Get to know… Matthew Hurd

I first met Matthew Hurd through the "From the Warehouse" video series. His band, Brownlow, came into the warehouse with no pretense or fanfare, set up quickly, sound checked and ripped through several songs. They were good. Really good. I was immediately a fan. Since then, I've gotten to play a show or two with Matthew, both with his band and as a solo performer. He's one of the nicest people I've met on the music scene and he is very well-rounded, with a background in traditional music, a talent for writing poignant tunes and a penchant for good country and rock and roll. He's a mentor to younger musicians, and it is not surprising that he is also a teacher in the Rogersville City School system. He's a good guy with a great voice and a good collection of songs under his belt. He deserves a listen, so find out when he's playing and make the trip. Before you go, though, take a few moments to get to know Matthew Hurd. When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved? "I've never known anything else. My family had a bluegrass band since before I was born. I grew up around singers and musicians working up material and rehearsing. I was a teenager before I realized not everyone works on a tobacco farm and plays bluegrass." Is your current project a first, or have you been involved in other things? "No, I've been around for a while. I have been involved with regional bluegrass bands since the early 2000's, mostly as a harmony singer and dobro player. I started Brownlow about seven years ago with Alex and Austin Greene and it's an equal partnership (we're on hiatus). With this new project, the other people involved are like 'we're here to make you sound good , and to have fun- you lead the way'." What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved? "For me, I just deeply enjoy the entire artistic process - seeing people enjoy the final product after you've put a lot of effort into it. I just find that rewarding." How would you describe your music (band/project)? "Honestly, I consider it Country… maybe 85% …depending on the crowd it could be mostly acoustic with some steel guitar …or a Fuzz pedal could be used and abused. I've been fortunate to be involved with musicians that can play whatever the situation requires." Is this something you see yourself doing as a career? "To me, it's more than a career, it's more like a lifestyle. It's a passion that I've learned to keep in check and function normally. I left construction to get a teaching degree - specifically, because I wanted summers off to write and create music in some capacity. So, if an opportunity presented itself, and was beneficial for my family, sure, otherwise 'making it' is not anything that concerns me. I'm happy being a working artist." What are your other interests? Do you have any surprise talents or hobbies? "I love basketball. I've coached middle school and recreational teams. I may pursue coaching High school at some point. Otherwise, I'm your standard backward hillbilly who enjoys hunting, fishing, anything that requires great distances from other people." Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local)? "Well, based on actual personal interactions, let's see - my father has been my biggest musical influence, but there have been so many other great local musicians that I've had the privilege to be around and learn from, it would be impossible to name them all. Right now I'm listening to the Punch Brothers a lot, and Ray Charles. Next week, maybe some Slayer and Bill Monroe." If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be? "I truly love music and I believe it is far more powerful and beautiful than we can comprehend." How can people contact you about booking and information? "Right now, you can message me or become my next best Facebook friend - Matthew Hurd - or follow me on Instagram @hurdbrownlow."