Josh M
Gig Seeker Pro

Josh M

Brooklyn, NY | Established. Jan 01, 2008 | SELF

Brooklyn, NY | SELF
Established on Jan, 2008
Solo Folk Acoustic

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"Josh Matthews:: Co-Patriot"

When I finished listening to Co-Patriot, I felt complete sympathy for Josh Matthews’ attitude: the happiness and the agitation of being in the present.

He is a poet.

Slam poetry is the king method for expressing the gushing-out of creativity, and Josh sings as if he stands in front of whole universe to express his artistic self. His genre, urban folk, will not describe anything about his music to you, because what he does on this album is too unique and experimental to be summed up in a word in your musical database.

‘I’m A Fool’ is my favourite track on Co-Patriot. His declaration of freedom is told over the background of a piano melody and Celtic bagpipe, while laid-back hip-hop interval responses are saying, “Damn ass fool”, and unique vocal percussion gets caught in between. This is truly damn ass cool!

Co-Patriot has 16 tracks in 51 minutes. This is quite a big compilation, yet it does not bore you. It is vastly experimental in the rule of country-like melody.

I constantly felt his unstoppable creativity from this album. I mean, who would think of starting a CD with an unexpected falsetto voice (by masculine, low-voiced singer) and ending it with drastic – almost dangerous – fireworks? Who would try to include an echo chorus with three other men? Well, Josh would – and did.

Being unique is also a proof of freedom. There are so many musicians who try to maintain their genres, but Josh is seamlessly breaking the box. He courageously betrays the listener and pioneers our new musical sense.

Some of his tracks are very personal – reading a letter, playing a voicemail – and also story-like. It reminds me of Rocky Horror Picture Show. Psychedelic guitar invites me to the alien world, and the sing-along style creates the funny vivid atmosphere, but not ridiculously.

Every time I listen to this album, I enjoy it differently. There are so many details to listen to. Each of the tracks are alluring, but the interval of tracks is stunning. The connection between songs, and also the moment of breath, is unique, immense and fun.

“Have a good life / Adios to what could have been”

We always have a new day in the same life. Josh Matthews is a performer who lives in the present with his playful creativity. His new album is exceedingly attractive, powerful and addictive. - Raz Mataz Magazine


"Josh Matthews: Co-Patriot (Self-Released)"

Sometimes the act of simply naming a few comparable artists can illuminate a relatively new performer. My first trawls through Co-Patriot by Nashville’s Josh Matthews led me to a couple of analogs, the social protest folk of Gil Scott-Heron with the discrete weirdness of ex-Moldy Peaches performer Adam Green.

Matthews is at his most accessible when crafting his strangely heartfelt songs about love lost and domesticity. His tracks “A Good Life” and “Level Ground” feel like outtakes from Green’s 2008 album, Sixes & Sevens a sort of cute-core expression of wanting to find someone as weird as you to grow old with. Matthews has a genuine earnestness that anyone, aside from the most callous hearts, would be charmed to receive. His voice delivers a sensitive and introspective lyrical message feeling at home on a spoken word poetry stage. It’s quite difficult not to imagine Matthews standing under halo lights, book open on the lectern, reading the words to “Way Before I Ever Knew You” like literature.

Not everything on Co-Patriot is defined by a cute costume of accessibility though, and these are among the album’s most memorable tracks. Matthews assumes an almost disambiguated persona on “Bag Of Rocks” among the more interesting examples of his songwriting depth. Not only is the metaphor for the burden of lost intimacy an apt one for his overall motif, its cleverly played out like an in process recording. There are few aspersions cast toward polish and finery. A similar raw and honest quality pervades “Dear John” a drunken, end of the night hymn, which strips Matthews down to basic guitar and a tinny recording of his voice that sounds like it was pulled from a dirty, telephone booth recording.

Josh Matthews is a songwriter and artist for all seasons. His record resonates with alternating glimpses of depth and humor that begs to be taken at face value. - Bearded Magazine


"Josh Matthews Co-Patriot Self-Released"

Alt-Folkie Josh Matthews is back with his new album, Co-Patriot. Following up on his last release, A-Sides, Matthews continues to expand his unique take on Leonard Cohen-like folk with a more modern and experimental twist. Even from the artwork, Co-Patriot, is obviously a more homegrown product, but while the resources may appear smaller, the ambitions are just as large.

The production of this album is comparatively more lo-fi than its predecessor, complete with a drum machine on some tracks, but Matthews’ songwriting and songs are still just as strong. The songs with the least instrumental accompaniment, like “Honest Man” and “Bag of Rocks”, work best here, with a sense of a weary soul emanating from Matthews’ voice, but some of the more experimental and lusher tracks work just as well.

