There’s pleasure in discovery.
It’s a quote someone gave me for a story in college years ago, but it’s stuck with me my entire career. And it’s stuck with me because it’s 100% true.
For the droves of fans flocking out to see The Gaslight Anthem this summer — come early. Once you get there settle in for what we think will be a killer set from Matt Mays. The Canadian singer-songwriter and JUNO award winner is bringing his catalog of indie-oriented excellence to select Gaslight dates.
We caught up with Matt earlier this summer to discuss the re-issue of his records on vinyl, touring with Gaslight and more.
Your first four records will/have been released on vinyl. How does it feel to have your work be re-released on a physical medium that is really beloved by music fans? Is it special, or is it just another day at the office?
It’s a huge deal for me. These songs were always meant to be heard on vinyl. It’s extremely rewarding to finally get to drop the needle on them.
‘Once Upon a Hell Of A Time’ was released last year. How does this record hold up in your mind, now that the afterglow of the initial release has passed?
I’m really proud of ‘Once upon a Hell of a Time’. I worked really hard on the songs and I think it’s an album I’ll always hold really close. That being said, most of my energy is always put into what’s next.
Do you have plans to release a new record in the near future?
I have a lot of new stuff cooking these days. I’m also releasing an acoustic version of ‘Once Upon a Hell of a Time’ called ‘Twice upon a Hell of a Time.’
You’ll be doing some opening dates with The Gaslight Anthem this summer. How did this opportunity come about?
Brian [Fallon] and I have been fans of each other’s tunes for a long time now and thanks to Twitter we got to connect and then eventually tour together. The Gaslight Anthem are a band of badass sweethearts.
If people are coming out to see Gaslight, and might not be familiar with you — what song(s) would you recommend they check out in order to really fully know what Matt Mays is all about?
I’d say ‘Station out of Range’ and ‘Terminal Romance’ would be a good start.
If fans know you from your work with The Guthries — how would you say your solo work differs from your work with the band?
The Guthries were much twangier. My voice has fully passed puberty as well (laughs).
In the same vein, how do you feel you’ve grown as an artist since going out on your own?
It’s been almost 20 years since that first record came out. Many miles, albums and shows have passed since that I’ve grown from.
What are you most excited for in 2018?
Mostly just getting to create more music. I’m excited to push myself to get better and weirder. And I’m excited to get back on the bandstand with The Gaslight fellas.
Matt Mays will be on tour with The Gaslight Anthem at the following venues..
August 9: Rebel – Toronto, Canada
August 10: Revel – Toronto, Canada
August 11: Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL
August 13: House of Blues – Boston, MA
August 14: House of Blues – Boston, MA
August 15: The Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA
