Getting to know an enigma

Matt Costa is an enigma – a 25-year-old former skateboarder who credits his diverse taste in music to the freedom and improvisation he experienced skating.

“Any instrument that allows you the freedom to be creative – whether it be a skateboard or a canvas – (is) a tangible way of discovering yourself,” Costa said.

Just before he was ready to turn pro, a leg break led him to turn his attention to songwriting while he healed from painful surgeries. Costa dove headfirst into music, finding solace in the creative process. His music made its way through the vibrant SoCal art scene and into the hands of No Doubt’s Tom Dumont, who mentored Costa and produced his first album, “Songs We Sing.”

With this album, Costa earned a reputation as one of music’s emerging artists, crisscrossing the country with long-time supporter Jack Johnson, performing at music festivals (including Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza) and headlining his own tours.

The following is a phone interview with Matt Costa about what to expect from his new album and his performance at Boo Boo Records today at 6 p.m. His newest album, “Unfamiliar Faces,” which came out Tuesday, is Costa’s second release on Brushfire Records, the label co-founded by Jack Johnson.

Mustang Daily: So first of all, is Matt Costa your real name or your stage name?
Matt Costa: Both. It’s a real stage name.

MD: Why the free performance and signing at Boo Boo Records? Seems uber-nice of you…
MC: Well, I’ve played before in the store. I just like to support independent music stores. It’s just a good environment to play music around all of my favorite musicians. It’s all about carrying on the tradition, gaining more music.

MD: What can the fans expect at this performance? Is it totally worth blowing off your usual Wednesday-night plans?
MC: Depends. Ugh, Wednesday night … isn’t “Lost” on Wednesday nights? Well, if you find the need to come out, you won’t be disappointed.

MD: So the new album (came) out Jan. 22. What can we expect? Amazingness?
MC: The record is “Unfamiliar Faces.” The first song on there is about turning a blind eye to your fears in life. I realize I both ignore and embrace my fears. Each song is a realization for me.

MD: How did you come up with the title?
MC: Everybody has two faces. There is always going to be a side of someone you don’t see. You can only see what you can view. You can only trust someone. It’s all up to trust, really. It’s about the fear of opening up to someone. And how everyone is masquerading around with different faces.

MD: Some of your songs are very deep. Would you say you are a deep person?
MC: We’re all deep, but certain people want to dig deeper. Sometimes I’m deep; sometimes I’m shallow. You have to admit that sometimes you are shallow.

MD: One review said, “Costa’s music is tailor-made for an audience that would give its right nut to hear Nick Drake one last time.” True statement?
MC: Wow. That’s a good compliment. I guess if you had one nut left, the other one would still work. So I would give my nut to hear Nick Drake one last time. Let’s all give a little bit of our future to hear the past.

MD: Have you always wanted to be a musician, or did you wake up one morning and think to yourself, “I want to be a rockstar!”?
MC: I always just wanted to play music, since I was a kid. I was drawn to the piano on the cartoons. So I started out learning simple tunes from TV. I liked the idea of being a part of something that took on a life of its own. As I grew older, I realized music was a gateway into a life worth doing. Music is like my religion.

MD: A lot of your songs are about relationships or girls. So are you suave when it comes to the ladies in real life?
MC: No, I am not suave with the ladies. I’m working on it. I rented “Gone With The Wind,” “Dr. Zhivago” and “Casablanca” so I can learn how to be romantic. I’ve never been able to obtain being suave. That’s why I write songs about it. My imagination is more suave than myself.

MD: If you have a crush on a girl, do you serenade her with your amazing voice? Does that work?
MC: I would serenade her with a song called “Cliché.” No, no, no. I don’t think I would. I’m sure I would eventually have to though, since that is what I do.

MD: I hear that you are very talented and good-looking in person. Is this true?
MC: Oh wow. I never really see myself in person because I am the person. So you’re just going to have to come to the show.