The National’s Matt Berninger Releases Type It Up EP and New Video

Among the standout inclusions on Type It Up are Berninger’s previously shared interpretations of New Order’s timeless synth-pop anthem "Blue Monday" and the Velvet Underground’s sunny classic "Who Loves the Sun," the latter of which features a guest vocal appearance by renowned singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash. Alongside these covers, the EP features Berninger’s recent standalone single "Martini Me Fatso" as well as a brand-new track, "Ask for Water." To accompany the release of "Ask for Water," Berninger has rolled out a music video filmed and directed by Chris Sgroi, offering listeners a visual window into the project’s aesthetic world.

According to Berninger, the genesis of Type It Up is deeply rooted in the kinetic atmosphere and evolving momentum of his recent live performances behind Get Sunk. The singer explained that the dynamic nature of touring allowed him to treat the songs as living, breathing pieces of art rather than static recordings.

"These songs came out of the momentum and energy of the Get Sunk tour," Berninger shares, reflecting on the organic songwriting process that shaped the EP. "I was changing lyrics and forms night after night, and we were getting real-time feedback from audiences and social media comments."

This real-time interaction between artist and audience even played a direct role in shaping the EP’s title track. Berninger revealed a humorous anecdote regarding how a common mishearing by fans ultimately inspired a major lyrical revision for the song "Type It Up," which was originally titled "Black Letter Font."

"On the song ‘Type It Up,’ people were mishearing the lyric, ‘That would look good in a black letter font’ as ‘I would look good in a black leather thong,’ so I decided to swap the chorus," Berninger said, adding with typical self-deprecation, "I’m more of a black linen suit guy."

The covers featured on Type It Up have already enjoyed some life outside of this new collection, having both received standalone releases earlier this year. The brooding, atmospheric take on New Order’s "Blue Monday" initially materialized as an exclusive Amazon Music Original track, introducing Berninger’s signature baritone depth to the classic 1983 electronic masterpiece. Meanwhile, his collaborative rendition of the Velvet Underground’s "Who Loves the Sun"—featuring the iconic Rosanne Cash—first debuted for audiences on the Australian television series Sunny Nights, immediately drawing attention from music enthusiasts eager to hear how the two distinct vocalists would blend their styles.

The full tracklist for Type It Up showcases a tight, deliberate sequence of songs that highlights Berninger’s multifaceted songwriting and interpretive range. Opening with "Martini Me Fatso," the EP flows into the newly revised title track "Type It Up" and the fresh single "Ask for Water." It then transitions into the two previously released covers, "Blue Monday" and "Who Loves the Sun." For physical music collectors purchasing the vinyl edition of the EP, the release includes a special bonus track: an acoustic, live-in-Australia recording of "Martini Me Fatso," capturing the raw, stripped-down essence of the song as it was experienced on the road.

The release of Type It Up further cements Berninger’s prolific creative output outside of his primary work with The National, demonstrating his willingness to lean into spontaneity, fan interaction, and cross-genre collaboration. Physical editions and streaming options for Type It Up are now available through major retailers and digital music platforms, offering fans a deeper look into the evolving musical journey of one of indie rock’s most recognizable voices.