Singer-Songwriter Matthews Brings Love and Politics to the Ten Pound Fiddle

As a staunch fan of classical music and a devoted clarinet player, Crys Matthews never thought she would become a singer-songwriter. Let alone an award-winning singer-songwriter.

The North Carolina native, now based in Richmond, Virginia, was one of ten finalists out of 5,000 in the prestigious NewSong Music Competition. Matthews also won the People Music Network’s Social Justice Songs contest at the 2017 Northeast Regional Folk Alliance, and was the official showcase artist at the Folk Alliance International in 2018.

Matthews will perform at The Robin Theatre March 22 as a part of the Ten Pound Fiddle Concert Series.

“I knew I wanted to be a musician,” Matthews said. “I just didn't think that would translate into 'singer-songwriter.’ I wanted to be a high school band director and I played clarinet from sixth grade through college. Classical music was my life! Then, one day my roommate at the time said that her band needed someone to play keys for one gig and she asked if I would fill in. I did and my relationship with music changed. My whole trajectory changed.”

After the college performance of the Rufus and Chaka Khan “Tell Me Something Good,” Matthews’ career immediately took off. The artist often draws comparisons to Tracy Chapman with her blend of blues, jazz, folk, Americana and Soul. Her lyrics are honest and raw, and she certainly doesn’t hold back her feelings on any subject. Matthews is a voracious songwriter, and she’s coming off a recent bout of inspiration having released both an EP and a full album in 2017, Battle Hymn for an Army of Lovers, and The Imagineers, respectively.

According to Matthews, the muse hasn’t been hard to locate.

“I have to thank the 45th President of the United States for the recent wealth of material,” Matthews said. “I didn't really write very many political songs prior to the 2016 election. honestly, my political songs are just a different type of love song. Almost any substantive change that has happened in this country has been a result of someone loving someone else enough to ensure that the change required (the change that the times demanded) came to pass.”

The structure of a song varies for Matthews, with the lyrics sometimes coming before the music, or vice-versa. The popularity of her music has granted her the opportunity to pursue music full-time now, and with that, comes a life of touring on the road. Matthews relishes the opportunity to grace a stage whether it’s someone’s living, or in front of thousands at a major music festival.

“I love them both for different reasons,” Matthews said. “Sometimes, with house concerts or small venues, it's such an intimate experience — there is something really beautiful about that give and take with people close enough to you that you can look each one of them in the eye. With larger rooms or even festivals, the energy of all of those people lifting each other up without even realizing that they are doing so is absolute magic.”

The road can often be a lonely place for a musician, but thankfully, Matthews has a companion who helps to push her through the long roads ahead.

“I drive myself almost everywhere, so there is a lot of quiet reflection. I also talk to my mom a lot while I'm on the road. She's like my road buddy keeping me awake when I have those seven-hour drives at 11:00 PM,” Matthews said.

With Matthews’ popularity and brutal touring schedule, Sally Potter, Concert Booker for the Ten Pound Fiddle, was pleased she was able to ink a show with the musician.

“Over the last year, her schedule has gotten crowded, from concert halls to women's festivals to protest marches,” Potter said. “Matthews is a fresh voice, singing what people want to say. We are excited to be able to feature her on the Fiddle schedule.”

Matthews has visited Michigan a couple times having performed at the Michigan Womyn’s Festival and the Michigan Family Reunion Festival, but has never performed in the Lansing-area. She’s looking forward to performing for the Fiddle and its audience.

“This will be my first time playing at a venue in Lansing,” Matthews said. “The festivals were incredible, but I'm really looking forward to playing the Fiddle. So many artists whose work I admire have played there. I can't wait!”

Showtime is at 7:30 and tickets are $18 public, $15 Fiddle Members and $5 for students. The Robin Theatre is located at 1105 Washington Ave. in REO Town.