10 Measures with Matt Ranfranz

Matt started playing drums at age 9 but took a break from music after high school to pursue a degree in the culinary arts in St. Paul. He returned to Rochester to work in the culinary field and is now the drummer for MAC and the Abstracts with vocalist Michelle Hilsman, bass player Cameron Smith, and guitarist Destiny Boyum.

Most listened to song last week?

"Forty Six & 2" by Tool. 

Favorite local musician?

Drummer Devon Farlow of The Chubs. 

Favorite local hangout?

Kathy’s Pub. Hands down. The music scene there is phenomenal.

What sparked your interest in music? 

I basically grew up in the Partridge Family. I played drums, my dad played guitar, my mom played piano, and my sister sang.

What is something that is surprising about you?  

I come from a long line of morticians. My great-grandfather immigrated from Germany and started the Ranfranz Funeral Homes. 

Name a song that you didn’t expect to like, but did.

MAC and the Abstracts does a cover of "Royals" by Lorde. I love that song now. 

Say something positive about another local musician.

Erich Lechelt is the master of the bass strings and a phenomenal bassist. I can’t say enough good about the guy. 

Any show rituals?

When I’m playing drums, I always wear a hat – no matter what.  I don’t want to have crazy, whacky hair all over the place – I want to have it contained.

What is your musical philosophy?

Music is a medicine. Food can heal people, but music can heal people, too.

Most memorable gig experience? 

I was attracted to this girl at culinary school, and I ended up slicing a good chunk out of my pointer finger when I was looking at her rather than at the red pepper I was cutting. I had to go to the hospital and get stitched up. I was playing at Battle of the Bands, and my wound opened up during the show. Blood was flying out all over the place. We won Battle of the Bands, but my drum set was splattered in blood. People just thought it was part of the show. 

You can see Matt with MAC and the Abstracts for their debut show at Kathy’s Pub on Saturday, Sept. 2.