The album is more consistent than his previous work, and he continues to astound with his growth. There is an even mood here throughout and even when covering obscure songs like “Yolanda”, everything here just makes sense.

As usual, the songs here are experimental in general, even at his folkiest, but whether it be unusual instrumentation or interesting sound bites, Matthews tends to stray purposefully from the beaten path, “and that made all the difference” as Robert Frost wrote. Co-Patriot will be released April 19th. - The Big Takeover


"Josh Matthews"

Philadelphia native Josh Matthews told us that one of his goals during his musical career, is to gain notoriety (no matter how big or small) for the creation and cultivation of his own musical genre – an immense challenge, to be sure. However, one listen to Matthews’ sort of ‘urban folk’ style (as some categorize it), and you may find it difficult to fully summarize what you’re hearing with only a few simple words. And Josh’s unique, mixed vocal approach was appropriately enough, first brought to the stage at a very distinct venue – the Burning Man festival.

Josh Matthews StudioIntrigued by some of the description of this new sound? Matthews has a new record on the way (out April 19th) titled Co-Patriot, and it’s a definitive illustration of what this emerging singer/songwriter brings to the table. Josh told us more about the collection – he said, “Writing a song for me happens when it happens. As they say, time takes time. As for what they can expect, I understand everyone hears the same thing differently. When I listen to it, I honestly want to go back and listen to it again. That’s just me though.” Click to http://www.joshmatthewsmusic.com to figure out if you feel the same way – after Co-Patriot drops, Matthews will once again be hard at work on the next record. Keep going – there’s much more to get into in all the answers to the XXQs below.

XXQs: Josh Matthews

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what makes you stand out from others in your genre?

Josh Matthews (JM): I’m not sure if I have a genre yet. I listen to and love so many types of music. When I’m creating a song, I’m not opposed to any style. If anything, I’d like to combine all of the sounds that I love. Or better yet, create a genre! My favorite description so far is urban folk.

PEV: What kind of music were you into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?


JM: I listened to strictly rap music growing up. Black Moon, DMX, Biggie, Nas. I started to fade from that interest around 2002. A friend of mine gave me the Grateful Dead album with “Friend of the Devil” and also some Tool albums. I was hooked. After that, I went on a mission to absorb all of the sounds that I avoided throughout my childhood. My first concert was Cypress Hill.

PEV: What was it like trying to break into the music scene when you first started? What was your first show like?

JM: I’m still breaking in. And I’m grateful that I can take my time and create anything I want to. Then when I have something to offer, I can self-release it and leave it up to the listeners to decide the fate of my musical career. I’d be happy with a loyal and intimate following. And today, that is possible for a lot of artists. The first time I ever played live in front of a crowd was at Burning Man in 2007. A very good friend of mine came back to our camp and said there was an opening in the schedule for the center camp stage. We grabbed our instruments and ran down there. It was great. Burning Man is the ideal place to express yourself. No matter the quality of the performance on stage, if you’re in the audience, you’re cheering people on.

Josh Matthews KidPEV: What can fans expect from a live Josh Matthews show?

JM: I’ve been told I should record a live album. My closest friends have said they love watching me live. Honestly I think that’s because for the last two albums, I’ve tried to experiment so much that you’re listening to me figure it out. And when I’m live, I guess I give a performance that has a lot of things worked out already. Which sounds backwards now that I think about it, but I guess that’s my process so far.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage to perform?

JM: Don’t lie. Be myself. Speak into the mic.

PEV: What is the best part about being on stage in front of an audience?

JM: The challenge of capturing their attention and the peace that can be found during overwhelming fear of failing.

PEV: What is the underlying inspiration for your music?

JM: I originally started playing music just to have something to do while I’m here on earth. Recently I was thinking about the first time that I wanted to learn an instrument. A friend of mine who I was living with played the guitar. It was fun to have live music around. I realized that what inspires me the most, to keep getting up there on stage, is to hopefully bring some joy to people.

PEV: Thinking back to when you first started out, do you ever look back on your career and think about your earlier days and how you’ve arrived where you are today?

JM: No, I don’t. I have so many more things I’d like to do with this art. I’ll look back when it’s time. Now is the time for me to look forward.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about you?

JM: I’m an Irish citizen as well as an American.

PEV: What do you do when you hit a brick wall in your writing? What are some methods to get over that?

JM: I walk away. I don’t force it. There’s no rush.

PEV: How do you think the industry has changed over the years, since you started out?

Co-Patriot cover_frontJM: There are so many artists. I’m thankful that I have made many friends that are pursuing a similar interest. And we’re helping each other network, creating opportunities for one another. It’s a great time to be in the middle of it.

