The Matches (Locals) started off as a garage rock band that shot up towards the skies with a strong fan base. The group even signed with a record label, issued albums, and performed concerts all around the world.

Alas, nothing lasts forever. The Matches descended back to Earth and the members quietly separated to their own lives.

In the documentary Bleeding Audio, director Chelsea Christer captured the story of the rise and fall of this alternative rock band. It looked into its history starting off as a group of teenagers called the Locals to its clash with the name of another group in Chicago. After the name change, they had a meteoric rise with many records to even landing as high as Billboard’s Independent Albums chart. However, due to mismanagement and the digital age of free downloads, The Matches’ end was inevitable.

Here’s the official synopsis:

Bleeding Audio is an intimate portrait detailing The Matches story while answering the question of why the band called it quits when they were so close to breaking out. The Matches had a promising career, a defeating breakup, and an inspiring reunion and it is told through the eyes of bandmates Shawn, Jon, Matt, and Justin. Their story is not necessarily unique, as many bands were taken out by the digital age of the music industry, but in the documentary interviews, it is apparent most musicians and industry executives had a similar reflection on how the industry has changed.

Documentary interviews included all the members of the bands, including dozens of well-known musicians and industry players. Some of the interview subjects included Mark Hoppus (Blink 182), Nick Hexum (311), Tom Higgenson (Plain White T’s), Simon Neil & James Johnston (Biff Clyro), Cassadee Pope (singer), Justin Pierre & Tony Thaxton (Motion City Soundtrack), and more.

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LRM Online’s Gig Patta chatted with director Chelsea Christer and band member Justin Sansouci on the documentary Bleeding Audio. We talked about the history of The Matches, compiling old footage, and obtaining new footage during the reunion tour.

Bleeding Audio is currently streaming at the Slamdance Film Festival through February 25. To obtain ticket information, visit www.slamdance.com.

Watch the exclusive interview below. Let us know what you think.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive, Bleeding Audio