Kevin Matthews

Story

I am most interested in composing original music, and writing original lyrics. I have done some of these. I enjoy collaborating with others in the creative process. I played drums in rock bands for years. My intentions are to focus on guitar, and keyboard more than on drums. My keyboard has a drum machine built in to it. I picked up guitar at 12 years old. I was drawn to the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, as well as to others like Joni Mitchell. I got away from making music for a long time, and went to college. About 4 years ago my best friend died. I started seriously writing song lyrics, and composing though I have been collecting my ideas for lyrics for decades. One of my favorite things to do at home is to sing along with records. I am single having never married. I live alone in a small, but very nice apartment in a small city with a University campus. I have always, it seems, been hyper critical of most of the popular music made over the years. But I am loyal, and when I discover a sound I like a lot, I stick with it. BTW, I've taken piano, clarinet, violin, voice, drum, and guitar lessons, but go figure, I am a visual artist otherwise.

Profile

Instruments

Genres

Influences

Equipment

Languages

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is beauty in sound. To put it in terms of my friend Jay, "Music is the juice."

What is your music dream?

To be a simple performing musician either on my own, but hopefully not, or with a band; that would be my preference. To perform original music written by myself, or as a band collaboration. I'd be willing to go with only one other person.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

Homelessness in America, and starvation elsewhere.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

The instrumental theme from the film "Midnight Cowboy". But a song is "No Fair At All" by The Association.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Alan Parsons. Chick Corea, and Stanley Clarke when they play an acoustic duet. Michael Franks' west coast Jazz style with his clever lyrics does not get old.

What inspires you to make music?

I have always loved music. Playing an instrument is different than any other artistic medium. I want to express myself in a beautiful composition, and lyric. i have been through a lot in my life. I also love love love to sing.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Just stop, and listen, take a moment to listen to my life, or play me in the background while you, and friends are together. I can be trusted.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Not bad when I played drums which is to say a little nervous at first, but not much. Later I developed horrific stage fright as a singer, but I'm happy to have someone listen.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Dictated by the professionals, or personal loyalty to a specific band(s). I imagine more open mic nights down town would be great. I don't think I'm all that great as a musician, but my lyrics are wonderful, and so not too much judgement of playing ability.

What do you think of Drooble?

Pretty cool so far.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Music frustrates me. I can compose a terrific chord progression one day, and the next day it sounds like crap. If I get away from doing the usual practice routine for a few days, it sounds better again later. Something else is putting lyrics to music is hard sometimes. I always question whether or not this, and that chord are the right chords.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Sometimes. I listen at the bars down town occasionally.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Music has to be the dream.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Bob Matthews, who played on three albums on string bass, and backing vocals for Sergio Mendez and Brazil 66. He toured with "66" as part of the band for several years. Bobby played with the Brian Nova Trio later among others. Bobby is my Uncle.