PEV: What can fans expect from your latest release, Co-Patriot? What was the writing process like for this album? What is the story behind the name of the album?

JM: I was about halfway through the recording of this album, and I was waiting for a name to come to me. I had a few ideas but, none of them felt great. One night I was watching a friend playing on the stage of “The Building” in East Nashville and somehow the word patriot came to mind. I am a patriot. I am an all for one, one for all kind of person. I believe a lot of us are trying to do the same thing, we just may do it differently. This is especially true when it comes to musicians. So, the “co-” part of that is me saying, I am one of many. Writing a song for me happens when it happens. As they say, time takes time. As for what they can expect, I understand everyone hears the same thing differently. When I listen to it, I honestly want to go back and listen to it again. That’s just me though.

PEV: With all your traveling, is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?

JM: Maybe Canada, Alaska and Europe.

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career?

JM: They’ve always been very supportive. Some of the biggest shows I’ve played were filled with my family and friends.

PEV: What can we find you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

JM: I started going to yoga again recently. I spend a lot of my time with my girlfriend hanging out at the apartment. I meet friends for coffee and when the weather is nice, I go running.

PEV: Name one present and past artist or group that would be your dream collaboration. Why?

JM: I don’t know if I would want to collaborate with any one artist or group. I did think recently that if I ever met Dwight Yoakam, I would probably not be able to speak. I’d cry the whole time. And I’ve watched a lot of interviews on YouTube. Nick Cave, Frank Sinatra, Tupac etc. I saw some with Billy Corgan. Something told me I would work well with him. Maybe someday that will happen?

PEV: Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?

JM: Kyle Offidani, Isaac Hayden.

PEV: If playing music wasn’t your life (or life’s goal), what would you do for a career?

JM: Either building houses or helping abused kids in some way.

PEV: So, what is next for Josh Matthews?

JM: I’d like to see how far I can reach with Co-Patriot. Once I feel I’ve exhausted that, I’ll start thinking about the next album. New ideas are coming in but, I have no timeline on when I’d like to have a third album completed. As for recording a third album, I definitely want to try all analog. Maybe the next thing for me is to play with other musicians. Possibly get a band together? - Pens Eye View


"Josh Matthews - Co-Patriot"

Co-Patriot finds Josh Matthews taking a big step in the right direction, artistically. Whereas in the past Matthews' minimalist approach to music has sometimes been just a little too minimal for its own good, this latest effort includes just enough musical spice to keep the aural feast interesting.

The acoustic guitar work, most notably, makes this album shine. For instance, "Bag of Rocks," which speaks about the life-baggage that can oftentimes drag us down, features some winning six-string work. Other acoustic guitar winners include "Honest Man" and "My Story," and most pleasant of all, "A Kite Waiting," which also includes a dobro on its intro. In slight contrast, "Unlucky in Love" is moody and bedded in electric guitar.

Matthews is more of a poet than a traditional singer, and there are moments, such as during the love song "Yolanda," where he draws positive sonic comparisons to original punk poet Jonathan Richman. There are even a few jaw-drop surprises. For instance, are those really bagpipes during "I'm A Fool"? Who would have expected that?

Matthews' music may be an aural culture shock to those accustomed to all the bells and whistles found in modern pop song productions, but if you're brave enough to enter this artists' counter cultural sonic atmosphere, it's oftentimes a rewarding experience. - Anti Music


"Josh Matthews, Co-Patriot Album Review"

4/5 star review

One of the beauties of contemporary music is genre-mashing, the art of taking seemingly unrelated styles and influences, and making one coherent sound. With his sophomore effort Co-Patriot, Josh Matthews has created a sound all his own, and for better or worse the songs will stick with you.

Josh Matthews takes listeners on a down-home journey with what is labeled as “urban-folk”. Co-Patriot is like song creation in real time. With some tracks actually pausing momentarily, almost as if Josh Matthews is collecting his thoughts, and re-configuring the lyrics. As a listener, you are along for this ride, and the more you listen to Co-Patriot, the more it feels like you’re helping him in this process. When songs introduce strange instrumentation's, such as bagpipes over breakbeats, you feel as if you were in the room pointing out the different things in the room and asking Matthews to play that next. It works, if only because there is no real framework expected for him to fit into.

Josh Matthews has a deep, rich, voice that serves each song well but one shouldn’t expect much in range. Imagine Brad Roberts of Crash Test Dummies, and you’d be on the right track. His voice gives each line and section a weight that turns otherwise silly lines into romantic confessions if only because it makes you wonder “how can I not take that voice seriously?” One such line is in the song "Yolanda” where he croons “I would not die if you weren’t here with me, but if I did die, I’d want to go with you”.

