Matthew Wayne – Reckless

By starrymag | April 19, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Soulful pop country with real instruments

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Old Dan + Shay, Rascal Flatts, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Stevie Wonder

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Wrong Side of the Bed.”

 

A) I had this song pitched to me for an artist that I had worked with, and he passed on it, but I knew there was something special about it so I kept it in my back pocket. Eventually, I got around to asking Sara Brice about the song and there was some back and forth between the publisher but ultimately, they let me cut it and I am so grateful to the writers and the publisher for letting me do this one. It’s so special to me.

 

Q) The song was written by De’Leah Shane, Lance Miller, Nate Kenyon, and Sara Brice. What was it about the song that resonated with you?

 

A) The melody is absolutely haunting and will stick with you all day. The words were beautiful and something I definitely relate to.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) The beautiful, lush arrangement and probably my best vocal yet.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I’m definitely more of a chords, feel and melody guy but I work with some great writers that put so much feeling and emotion into the words.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) A lot. I produce my music alongside Dan Frizsell and I also have had my buddy Jon Stone join in on some of the tracks. I carefully craft what I want before I go into the studio and then Dan puts together the wonderful band that plays on these songs and he captures them perfectly.

 

Q) You’ve released eight singles since May of 2022. Any chance you’ll be releasing a full album or EP in the near future?

 

A) FULL ALBUM OUT 3/31! So excited for this! Truly something I never saw myself doing and am elated that it’s really happening.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) The Bijou Theatre in Knoxville will always hold a special place for me. I opened there for The Avett Brothers and had a very spiritual experience during my performance on that stage. I love my hometown of Orlando, FL and getting to perform at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival! Some of my favorite towns to play in have been Athens, GA, Kansas City, MO, Dallas, TX, Austin, TX and Las Vegas, NV!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Garth Brooks, Ashley Cooke, Russell Dickerson

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) Hardy’s new album is fantastic!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Because daily I can keep them up with what’s going on in my career and they can come along for every step of the way

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) That I am beyond thankful and grateful and can’t wait to bring them along for what’s next.