Since the release of his latest album, Mat Kearney has Nothing Left to Lose.
Born in Eugene, Oregon, singer/songwriter Mat Kearney began his musical career at California State University, Chico, where he studied literature and played on the soccer team. After completing his junior year, Mat went to Nashville with friend and producer Rober Marvin, with the intention of staying the summer to lay down a few songs. After the offers for recording deals started coming in, Mat decided to remain in Tennessee to seriously pursue music.
His interesting blend of hip-hop and folk intrigued Inpop Records, which offered Mat the deal he was looking for and released his debut album, Bullet, in 2004. His follow-up, Nothing Left to Lose, found Kearney departing slightly from his rhymes and concentrating more on guitar work, and was issued by Aware/Columbia Records in 2006. Mat's penchant for poetry and writing fostered his interest in the "urgency of spoken word," which he demonstrates in rhythmic, hip-hop-inspired tunes like Undeniable. The title track off of Nothing Left To Lose has appeared on many radio channels around the country as more and more listeners discover his fresh, creative sound.
Sonicswap: What is your favorite song on Nothing Left To Lose and why?
Mat Kearney: Well, my songs are kind of like children and I have a special relationship with each. I tend to gravitate towards songs that are personal to me. I love Nothing Left to Lose because that's my story. I also love All I Need and What's A Boy To Do? In the heat of the moment, they came very easy to me.
Sonicswap: Where did you record your album and what are some of your favorite collaborations?
Mat Kearney: I produced the record with one of my best friends and we pretty much did it on our own. We were worked in a little studio [in historic Franklin, Tennessee] that used to be an old mental hospital. We also did a lot of material in his living and in our bedrooms. We did it gorilla style. There was also a nice place called Bridge Street in Nashville.
Sonicswap: What was your reaction when you first heard your song on the radio?
Mat Kearney: Very surreal… Because you're used to listening to your demos and rough mixes driving around in your car. It's always weird and strange when they say your name on the radio before or after your song… Such a great feeling.
Sonicswap: What bands have you been listening to lately?
Mat Kearney: It changes everyday, depending on the day you ask me. I've been listening to Emmylou Harris' Wrecking Ball, which is very influential; As is Loretta Lynn and Jack White's record. I have also gotten into Sufjan Stevens lately. Everyone should know who he is. I tend to gravitate towards great songwriters who write timeless songs that always come back to you. Johnny Cash is a huge influence… Even bands like Tribe Called Quest.
Sonicswap: Many people have labeled you a "Christian Artist," even though you don't promote yourself as one. How do you feel about this?
Mat Kearney: I don't quite know how to deal with labels because I don't relate to them very well. I never really changed what I've done and labels are always a friendly thing in my opinion.
Sonicswap: You've been touring a lot lately. What's the hardest part about being on the road?
Mat Kearney: The pace of always doing something and being away from people you miss. You feel like a gypsy disenfranchised…. You get to one town then you immediately have to get ready to go to the next, so there's never enough time to thoroughly experience and enjoy the culture.
Sonicswap: What's the best part about being on the road?
Mat Kearney:Your home becomes the people who surround you. You pinch yourself because you get to play your songs in front of people who come to see you perform. It's humbling. I love what I do; I love writing and being engaged with people and I love seeing cultures and cities. That's one of my favorite things.
Sonicswap: What do your friends and family think about your music?
Mat Kearney: They love it. I didn't come from a family of musicians, so I had to walk down that path where I had to kind of explain what I was doing and why. One thing I love is that I grew up in a place where anything creative was encouraged: Painting lessons, ceramics, any creative tools. I wanted to be a carpenter at one point! There was a time where I called home and said I was going to drop out of school and my parents said "Ok, do what you have to do." I don't know what they said when they hung up the phone though…
Sonicswap: Is there anything you want to say to people who have purchased your CD and/or attended your show?
Mat Kearney: Thanks for supporting me. I am trying my best! And, please, don't be upset if I look distracted after a show. I'm just tired.
Artist Info
Sounds Like: Coldplay's Chris Martin, with the occasional hiphop interval
Has Headlined for: Graham Colton Band, MuteMath, The Fray
Cool Quotes
"When I set out to write, I want to write something that will rip your heart out."
"Hopefully there is a depth and intimacy of the songwriting that goes beyond the novelty of a funky guy with an acoustic guitar. Great songs connect beyond genre and style."
More…
Albums
- Nothing Left to Lose
- Bullet
No comments:
Post a Comment