producer. My third release will be his solo effort, under the name Bobby. I started this label to release singles and EPs and to help artists and musicians who I wholly believe in.
Where are some of your favorite hidden spots around LA?
El Cochinito in Silver Lake is a good Cuban spot, Baco Mercat, and always Chateau Marmont, but those are not so hidden [laughs]. I like Mount Analog for record shopping, as well as The Last Bookstore. Also, the very tiny Laurel and Hardy Park at the end of my street.
If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be?
Tough question—there are so, so many people I would want to hang with! I’ll say, Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis, or Oscar Wilde (