Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Matthew Payne

My debut EP from the Texas Hill Country, “Coyote Howlin Blues,” is out now, available on all platforms!

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

I used to lie awake listening to the sound of coyotes howlin in the woods at night. I listened close to their song, and think of them as the first songwriters I ever heard. All my songs come from the coyote howl.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

It began with an A minor chord. The first chord I played on guitar, and from there, I’ve played every day.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

My debut EP release, “Coyote Howlin Blues” is inspired by the Texas Hill Country, by my travels and experiences. It is my first release after being a public high school educator for two decades. I loved every minute of it, but it was time to follow my musical dreams.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

I probabaly wouldn’t haha. I would just play them a song 🙂 Words aren’t meant to give you the complete picture. Some things you need the feeling, the music, behind the words too, to give them more meaning.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

To write more than just songs: write poetry, stories, journal entries, etc. It’s all connected. And to make space for silence in the music too.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

Just my guitar, harmonica, and voice.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

Really diggin the debut album by Preston Hester called “Willing and Able.” Got it on repeat with John Wheeler’s “Map of an Impulse.” These albums make me so excited for the future of music. I’ve also been spinnin “The Stumbling” from Alex C. Mills and “Stephen F. Austin’s Blues” by Philip Gibbs. Both just incredible songs and stories.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

They inform everything I do musically.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I hope they find what they are lookin for. I hope they feel what they need to feel, and allow themselves the space too.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

To be myself.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

Austin City Limits TV show 🙂

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Hmmm, that’s a tough one. Maybe Shooter Jennings. I’d love to make an album with him.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

https://www.thisismatthewpayne.net