A double dose of South Shore songwriter for you today. We recently did a little video and photo shooting for Matt York down at The Spire in Plymouth, MA. A beautiful venue playing host to some incredible local and touring talent.
Before the show Matt and I dipped into Hollis Greene’s shop (The Music Box) next door to film a quick performance in the space lined with drool worthy axes and a comfy, charming feel. Here is Matt performing his tune “I’m All Done”…and continue below for a Q & A with the songwriter about his music and recording in that same building that he was playing in later in the evenings.
RLR: How do you characterize your music? What drives and inspires you from “other artists” standpoint? Influences?
MY: I grew up loving Lou Reed, The Pixies and Willie Nelson. As I got older, I really fell in love with Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle and early Bruce Springsteen. I like doing the noisy bar band thing but also really like doing quieter acoustic type stuff as well. I really don’t love a specific genre, I just like good songs.
RLR: You recently played a show at the Spire and also recorded your latest album at the studio in the same building. How do you think the atmosphere of that place influences a live show and a recording? Its such a brilliant place for music.
MY: I think the Spire is a really great room and only going to continue to grow as more and more artists find out what a terrific sounding room it is and that it’s a room that draws crowds of people that are supportive and that want to see live music. Mark Bryant, who runs Seasound Audio which is in the basement, has been a big part of both places and just has a tremendous spirit and infectious personality. I think that we’re going to see more places like the Spire pop up in other small cities and towns because I think people will support places/artists especially if they don’t have to drive into Boston, pay a fortune for tickets and parking etc.
RLR: A big part of what Red Line Roots stands for is collaboration, community and bringing folks together and fostering an environment where artists help each other. How do you feel about that preservation of unity and family sentiment in the folk music community around your own town or city? How does it play into your own music and where you come from?
MY: I was very active musically in Cambridge/Boston for a long time and then stepped away from “the scene” for a number of years so in a way it’s hard for me to say. I certainly understand the family aspect of it as I met my wife at a gig we were both playing at the Lizard Lounge fifteen years ago. Having returned to the music world, it’s been fun to reconnect with people that I hadn’t seen in years and music truly is a universal language. As much as the music world has changed in the time I was away, the constant that’s remained is that the best acts are ones that are always working, always supporting other acts/causes and just recognizing that being a musician isn’t just getting up onstage and singing some songs. It’s sending emails, supporting friends’ bands, spreading the word and playing a part in fostering a creative environment.
RLR: If you could collaborate with anyone (dead or alive) musically, who would it be?
MY: Townes Van Zandt would be high atop that list among those that are no longer with us. I just loved his songwriting and spirit. Other than that, I’d loved to have been around Dylan when he went electric. Of modern acts, I love Kendrick Lamar and what he’s doing although I think my ability to collaborate with King Kendrick would be strictly limited to dancing poorly while he did his thing. I listen to hip-hop a lot and I think there’s a lot of creativity going on in that world.
RLR: Anything else you want to plug?
MY: If people like the video, they can download the song for free at www.mattyorkboston.bandcamp.com (they can also choose to pay a million dollars for the album if they’d prefer). For people on Facebook, please “like” my page atwww.facebook.com/mattyorkmusic. I’m always trying to spread the proverbial word about upcoming shows and stuff that I’ve got going on.