Orlando-based singer-songwriter Matthew Fowler recently released his debut album, Beginning, which he began writing as a teenager and recorded live in his family's kitchen. His journey as a musician started at age 14, when he got a Yamaha acoustic guitar (which he still plays) for his birthday and became hooked on writing songs. When time came to look at colleges, Fowler decided to forgo university life to focus on writing Beginning. He taught himself how to use recording equipment, rallied a group of musician friends and got to work.
"The album spans those formative years of songwriting and a couple later ones as well," Fowler said.
He decided to record the whole album live and used his father's catering kitchen as his studio.
"That was one of the only spaces that was quiet that I could make a bunch of noise in and not have anybody really bother me," he explained. "So that's pretty much the reason we chose to do it there."
Although the album was recorded live, Fowler's live shows don't necessarily mirror the album.
"Even now that I've been playing the songs more frequently...the songs change just naturally," he explained. "I don't listen to my own album very much. I try not to get tied down by having to play everything the same way. Part of the reason I love live shows is that you never know what's going to happen or what you're going to do. So I like going to a show where I know the album back and forth, and I notice little changes here and there that they make. And it's usually for the better because they've had more time to sit with the song and be more comfortable with it. So I feel now, I've been able to really be more comfortable with those songs because I don't have to think about [them]. I can just lose myself into them."
If you missed Fowler on the road for his tour with Reggie Williams, for which the two recorded a six-song EP called Bring A Friend, you can catch him on his next set of dates. Fowler will be heading out on tour with Sean Rowe starting April 18 in Chicago and hitting cities such as Minneapolis, Nashville, Philadelphia and more. He opened Rowe's sold-out gig in Massachusetts and is happy to be joining him on the road.
Fowler sat down with Music Times on a recent visit to New York City to talk about Beginning, his EP with Reggie Williams, the Orlando music scene, his current struggles as a musician, and his plans for the rest of 2015, which include locking himself away to record his sophomore effort. He also treated us to live acoustic performances of his songs "Beginners" and "Rooftops."
Check it all out below, and let us know what you think in the comments section!
Beginning is available for purchase on iTunes. For more information on Matthew Fowler, head to his official website or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and browse his tour dates below!
Matthew Fowler 2015 Tour Dates:
2/11: Orlando, FL @ Credo Coffee Shop (solo)
4/18: Chicago, IL @ Schuba's Tavern
4/19: Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry
4/21: Iowa City, IA @ The Mill
4/25: Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
4/26: Nashville, TN @ TBA
4/30: Philadelphia, PA @ Tin Angel
5/1: Hudson, NY @ Club Helsinki
5/3: Pawling, NW @ Daryl's House
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