It’s hard to believe, but Sixpence None the Richer’s iconic song “Kiss Me” just celebrated its 25th anniversary. The track, which became a defining moment of the ’90s, still resonates with listeners today, finding new audiences and continuing to evoke the nostalgia of its heyday. In this exclusive Q&A, we sit down with Leigh Nash and Matt Slocum to reflect on their journey, the impact of their timeless hit, and what lies ahead for the band. From the overwhelming success of “Kiss Me” to their love for covering iconic songs, the band opens up about their growth as artists, the evolution of the music industry, and their plans for a world tour. Dive into this candid conversation to learn more about their enduring legacy and exciting future.
Popbuff: Your iconic song “Kiss Me” just reached its 25th anniversary. Looking back on a track that has resonated with so many people for a quarter of a century, how does it feel? How did the overwhelming success of that single change things for the band at the time?
Leigh: It’s honestly overwhelming to look back and see how “Kiss Me” continues to have such a lasting impact, even 25 years later. It’s a bit surreal, almost disorienting at times, to think that the song still resonates so strongly with people today. I’m filled with immense pride, especially for Matt—I truly believe he’s one of the greatest songwriters of our time (sorry if I’m embarrassing you, Matt!). I’m just so proud of him and what we created together. This song has become a juggernaut, and it’s even more incredible seeing it as a reel on social media, reaching new generations in such a modern way.
Popbuff: Looking back at the early days, when you and Matt first met at that church retreat in Texas, did you ever imagine that Sixpence None the Richer would have such a lasting impact on the music industry?
Leigh: I did not. Did you Matt?
Matt: No, not at all. We were so young when we started, and honestly, we were pretty naïve. We didn’t really understand the music business or have a clear idea of what success would even look like. We were just focused on trying to sound like our favorite bands, writing songs we loved, and trying to be cool. Looking back, we definitely worked hard, but we also got very lucky. Over the past 25 years, a lot of things have blown our minds, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything that’s happened.
Photo credit: Ben Pearson
Popbuff: You’ve had several successful covers, like ‘There She Goes’ and ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over.’ What draws you to reinterpreting these iconic songs, and what’s your approach to making them your own?
Leigh: We chose those songs simply because we love the bands and their music. It was a bit daunting at first, especially with “There She Goes.” I believe that was Matt’s idea, and it came up pretty early on. I don’t remember exactly when, but I hadn’t been too familiar with the song beforehand. Once I listened to it, I loved it, but I did wonder how I was going to approach it. Thankfully, it all came together beautifully. Covering songs speaks to my love of music and singing with others—it’s almost like being an interpreter. I’m so glad we’ve had the chance to do it, and I’d love to cover more if the right songs come along.
Popbuff: After disbanding in 2004, you’ve all remained active in the music world. How has your individual growth as an artist influenced the band’s new music?
Matt: I think exploring individual growth really helped us develop our crafts and allowed us to explore different aspects of the music business, like making records, collaborating with other artists, and co-writing. It gave us a chance to mature and become better artists. Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself is exactly what you need. Coming back to the band after that growth has been really cool because everyone has honed their own strengths while being away from this sound and these songs. I’m glad we all stuck with it.
Leigh: I completely agree and am really thankful for the time away. Honestly, I missed it the whole time, but as Matt said, stepping out of your comfort zone is where real growth happens. I feel like we’re just getting started, especially since we’re making new music now. It feels like we’re right at the edge of something exciting, and I’m loving it. The music that’s coming out of us right now feels really special, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.
Popbuff: With ‘The Tide’ receiving over 2 million streams, what has the fan response been like for the new material? How does it feel to have that kind of reception after all these years?
Leigh: It’s really great, and I think it highlights just how much the music business has changed. For me, it’s amazing how quickly things have evolved. The way we make music and release it now is so different from when we started, and the way success is measured has completely shifted. Two million streams for “The Tide” is incredible, and I’m so grateful for it. Everything is just so vastly different from the ‘90s, and here we are 25 years later. It’s fascinating to see how it’s all changed. Honestly, I’m a little confused about what success even means anymore—it’s different for everyone. But I think we’ve found our place, and it’s really exciting to see young people discovering the band for the first time. Some of them even think “Kiss Me” is a new song, which I find hilarious and really sweet. Hopefully, this leads them to explore more of our catalog because there’s a lot back there, and a lot more to come. I’m excited to see where this “Kiss Me” craze takes us!
Popbuff: The re-release of your self-titled album on vinyl is a big moment for longtime fans. How do you feel about the resurgence of vinyl, and what made you decide to include ‘The Tide’ in this special release?
Matt: I’ve always collected vinyl, and one of my favorite things is sitting at home, listening to records on a turntable. There’s something really special about hearing your own music that way. It’s also great to see bands I loved growing up releasing their albums on vinyl—records I could only get on CD back then. Since those albums were originally recorded on tape, it’s cool to hear them in that format again. I love that we committed to a really special double vinyl package; it feels like a sign of respect for the music. There’s just something about holding that in your hands—it really validates you as a musician. The only downside is that vinyl has become pretty expensive these days, but it’s still a fun hobby!
Popbuff: With the original members reunited and preparing for a world tour, what can fans expect from your upcoming shows? Will the setlist be a mix of classic hits and new music?
Leigh: Yes, exactly—everything you just said! It will be a mix of both old and new songs. I’m really excited to see who comes out because there are always so many variables when you hit the road. It’s been a long time since we’ve done this, and it’s coming up quickly, but I’m really looking forward to it. Fans can expect to see us, hopefully, healthy, happy, and performing a great mix of our older material and some new tracks as well.
Popbuff: As a band that has influenced multiple generations, how do you balance staying true to your roots while continuing to evolve and connect with new listeners?
Leigh: Authenticity is really important to me, and I want it to be that way for everyone. I’ve never been one to follow the crowd—I know what I like, and I’m almost stubborn about sticking to it. It’s kind of a protective thing, keeping me safe from influences that might not be good for me. I’m very focused on being true to myself, and as I’ve grown, especially as a woman, a performer, and a frontwoman, I’ve never felt more confident in who I am. It’s a great place to be in life. I’m excited to explore how I can connect with audiences even more deeply now than I could before.
Don’t miss your chance to see Sixpence None the Richer live in Southern California! Catch them at these upcoming tour dates and experience their timeless hits and new music in person.
SoCal Tour Dates:
San Diego, CA
Dec 12 Thu | Belly Up @ 8:00pm
Santa Ana, CA
Dec 14 Sat | Constellation Room @ 8:00pm
West Hollywood, CA
Dec 15 Sun | Troubadour @ 8:00pm
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