Kitchener-Waterloo-based singer-songwriter Matthew Ryan Jacobs has just released his new self-titled EP. It’s a collection of 5 songs written and recorded over the past year, showcasing a slightly darker tone than his previous work. Blending folk, Americana, indie rock, and touches of country, Matthew strikes a balance between fuzz-drenched tones and stripped-down acoustic moments. We caught up with him to chat about the new music, what he’s listening to lately, and the highlights of his music career.
From The Strait: Tell us about the new self-titled EP.
Matthew Ryan Jacobs: The EP is self titled and a collection of songs that were written and recorded over the last year. I’m really happy with this one, it’s a little darker than my last EP (The Trouble in Me) and I wasn’t really thinking about anyone else when we were making it. I actually told my producer Ben Kempel that this one was for me, so if I want the song to be six minutes long with an extended guitar solo, it will be. Not that we were trying to create something radio friendly or pop in the past, but we would try to keep the songs tighter in time and the playing more concise. Lyrically I tried to push a little deeper, which is always the goal, but it is strange to put that all out there for anyone to hear and probably misinterpret haha.
But overall, I think this is my favourite group of songs yet, and I might have a few extras to release before the New Year as well.
From The Strait: The focus track for the new EP is called “Peace of Mind”. Can you tell us about it?
Matthew Ryan Jacobs: Peace of Mind started as an acoustic song that grew into something more, which is represented in the arrangement. The middle section was actually the first part that was written and then I built the rest around it. I had written the lyrics from that section for a country singer who asked me to write something for their next album, but I liked the part too much and decided to keep it. Lyrically it’s mostly about feeling like hell and feeling guilty about it, or wondering if it’s obvious; and then not wanting the people around you to think it’s because of them or bring them down. Not that I feel like that all the time, I just don’t seem interested in writing happy songs.
Matthew Ryan Jacobs: Mostly I’d just like to work more with other local artists, I’m open to getting a few different voices and players in the mix in the future.
From The Strait: Do you get nervous before playing live? If so, what do you do to combat that?
Matthew Ryan Jacobs: I don’t really get nervous to perform anymore, and if I do it’s mostly about my voice being in good shape that day. So it’s mostly become about taking care of myself which has been easier the last few years. I’ve given up a few bad habits that weren’t doing me any favours.
From The Strait: Which bands or artists are you listening to most right now?
Matthew Ryan Jacobs: Sturgill Simpsons, Alabama Shakes, War on Drugs, Neil Young, Jason Isbell
From The Strait: What has been the highlight of your music career so far?
Matthew Ryan Jacobs: I think the highlight has been the random messages or something as small as seeing someone you don’t know share or tag your song. I’ve also loved having radio stations put songs into rotation. It’s all small scale, but having people take interest in what I’ve been doing is really cool, because I’d be doing it anyway. So it’s all a really amazing bonus.
From The Strait: What’s one question you wish you were asked in an interview? (And what’s your answer to it?)
Matthew Ryan Jacobs: How does it feel to open up for The Rolling Stones on their latest tour? That would be a great question to be asked!