There are other little touches to let the listener know that it is not just the finished product to be considered art here, but the creative process. On the track “Voicemail” you hear the voices of a mother and daughter, as they talk about how happy the mother is to be a mother, which then segues into a spoken word performance of sorts before the song just ends. There are many spoken word sections on Co-Patriot. Josh Matthews is clearly influenced by the likes of Gil Scott-Heron and others.

While listening to Co-Patriot, I kept expecting to hear the Twin Peaks theme as a bonus track. That isn’t a slight at all, I love Twin Peaks, and that song would fit smoothly in with what he does, and while others claim themselves to be “folk” Josh Matthews truly, and effectively blends enough staples of the genre; twangy acoustic guitar, heavy bass drums and emotion filled lyrics, with newer elements that keep you on your toes. It took a few listens to for Co-Patriot to grow on me, because even there was an expectation for what I was going to hear. I had to get past that, as I’m sure many people will, but if you do there is a pleasant surprise within those 16 songs.

Worth A Listen: A Good Life, I’m A Fool, Yolanda

Co-Patriot available April 29th - Examiner


"Josh Matthews - Music Review"

Josh Matthews is growing a very impressive brand of folk music. He moved from New York to Tennessee one day, and that is where it all began. Matthews spent three years molding and mending what he wanted his music to sound like. He eventually released a debut album called “A-Sides” and toured in support of it. On this tour, he began putting pieces together for his second album “Co-Patriot”, which will be released nationally on April 29, 2014.

Matthews loves to be experimental, even as he is presenting his material to an audience. While doing shows in Nashville, some people would inform him that they really liked and appreciated what he was doing, even though they may not have understood it, or knew what genre to place it with. Also, when he toured in support of “A-Sides”, he was making his way all over the southwest with his guitar on the back of a motorcycle….as if the adventure of touring isn’t enough in itself! That is really cool, though…a hell of a way to make touring all the more interesting and exciting.

Josh can be found at http://www.workingbrilliantly.com/#!__josh-matthews, and he also has many links there for facebook, reverbnation, and many others. Check him out!

by Captain Cole - Woodbangers LLC


"Trad-Psych-Folk-from-the-Future-Past-Available-from-Josh-Matthews"

In 1966, Don Kirschner was hired to produce music for a television show. The Monkees debut single went to #1, their album did the same. It featured songs from some of the most accomplished songwriters in the business and played by seasoned studio professionals. For some perplexing reason, the group wanted to write their own songs and perform in the studio. Effectively amateurs, they spent an extraordinary amount of time in the studio recording a beautiful disaster. The Lunatics were in charge of the asylum. Co-Patriot is such an album. Josh Matthews is a poet with a carbon fiber guitar and unfettered access to a recording studio.

I always say, if you don’t want to have your band compared to other artists then be prepared to suck. This album is an inventive, creative, genre hopping tapestry of weird but it most definitely does not suck.

While it’s apparent that Mr. Matthews has been steeped in the production of the Pink Floyd from Saucerful of Secrets to the Final Cut his taste and playful arrangements underly a bitter sweet optimism that it’s muses could never realize. Jonathan Richman with a side order of Ween.

A Mike Doughty-esque delivery sometimes masks the true ingenuity and deftness of the word play and alliteration. There are occasions where this cleverness tips a pinky toe into genius ( Dear John, A Good Life) and thankfully, never once does a hook wear out it’s welcome. (Way Before I Ever Knew You)

This restraint alone earns my appreciation and respect.

If you’re ready for a traditional folk record, this release will ruin your day

by Troy Peterson - Middle Tennessee Music


"Free-Form Creative Madness - Josh Matthews"

Josh Matthews presents his unique form of art-folk with ‘Co-Patriot‘; the artists’ second full-length LP. Shunning the security of his New York home, the artist decided to travel down south to begin road-testing his material in the purest sense; taking to the streets of Tennessee to busk with his guitar. Matthews gradually developed his material over the course of three years of doorstep gigs and live appearances along alleyways on the southern streets of the US. On ‘Co-Patriot’ it’s clear that Matthew’s experience as a busker has taught him the value of imperfection and spontaneity in his recordings; an aesthetic exhibited in these unpolished and rootsy tunes which cover the ever-evolving musical terrain of country and western music, underpinned by Matthew’s idiosyncratic and playful approach towards songwriting. With his unique experimental approach, Josh Matthews recalls the musical rawness of Captain Beefheart, along with the avant punk of Minutemen.

