INTERVIEW: Matthew Gordon Price — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Taylor Harford

Matthew Gordon Price

___________

THIS time around...

I get to speak with Matthew Gordon Price about his new single, Grow Old Together, and how that came to life. I ask what sort of music compels him and what he has in store going forward; some approaching artists we need to check out and how he unwinds away from music.

Price discusses his tour plans and gives advice to upcoming artists; how his music has evolved since his earliest days and which artist(s) he’d support on tour if he had the chance – he picks a cool song to end the interview with.

____________

Hi, Matthew. How are you? How has your week been?

It’s been a bit hectic and we’ve had lots of practice for a few live sessions which are coming up but, apart from that, just focusing on the new releases

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I was born in Somerset, originally, and now live in Devon. I’m in a few projects currently but my main focus is my original material which currently showcases an Indie-Folk vibe but I’m always writing different types of tracks – Classical, Indie; Rock-y-Folk stuff so, in the future, there might be a surprise or two.

When did music arrive in your life? Did you discover it young?

Ever since I was young, I’d always be found creating mix tapes or listening to my parent’s collection of music which ranged from Bob Marley to Queen.

Are there any musicians you consider to be idols and big influences for you?

My Favourite band is and always will be Queen (maybe The Kinks. Haha) but my main influences are Damien Rice, Noah Gundersen and Keaton Henson.

Can you talk about your new single, Grow Old Together, and what it concerns?

It has a different pace to what I usually write but I really wanted to get my more upbeat Folk tunes out this year and I feel this track will have a few people saying “this is different”…hopefully. The song itself is about how sometimes you feel you’ve found the one you’re meant to spend the rest of your life with but end up being wrong…and then you fall into something new but you’re wrong again (haha) until finally you actually get it right.

Do you feel like there might be even more material coming later in the year?

I have a few more tracks lined up which will probably appear on an E.P. together. They will be Arrows and Everything I Could.

How do you feel your music has changed and evolved since the early days?

I’ll be honest: in the early days I couldn’t really sing, couldn’t really play a guitar very well or write very well. Haha. So, I’ll say that, hopefully, it keeps changing and I keep experimenting with sounds to really craft songs that I am proud of and that people enjoy.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

I wouldn’t say a fave memory but I’ll say that sometimes when you have a gig or even live session where you almost lose yourself in the moment and you’re really gone. Hard to explain but I’ve had it a few times and nothing comes close to that…well, currently, anyway…

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Keaton Henson - Romantic Works

A Classical album by one of my fave musicians – it’s perfect.

Damien Rice – O

This is, by far, my fave album and it’s because Damien Rice. Simple

Queen - Greatest Hits

It got me through my whole childhood and it’s still up there as one of my faves.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

I’d love to support Mumford & Sons, Matt Corby or Damien Rice. My rider would have to include bottle of Honey Jack Daniel’s; Papa John’s pizza and probably some Dreemys from Aldi.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Practice a lot. Write a lot. And email every venue at least three times (if they don’t reply to you the first two times - persistence is key).

Do you think there are going to any tour dates coming up?

We have a few for 2019 and festivals but we can’t announce anything yet I’m afraid. More info on www.matthewgordonprice.com.

How important is it being on stage and performing to the people?

It’s funny as I started music because I wanted to entertain, then I learned how to play and write and then became much more involved with writing for myself and thought I’ll play what I want etc. But now I’m in the middle and realise you got to please the crowd but also you have to write for yourself.