Hi Matthew, how are you today, ready for Christmas?
Yes. I have been looking forward to this particular Christmas for a long time, its been a crazy year! I’m going AWOL for a couple weeks.
Who is Matthew E. White and how would you describe your music. What was the actual spark that made you believe music was going to be your career path?
Right now my music is an American gentleman’s psychedelia sparked by Chuck Berry and The Beach Boys
Where is your home town and are there any record stores still standing there or where you live today?
Richmond, Virginia is my hometown and yes, there are several wonderful record stores still standing.
What is your approach to song writing, does it all come in a rush, over time, music first, words first etc?
Over time for sure it’s a bit of a combination of music and words all floating around each other until they find their home. I like to write down phrases that I like and sometimes Ill play with those until they fit nicely in a bit of music or sometimes there’s a piece of a melody that begs a few words. You never know how its going to come out, that’s what makes music so enjoyable - its something that you can play around with forever.
Back to college days, what were the Albums/CDs exchanged with fellow students as you went through the education system?
When and where was your first and last gigs and the memories of both?
I don’t really remember my first gig, that’s funny, ive never really thought about that. High School band? or maybe at a Bookstore in High School? I’m not sure! My last gig was last night in
In fantasyland, if you could front or play in another band on stage (past or present), who would it be?
I don’t know if I’m good enough to front another band, but if I could play in another one Id be in Stevie Wonders band - definitely couldn’t front that one though!
What is the best piece of advice you can you give to new artists taking their first steps in the music industry today?
Be courageous, imaginative, and patient, work hard and be nice.
With so many great singer-songwriters do you think theres always room for more - unless youre very different, do you think theres a danger of overload?
Like Thelonious Monk says The genius is the man most like himself. Being different is as easy, or more realistically, as hard as doing that. If you don’t find your own voice there is certainly a danger of overload, but that’s the same in any business, that’s not unique to music at all.
If there is any downtime in your life, how do you like to spend it?
Watching sports
You are playing
Well, the only time Ive been in the UK was when i was a really young guy and all i wanted to do was go to the Sherlock Holmes Museum, which I didn’t get to do, so maybe I can see that!
I’m looking forward to taking in a place with a different culture and perspective, its exciting stuff - my world isn’t quite as aged in the same charming way, and Im looking forward to experiencing that history up close.
Will you be making any New Year resolutions?
Practice more.
MATTHEW E. WHITE Live:
Tuesday 22 January BRIGHTON The Hope