On the album, Josh Matthews and his band of merry men cleverly choose to contain the warts and all of the recording process itself. Subsequently, ‘Co-Patriot’ is full of extensive studio snippets of songs in various stages of production, snippets which often permeate the songs themselves, disrupting the listener’s sense of time and earning points alone for sheer gall and ingenuity of thought. As well as stressing an experimental approach, these touches create a sense of intimacy that is further reinforced by the album’s central concept, which centres around family.

However, beneath its wacky, irreverent sense of fun, ‘Co-Patriot’ is a deeply personal and heart-warming self-portrait of this charismatic singer-songwriter and poet, as well as a telling snapshot of independent music as a genre. Josh himself states that “I was not scared to color out of the lines and be rough. I often felt compelled to create songs that weren’t necessarily going to make musical sense to anyone else.” Despite the album’s focus on familial themes and Josh’s own solipsistic approach towards writing and recording, ‘Co-Patriot’ makes perfect sense; albeit in a 4-am haze-of-the-morning kind of way.

Despite using country and western vamps as his main musical forte, ‘Co-Patriot’ is extremely eclectic in scope. The album features a bagpipe dirge on ‘A Kite Waiting’ and even calypso percussion, such as on the pretty ‘Yolanda’: two musical elements hitherto combined on a single LP. This free-form creative madness is infused with Matthew’s spoken-word lyrical stylings and poetic lyrics.

‘Honest Man’ successfully encapsulates Matthews’ general ‘kitchen sink’ aesthetic as an artist, where he sings ‘I paint what I like/ and tomorrow it starts all white’. With its seamless genre-hopping and gleeful discombobulations of sound, ‘Co-Patriot’ is likely to present itself as musical bacon and ice cream to most; a record suited for a more cultish and devout audience. However, with his warmth and keen sense of comedy, Matthews avoids sounding like a cold esotericist, and this record is deserving of a more general appeal.

Co-Patriot’ is available now through Josh Matthew’s Bandcamp page. You can also visit his official website here. - Indiemunity


"Co-Patriot - Josh Matthews"

The wonderfully inventive Josh Matthews offers up his latest album effort ‘Co-Patriot’, featuring much more of the highly creative and genre-defying style that Matthews has used to make a name for himself. Matthews showcases a wonderful style that combines elements of alternative acoustic music with a half-spoken half-sung baritone vocal style. The whole effort comes across incredibly strongly, with Matthews’ wonderful creative ideas contributing enormously to what comes across as a delightful and easily accessible and enjoyable album effort.

‘Co-Patriot’ comes across as a strong album effort that manages to sounds experimental, yet comes across as completely accessible at the same time. Josh Matthews creative process as worked wonderfully for his new album, which exudes enjoyment at every corner. The main appealing element of ‘Co-Patriot’ is the sound that Matthews has pushed out as his own, which could be described as Johnny Cash meets Gil Scott-Heron. The style and sound presented sounds wonderfully unique to Matthews, and perfectly expresses his many creative ideas. As well as being creative and experimental, everything also sounds wonderfully upbeat, presenting positive emotions and feelings. ‘Co-Patriot’ has many strengths to it as an album, and works well in presenting great songs that sound good when listened to separately from the album, and as a part of the album.

Although there’s a great many strengths to ‘Co-Patriot’, it is weakened slightly by the running time of the record itself. Whilst a great number of the songs offer wonderfully towards the whole album itself, it does seem that one or two songs (whilst sounding great) do extent the album’s length to longer than it needs to be. If the album was shortened by one or two songs, then it would truly tick all the boxes that it’s hoping to achieve. Although it can be described as a little bit too long, there’s still enough that works well to present the whole album effort as one that is strong.

Josh Matthews has worked out a wonderful style for himself, which he presents with such effortless ease that it seems like absolutely anybody could do it. ‘Co-Patriot’ contains a wonderful array of songs which just work in so many different rights. It takes one thing to create your own style to present your music, but it takes even more to present the style correctly and make it sound like the best thing for your music. Matthews manages to use experimental ideas on his record, and make them work well at the same time. Matthews has managed to achieve many strengths on ‘Co-Patriot’, making it a record worthy of recognition.

Album Rating:
◾★★★★☆ 4/5

Selected Songs:
◾A Good Life
◾Level Ground
◾Honest Man
◾May I Lie

Josh Matthews’ latest album ‘Co-Patriot is set for release on 29th April 2014. - The CD Critic


"4 Star Review - January 2014"

Sometimes the best artists are the ones who take chances. Singer-songwriter Josh Matthews, for example, has just released his debut album, A-Sides, and this could very easily have become your stereotypical, heart-on-your-sleeve record filled with love songs and generally upbeat content; but Matthews takes a different tactic.

