Artist Spotlight: The Matters
Photo by Ismael Quintanilla III
We’re pleased to introduce our September Artist of the Month, The Matters! This month they’ll be releasing a new single & music video titled “Imma Say Hey” – their first release since 2018’s Survive EP. We expect nothing but more electric and unapologetic rock ’n’ roll from these guys!
Before relocating to ATX, The Matters grew up sharing the stage in PCB. The project formerly known as Jam Therapy, features a lineup of Florida natives: Garrett Brown (vocals, guitar), Alejandro Rios (guitar, vocals), Chase Morgan (bass) and Mike Krieger (drums). Together they performed across the Southeast and released a series of EP’s until their music led them to Austin, TX.
The bands electric and unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll — with a whole lotta feeling– materialized into the band’s first EP ‘Survive’, released in 2018. The album was recorded in Austin, TX at the Bubble with premier rock producer Chris “Frenchie” Smith (Jet, The Darkness, Leopold and His Fiction, Purple) and expands upon the group’s development with diverse songs that reinvent the far-reaching scope of rock music.
With the mystic of Zeppelin, paired with the energy of The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Matters challenge their audiences to a fight to the death every night while conducting a stage show that is both chaotic and seductive.
What does it mean to be recognized as AMF’s Artist of the Month?
AMF has helped springboard so many fresh Austin acts that when we heard we had been given the spot in September, we lost our minds. We’re stoked to join the ranks of Austin’s finest.
Most of you are from Florida originally – how did you meet and decide to start making music?
Our eclectic taste in music and love of rock n’ roll brought the front three of us (Chase, Garrett, & Alejandro) together in the town of Panama City, FL. After throwing a few shows together for kicks in high school, the response was positive enough to push us to really figure it out as a group. After moving to Austin, Mike Krieger undoubtedly expanded the sound on drums to where we are today.
It’s a big decision to move an entire band halfway across the country. What brought you guys to Austin?
Panama City could not have been a better stomping ground to grow and develop as musicians, however opportunities were scarce in the beach town. We were regularly playing the largest venues PC/PCB had to offer and wanted to see if the same type of progress could be made in a bigger fish bowl.
What is the best part of being a musician in Austin? And on the other hand, what’s the most difficult?
The best part of being a musician in Austin is definitely the resources the city has to offer. If you need a video, a record or a band to play with, Austin delivers. That being said, it can be challenging for some acts to stick out amongst all of the incredible music Austin hosts on any given night. It really forces you to bring the fire every single night.
What is your favorite Austin venue to play?
Stubb’s. Such a great staff and vibe in that place.
What is your favorite breakfast taco joint?
Tyson’s Tacos on Airport Blvd.
If you could collaborate with any living artist, who would you choose and why?
That would have to be White Denim out of ATX. They have such a killer sound and we hope to work with them in the future.
If you all had to agree on a TV show to binge-watch, what would you choose?
Three’s Company.
What’s next for The Matters?
We have a new single/video we’re releasing this month called “Imma Say Hey” that we diligently hammered out with Austin’s own Frenchie Smith. The new track should really turn people on to our refreshing rock stylings while we expand into new regions across the country.
How can people support your band? Where can the buy your music and see you perform next?
Come watch us shred and tell every person you’ve ever met about it! Even with everyone’s infatuation with social media, word of mouth is as powerful a tool as any platform. Catch a show at the Hill Country Galleria or Dozen Street on September 7th as well as our AMF showcase at Geraldine’s on September 21st. Our music is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube to stream for free!
