Thats me in a nutshell.
The 43-year-old singer-songwriter has spent much of her decade-plus career holding a mirror to Americas thorniest issues.
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Matthews has been playing instruments since childhood, including piano and clarinet.
In sixth grade, she joined the school band and became enamored with classical music.
A lefty aside, Matthews, as she puts it, checks a lot of boxes.
In a 2017 Ted Talk, she described herself as a poster child for intersectionality.
So Im out here trying to live the thing, trying to walk the walk, she says.
Im not proclaiming something that Im not actually doing.
She points to a recent show she played in Maine as an example.
AtSouth by Southwestthis year, she hopes to infuse some consciousness into the traditional party vibe of the festival.
Since 2011, Matthews has released five full-length albums and several EPs and singles.
Recording will take place at the Sound Emporium and will include mostly Black and female players by Matthews design.
Recently, she pulled out of a show at a venue whose contract banned political songs.
However, up to this point, that hasnt been the case.
In a social and political climate that often feels like its reached rock bottom, Matthews remains an optimist.
Thats the stealth mode work, she says.
Crys Matthews plays SXSW 2024 on March 15 at the Victorian Room at The Driskill at 10 pm CT.