Combining elements of spoken-word poetry ("Lockdown"), hip-hop ("Two Ton Feet") and even a bit of rock ("Name in Lights") with heavy doses of gritty folk and Americana, the album has a charmingly schizophrenic musical feel. Plus, it even incorporates spoons ("Why Not"), accordion ("Everything I'm Not"), and a crazed ranting from a fan ("Interlude") so there's that. Matthews offers up commentary on everything from the emptiness of pretending to be someone you're not (Everything I'm Not) to the way we play games with ourselves and each other and thus stunt our growth as human beings ("This Game"), demonstrating his considerable insightfulness.

Matthews tells you how he sees it and lets you know how he would fix things, but ultimately leaves it up to the listener to decide if and how they need to change going forward. Socially aware without being pretentious, A-Sides is a cool release. - Lemonade Magazine


"Josh Matthews - A Sides"

Matthews is equal parts Tom Waits, Everlast and beat poet.. When he isn't laying down tongue-twisting raps about finding yourself ("Two Ton Feet") or spoken-word, beat poet-style missives on owning the day instead of letting it own you ("Lockdown"), he is just as likely to add spoons ("Why Not") or an accordion ("Everything I'm Not) to the mix.. Matthews engages listeners in a no-nonsense civics lesson on how to be honest and authentic; this is one hell of a debut..

read the full review at performermag.com/reviews
produced by Adam Cremona and Josh Matthews
Mixed at Boutique Recordings - Performer Magazine


"Needle Drop: Josh Matthews, "Way Before I Ever Knew You""

There are certain songs that transcend what is commonly thought of as music these days, and often in the simplest way possible. Josh Matthews has keyed into this magic midway through his new album Co-Patriot with the distinctively off-the-wall “Way Before I Ever Knew You.”

Sounding a bit like a mid-western Leonard Cohen, Mathews refers back to the pre-relationship details and experiences that colored his life before he came to know the person he now calls his lover. Some of his reflections are as vague as “running into the big blue” while others are as specific as busking in Spain with a harmonica or watching a man levitate off a house boat.

It is a song that harks back to the great country-western format, allowing for the narrator to uncharacteristically step out of the track as he pleases. This is accomplished beautifully by Mathews who delivers the verses in a relaxed speakeasy tone, returning to the refrain above a safety net of barbershop harmonies.

The buzz of the sparse bass line and melodic nature of the hook allow for the experimentation of elongated verses and even a sound effect here and there. After a hearty cough pierces the track, Matthews continues unfazed “I was sick once with the flu, on a bench in Peru… way before I ever knew you.”

The sexy simplicity of “Way Before I Ever Knew You” is given extra ‘oomph’ from Josh’s sister Eliza who coos along in a flirtatious accent, providing a wonderful counterpoint to the songs whimsical imagery.

Co-Patriot’s release date is April 29 but it can pre-ordered via Josh’s Bandcamp.

by Mike Olinger - The Vinyl District


"Josh Matthews - A Sides"

Social commentary can be a tricky beast, especially when it comes to music. If you use your music to point out problems but don’t really suggest any ways to fix said problems, is that really worth anything? And if you do offer solutions to the problems, does that make you pretentious for seeming like you think you have all the answers? The balance seems to lie somewhere in the middle, where an artist makes their point, offers up a suggestion for how to address (if not fix) the problem, and then let the audience decide. That seems to be the M.O. for singer-songwriter Josh Matthews on his debut album, A-Sides, and the results are noteworthy.

A lot of the album highlights the theme of being true to yourself. On “Everything I’m Not,” Matthews sarcastically asks if people are impressed with all his things while commenting on the overlooked value that his life brings to the world, and similarly, on “Without a Sound,” he recommends a change in focus from one’s self to others when he states, “I do believe a star will be found/Some day a tree will fall with a sound.” Add in his refusal to be fake in “I Won’t Go Back,” and the way he calls himself and others out for the times we play games instead of waving our flags proudly—no matter what they look like—on “This Game” and you can see he is challenging us to do better in life. He’s not giving you a magic pill for instant success and happiness with any of these songs, but his suggestion that you be true to yourself will probably help you enjoy life a hell of a lot more.

Musically there is a heavy dose of acoustic-based material, though we aren’t simply talking about a man and his guitar and kumbayas all around. Percussion, spoons and accordions make appearances on different songs, and sound bites like crazed laughter and the ranting of a fan via voice mail add some jolts to the feel of this record. Similarly, when Matthews uses his somewhat ragged vocals (it’s not hard to hear some shades of Everlast and even Tom Waits in there) to either lay down tongue-twisting raps (“Two Ton Feet”), poetry slam-style spoken-word musings (“Lockdown”) or even more traditional melodies (“The Best that I Have”), the variety keeps you guessing.

