#241. The National’s Matt Berninger on His New Solo Album ‘Get Sunk’ & European Tour

In Episode #241 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar chats with Matt Berninger — frontman of The National and acclaimed solo artist — about his brand-new album Get Sunk.

Best known for his baritone voice and evocative lyrics, Matt has spent over two decades with The National, shaping the sound of modern indie rock across landmark albums like Boxer, High Violet, and Sleep Well Beast. In 2020, he released his first solo record Serpentine Prison. Now, four years later, he returns with Get Sunk — an album he describes as “the inhale after drowning.”

In this episode, Matt opens up about:

• The spark that inspired Get Sunk

• His battle with depression and how it shaped the record

• Unusual writing methods that brought the songs to life

• The “near miss” track that almost didn’t make the album

• Lessons from collaboration (including with Taylor Swift)

• What’s ahead on his upcoming European tour

Whether you’re a longtime fan of The National, intrigued by Matt’s solo work, or simply love hearing the stories behind powerful songwriting, this episode offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at one of indie rock’s most distinctive voices. Stream below.

Or listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests include legends and trailblazers such as Saint Etienne,
D: Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more.