Canadian singer-songwriter Matthew Ryan Jacobs has been steadily releasing new music, making a name for himself within the indie rock and folk circles. He’s just released his latest single, “Sun Goes Down”, a mellow, bluesy song that simultaneously brings on feelings of sadness and joy. We caught up with Matthew to chat about the song, the artists he’s listening to right now, and the ways he gauges his own success.

From The Strait: Tell us about the new single, “Sun Goes Down”.

Matthew Ryan Jacobs: Sun Goes Down started out as more a blues song, but once the lyrics started to come together, I slowed it down and it ended up a little more on the soul side. Lyrically it’s kind of a story about where I was heading or loosely based on people I know or have known. It’s a little bit about addiction, and not wanting to let go of your youth; when drinking and partying just slowly turns into your life; and people and things start passing you by. You feel like you’re “living” but, you’re stuck in one place.

FTS: Which bands or artists are you listening to most right now?

Matthew Ryan Jacobs: I’ve been listening to a lot of Dan Auerbach’s solo stuff, and Jeremie Albino, who’s a great artist from Ontario. I’ve also been obsessed with fuzz tones lately, so I’m listening to a lot of Hendrix and Gary Clark Jr.

FTS: How do you gauge personal success in music?

Matthew Ryan Jacobs: I gauge my personal success by how good I think my last song was. I’m only competing with myself, and I find I’m a pretty honest critic. But, I think I’m still improving and that’s all I care about. Just always moving that needle a little further.

FTS: What has been your favourite venue to play? (And what, in your opinion, makes a venue great?) 

Matthew Ryan Jacobs: It’s all about the vibe for me, I just played a church in Waterloo and it was beautiful. Last summer I played in an old barn in Prince Edward County – The Eddie, and that was great experience as well. I’m really enjoying these alternatives to bars, it’s been a nice change of pace. They’ve seemed to be a good fit for me playing solo. But, it’s hard to beat playing a good old sweaty bar with the band though.  


Check out “Sun Goes Down”, the new single from Matthew Ryan Jacobs!