At 16 tracks in length A-Sides does get a bit long in the tooth by the end, but this anything but a case of him doing the same thing over and over, so Matthews keeps your attention pretty easily. A-Sides is a solid debut. - Stereo Subversion


"Josh Matthews - A Sides (Self-Released)"

Philadephia’s Josh Matthews is set to release his debut album, A Sides, January 14th. Recorded in Nashville at Boutique Studios, it has made for the perfect setting for Matthews’ ‘Urban Folk,’ juxtaposing the country of Tennessee with the industrial sounds of Philly. Borrowing everything from hip hop to Jackson Browne, Matthews has learnt well from the past while making his own path, separate from his contemporaries.

A Sides owes a lot to the folk revivalists of the 60s, but instead of the traditional return of artists like Doc Watson or the collegiate folk of The Highwaymen, there are more hints of the experimental folk of artists like Leonard Cohen or Karen Dalton. In all actuality, while the sounds of folk are Matthews’ building blocks, it’s clear he’s also influenced by outcasts like The Fugs, Captain Beefheart, and his sometimes-used spoken-word delivery is a clear descendant of poets like Richie Havens and Gil Scott-Heron.

While the majority of the songs like “With A Sound” and “The Best That I Have” are more pleasing on the ears and quite beautifully melodic, Matthews will sometimes use a jarring, dissonant syncopation as on “Lockdown” to keep you on your feet. It’s songs like these that shake you from making this music background noise and actually listen to what he has to say. Matthews uses a wide palette of sounds, percussion, and interesting harmonies to make the folk music he’s rooted in a mere introduction.

It’s clear he’s learnt well from Cohen, because while many try to imitate him, few truly get it as Matthews has. Many simply imitate the slow crawl of Cohen’s spare guitar, but many more forget to pick up his even sparser accompaniment that enhances the overall atmosphere of the setting he so carefully created. Cohen would create a musical soundscape of sorts, and Matthews has so deftly and intelligently picked up on this.

With the sudden influx of ‘folk’ musicians in the mainstream, few are as different and exciting as Matthews. Whereas everyone else is content with creating empty anthems disguised as folk with acoustic guitars and banjos, Matthews is the real thing, intent on making you think and carving his own path.

by Cody Conard - The Big Takeover Magazine


"Album Reviews: Switchfoot, Josh Matthews, Billie Joe + Norah"

On his debut album, A-Sides, singer-songwriter Josh Matthews reveals the precocious heart of a street poet. Whether delivering spoken word treatises in poetry slam style about owning the day (“Lockdown”), busting out with hip-hop infused lyrical delivery (“Two Ton Feet”), or even singing in traditional cadence, Matthews demands your attention. His deep, gravelly voice, give the sinister Americana track “Battle Inside Me” added rawness and power, and the pointed questions in “The Game” become more meaningful as a result. A-Sides is loaded with musical variety— songs are augmented by organic percussion, whistling, spoons and the accordion. On one track, a fan leaves Matthews a crazed voice mail, while “Lockdown” has an odd Vincent Price-like laughter in the background, giving the record a slightly unhinged feeling at times.
by Brian Palmer - C-Ville


"Josh Matthews - A Sides"

Philadelphia based Josh Matthews recently released his debut album of urban folk, A Sides. While a newcomer to studio releases, recording this acoustic collection at Nashville’s Boutique Studios, Matthews has been busking on city streets since 2006. It is from that street poet / spoken word / hip-hop legacy along the lines of Gil Scott Heron and Sixto Rodriguez that Matthews infuses country and folk. A Sides showcases Matthews as a talented lyricist and deft multi-instrumentalist, with guitar, accordion, banjo, and percussion forming the melodic backbone of his vivid narratives. A Sides is a standout for its innovative and experimental approach to folk; top tracks include Lockdown, Dear John, and Home. – Written by JFelton - Record Dept


"Josh Matthews - A Sides Album Review"

Based in Philadelphia, Josh Mathews is about to release his first album A-Sides. His music, which stems from a lineage of street poets like Richie Havens and Sixto Rodriguez, has been described as Urban Folk but his pensive, guitar-wielding persona is anything but derivative. One part mid-western hip hop delivery (Atmosphere), one part 60’s folk commentary (Jackson Brown); A-Sides is an unique journey through the thoughtful, inquisitive, hopeful and often brutally honest mind of a young man who takes his time on this earth very seriously. An unadulterated slice of his life.

