This California music stud (but his Mom is from Chicago) is on his way to the top, and in great position to have an incredible close to his summer – as he is opening for Jack Johnson. Not too bad for an up-and-comer, especially since he gets to play with Jack on at least one song a night. Who’s jealous? This guy!
When I met up with Matt in Chicago, we had a blast. We even walked around the grounds after his set to see how many people recognized him. A pretty sweet night that included an appearance by Mr. Jimmy Buffet (played with Jack to close the night). Here are some of the highlights of our many discussions throughout the evening.Oh yeah, if you haven’t heard it, go buy Matt’s debut album “Songs We Sing.” It’s pretty bad (bleep). Word!
I guess this is kind of a stupid question since I have been with you all night and could probably construct my own answer, but take me through your normal night, you know, one where you are not hanging out with Chicago’s coolest music writer.
(Laughs) My night usually consists of warming up a half an hour before the show; and then I do my show; and then I go and hang out at the merch table and meet people and find out what they are all about. Then I will usually go get some food and then I have to get ready to go on stage again with Jack.
Do you only get one song with Jack then?
Yeah, we only do one song. We had a song that we kind of mixed together between two of our own songs, but we are not ready to play that.
Jack Johnson walks by and says: Don’t believe anything Matt says. He’s full of B.S. (Laughs)
(Laughs) Hey.
So, how crazy is it playing with someone of Jack’s stature?
It’s pretty crazy. I don’t really follow that much contemporary anything – like TV or radio or media or anything like that. I’m kind of in my own world. I like my ’60s music and books and I sort of stay in that world. To be out here and to be apart of this is very surreal.
I have been with Jack’s crew before and I must say it has to be easier for you as an up-and-comer to play with these guys.
Yeah, totally. Everyone in this group is so nice and helpful. This is my first time being on a tour like this. It’s great to be around good people and great musicians.
So, what’s the next step?
Boy, the next step is. Hmm. I’m kind of spoiled because everyone here is so nice. I’m going to go around and get on the van and kind of follow-up on this tour. I don’t know, I’m kind of living a fantasy land right now. Crazy stuff. The next step is for me to go out on my own. That’s it, just riding the wave.
Are you building a nice fan base off of this tour?
I don’t really think about it. I’m just writing music and playing shows. I don’t know. I think I am building a nice little base off of Jack’s fans. I see them buying my album and then going on my Web site and talking about my shows and where they saw me. So, I guess I am building a good fan base. I’m just lucky to have to ability to be in front of so many people.
Is it a dream of yours to someday have a big enough fan base where you can trade places with Jack and be the headliner?
I have thought about it. I have thought about me being in Jack’s shoes. But, you can’t dwell on that. Music is its own reward. You know what I mean? If I can go on stage and sing that song and like it, then I’m happy. I am just thankful for the opportunities that have been presented to me. I just want to keep growing naturally. I know Jack, it’s crazy, he’s gotten this far and has all these fans.
You will get there someday, man. For an opener, you sure had a ton of people out there supporting you.
Yeah, thanks man. You know, whether I’m playing a roof top or playing a sold out stadium in 20 years, I really don’t care, as long as I am still happy doing it and playing the music I love.
Right on, man. That’s the right attitude.
OK, this whole fame thing is at an interesting level for you right now. You can walk around the grounds before a show and not get noticed that much. Is that a blessing?
Yeah, I guess it is. Fame really doesn’t do much for me. I don’t really think about it too much. A lot of times I will go walk around after my show and talk to people. I will go up to them and ask what they thought of the opening band? And they will be like, ‘Yeah, they were alright.’ And I will try to mess with them a little and get them to talk more about me (laughs). It’s really funny.
I think we should do that tonight. But the goal I have is to sell a hundred albums of yours for you.
That would be pretty sweet.
You just have to know how to talk to the fans man. It’s all about your game plan.
(Laughs) That’s why I mess with them.
Someday though, you won’t be able to do that. You will be so famous you will have to be all hidden in the back of your bus.
(Laughs) That would be interesting.
Kind of what Jack has to go through now. He can’t just walk out there.
Yeah, he can’t have as much freedom now. He does go and talk with fans sometimes. That’s just the person he is. He will go up to the fence and have a conversation with some screaming fans. That’s just who he is.
Do you want to follow in those footsteps?
Oh yeah. I want to keep it just like that. He’s really a role model. That’s why I am blessed to be on this tour.
Well, you get Jack, but the ladies are pretty nice, too.
(Laughs) There are a lot of ladies (laughs).
Just pass them my way.
(Laughs) I may have to, cause I have a girlfriend.
Works for me!
• Nick Powills can be reached at SayWhatPOWILLS@aol.com.
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