One question that people often ask me is, how different are the artists we see on stage versus off stage? Simple answer: it's all in how you look at it. Through the eyes of a fan, the performers that are on stage are larger than life, almost immortalized in that moment of connection. The truth is however, they are no different that you and I. They have families, still put their boots on one at a time, and go through the same struggles that everybody experiences in daily life. One of the good parts of this scene is, we get to see that off-stage normalcy after many shows, when those same artists visit, mingle, and share stories with the same people who only hours earlier, purchased a ticket and were in awe of the spectacle we call a live show. But then again, isn't that what has led to the surge of popularity of the Texas/Red Dirt scene in recent years? It's the ability of the fans to be able to rub elbows with the same people who bring them such joy by the pluck of a few strings, and the belting out of country style poetry that explains how we live our lives. Matt Wayne is no different.
Taking ques from the music he was raised on, Matt Wayne and Company have created a sound that can only be described as, slap you in the face and make you like it. What do I mean by that? It's self-explanatory really. When you attend a live Matt Wayne show, you're guaranteed a rockin' and ramblin' good time. With a distinct, deep, gravely voice, Matt has the sound of an old-time country troubadour fused with the raw drive of a southern rocker. And its this voice that delivers lyrics that are relate-able, as well as , catchy and hard to forget.
With a recent line-up change, and the addition of Cody Angel on lead, Matt has been hard at work in studio. When asked about the change Matt said,"We have always had great musicians who brought different things, but with Cody, it just fit everything. Personality, musically, everything." That kind of connection can take years of searching for some bands, and sometimes to no avail.
The new album will feature a few surprises for the faithful and new listeners alike. "We want to capture the energy of the live show on this album." Matt spoke of new tracks that have been successful in the live show being added, along with a few personal favorites of his. If the new production will be anything like the previous album, then fans can only anticipate another good mix start to finish. With work currently being done to finish up this 12-track project, that should be out later this year, Matt Wayne should be back to performing in no time. I'll leave you guys with this peek at a great cover of a Kiss classic that will be found on the album.
With the ease of accessibility of these artists, one thing us fans must always remember is, never take these performers for granted. They do what they love for a living, just as we all work for the things we have. Through ticket purchase, merchandise sales, and radio spins these working artists are able to keep on traveling, recording, and performing. Think about that the next time you attend a show, and think about asking for that free tee or CD. Everyone wants that brother-in-law deal, but if we all got the hand-out, how could these artists get paid? They perform for us, the least we can do is pay for the ticket and the merch. Now go slap on that old Ragweed or Great Divide shirt, rock that Pat Green or REK koozie, and make that trip out to support the next artist to break it big in our home-grown music scene. This is Texas Red Dirt Roads.
For More on Matt Wayne Visit: Matt Wayne Music
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Adiós,
Aaron Bentley
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