Working through the tracks, and there’s a generous number, each has an identity but the whole has a coherent identifiable charm. Some top choices are: Lockdown, With A Sound, Why Not, Everything I’m Not, Two Ton Feet, Dear John and Home.

On Lockdown you can hear the rawness of the streets he spent three years busking across America on. Appearing on these songs are howling dogs, traffic, footfall, basic guitar picking, whistling, tapping of the guitar for a beat and lyrics about abstract thoughts. The final shriek reveals the fear and semi-horror of it all.

With A Sound’s lyrics, “Caught between a rock/I’m afraid to fail and I’m afraid to succeed/So I’ll take my pack and carry it on my back/And fade away… “ tell the story of a homeless person. It’s a melodic song with a typical folk narrative.

Why Not has a sweet open-hearted sing-a-long chorus, “I want love/Obvious love/I want love to strike me like a hammer”. It’s a simple guitar song with bare feeling, accompanied by what sounds like the tapping of spoons and a bongo.

Everything I’m Not is very Leonard Cohen inspired with its compressed quirky and clever lyrics, softened by the accordion,“Everything that I’m not and all that I am has been said and done, that’s part of being a man”.

Two Ton Feet is destined for a designer jean or phone advertisement with its simple ironic smile appeal. However, Dear John is the perfect and sad illustration of the awkwardness of male communication with Interlude acting as a manic, desperate and drunken phone call referring to the same topic, appearing just before Dear John on the record.

Home is the ultimate wandering minstrel angst with its lyrics, “I wanna feel it pump through every single vein/I wanna hear it loud and clear in my feelings and feel it in my brain/A home/A home/A home”.

This album is different in a reassuringly and familiar way and big things could come to Josh Matthews.

A-Sides is a Lou Reed, Leonard Cohen and Seasick Steve themed record with a modern twist on the sea chanty and folk genres.

A-Sides will be released on January 14.

By Kate Dexter - Rocking Republic


"Josh Matthews delivers new sound with release of 'A Sides'"

Urban-folk: certainly a new mix of genres, but nonetheless, perfected by newcomer Josh Mathews. The artist has been compared to the talented Atmosphere and Jackson Brown - and mixes two completely different genres to create an eclectic and unique assortment of tracks. His music seems to stem from “a lineage of street poets like Richie Havens and Sixto Rodriguez”, with a mix in of his phenomenal gift of guitar skills. Mathews got his start in music by teaching himself to play the guitar back in 2007, and has truly been a musical success story. Since then, he has moved from New York City, to Tennessee, to Philadelphia. In these years and between these moves, Mathews experienced a lack of companionship, and at times, shelter, which ended up influencing soul searching and music creation. In 2008, Mathews had the opportunity to perform the main stage of Burning Man Festival out west, and returned back to Tennessee to perform at some of Nashville’s most popular music venues, where he established a fan base and following of his unique music. Soon thereafter, Mathews spent some time recording his album ‘A-Sides’ within the walls of his own apartment in Philadelphia, and then back to Nashville to complete the album with Boutique Recordings. Mathews plans to release his debut album ‘A-Sides’ on January 14th. The album will be a mix of different genres, as stated before, with a unique sound that the industry really has yet to hear. The brave and explorative artist takes you on a journey through the hustling hard times of becoming a young musician. The mix of folk and hip-hop, two genres that can greatly portray true feelings, brings out these emotions and puts them perfectly into song. Mathews has recently stated, “I will only pursue an idea as a possible song if it doesn’t sound like something I’ve ever heard.” With his recent release of ‘A-Sides’, listeners and fans of Mathews explore into the mind of a “thoughtful, inquisitive, hopeful and brutally honest mind of a young man who takes his time on this earth very seriously”. Think a mix of mid-western, hip-hop and folk, and you get the unique and creative craft of Mathews’ work and music. To listen to tracks from the talented “urban-folk” singer and songwriter, visit Josh Mathews on SoundCloud, at http://soundcloud.com/joshmathews-1, and be prepared for him to move quickly onto the scene come early 2014.

Posted by Amanda Cowan - Empty Lighthouse


Discography

Josh Matthews - "A Sides" - April, 2011

Josh Matthews - "Co-Patriot" - April, 2014

Photos

Bio

After picking up the guitar in 2006 Josh moved from New York to Tennessee and busked the streets for 3 years.  During this period Josh carved out his decidedly original sound:  one part indie hip-hop delivery (Atmosphere), one part 60's spoken-word commentary (Gil Scott-Heron).

His debut album, A-Sides, is an intense journey through the thoughtful, inquisitive, hopeful and often brutally honest mind of a young man who takes his time on this earth very seriously.