// LIVE IT LOUD LIVE IT LOUD \\

LIVE IT LOUD \\
// LIVE IT LOUD
I just love him. Growing up in Nashville, he is one of the legends that
formed this town musically. So yea … if I could summon him backthen we would write. (laugh)
CG: Tell me about your tour and what should people expect?
MK: You know…I love creating moments that feel bigger than just
like an artist on stage. So hopefully it feels very fun and people are
there together and it feels like a moment that is bigger than just going
to watch some entertainment. I love making it feel like we are there
together. I think one of the things that I carry, and just my goals in life,
is just encourage people and make them feel joy and celebrated and
they leave feeling like maybe there was stuff talked about that was difficult, but then there was a voice of redemption and grace in the middle
of that.
And she will come up there and be like, “Are you kidding me? You really want me
to listen to this song? I’ve literally listened to it all day. It’s good, now can you turn it
down.” (laughs)
CG: Who inspires you musically and spiritually?
MK: Musically, I have been really into some of the stuff I grew up on, like Paul Simon
and a lot of like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, which is this African vocal group that has
worked with a lot of people in Nashville like Charlie Peacock and others. But it’s that
real story-telling, fun upbeat groove but then the story can have a lot more depth and
can really go to some places. So it’s almost like it catches you off guard and you’re
listening to a pop song and then you listen to the lyrics and you are like “Whoa, this
is really profound and has a story!”
Spiritually, I’ve been into a lot of Tim Keller – it is always good for an achiever (like
myself), to hear the idea that God is way more committed to you than you Him. In
your worst moments He’s been there pursuing you. And in your best moments He’s
been there supporting you. That is kind of the message of this record- me coming to
grips with my own shame, perfectionism and trying to control everything and come
into the end of that and realize that is something I don’t have to do.
CG: What artist would be your ideal collaboration?
MK: My ideal collaboration would be Paul Simon- I love him, I grew up on him. I think
he’s one of the best lyricists of just being clever. Johnny Cash is a hero of mine.
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CG: Are you playing all new tracks or some old ones?
MK: You know, I never play all new stuff, because you got to “dance with the girl that
brought you” what is that saying? (laughs) You got to play the songs that got you
there, so I love playing the songs from my very first record “Bullet,” “Nothing Left To
Lose,” “City of Black and White” and others from Young Love. Then I’ll play a good
amount of new stuff. But I just love keeping people on their toes. With my music
being kind of schizophrenic - I’ve got ballads, more beat leaning stuff and more rock
leaning stuff, that is the fun part of putting on a show I know that if I’m entertained
then I know others will be.
CG: Tell us about the bands joining you on tour.
ML: I just brought some friends …there is a band called Parachute, who I have met
just living in Nashville being in the same community and friends and I said, “Hey
do you guys want to go on the road with me?” and they were like, “That would be
awesome!” And there’s another Nashville band called Judah and the Lion, which I’m
just a fan of and I think they’re young and excited and they bring passion and just a
youthful spirit. I was thinking, “They need to be
a part of this tour!” So it should be a Nashville
conglomerate out there!
It’s been a pleasure, you rock..keep it real. - Mat Kearney
Booking And Music Info: http://www.matkearney.com/
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