Matthew Thomas and Wounded Wing released their first single last fall but they have been running fast ever since. The music has a Saturday afternoon feel with themes that are personal and of the world.
Please tell us about your band, Matthew Thomas and Wounded Wing.
We’re a five piece rock band that draws heavily from alt-country and americana. Our songs range from quiet and introspective to blown-out guitar jams. The sound is sometimes restrained and reflective, sometimes raw and ragged.
Given the timing and the lyrics, I’m assuming “Wounded Wing” is a nod to the California fires? Can you talk a little about that please?
Sort of. “Wounded Wing” was written in late summer 2020, so it’s referring to that year’s wave of hugely destructive wildfires, a cycle that we, unfortunately, seem doomed to repeat. But this song is really a love letter to my wife. We felt so much anxiety and helplessness during those pandemic years, and in lockdown really only had each other to depend on. So the apocalyptic imagery of the verses gives way to this chorus that pledges to show up for one another, that celebrates the small ways we lift each other up. It’s a hopeful song about committing to love and compassion, especially in the face of overwhelming darkness.
Your other songs (“Crazy” and “Lake El Dorado”) have a melancholy theme or maybe an undercurrent of regret. What inspires your music?
Like most songwriters, I’m using my songs to understand and come to terms with life’s highs and lows. These are sad songs but there is normally a ray of hope, too. In “Lake El Dorado,” the narrator has been selfish — he regrets taking the wrong path and is wishing for a new beginning with an old flame. In “Crazy,” the narrator is recognizing the error of his ways and living with the consequences — maybe there will be growth there, maybe not. So these songs are sad but oftentimes also hint at some kind of redemption. I’m an optimist I guess 🙂
Can you tell us a little about the upcoming single, ‘Burned Out Moon’?
“Burned Out Moon” is a moody song about lost love, about getting your heart broken, and trying to move on. I wrote it as a solo acoustic song and then it was filled out by the rest of the band. They did some really unexpected things with the track so it was a lot of fun to hear it come together, piece by piece, in the studio. We’re really looking forward to playing it at our next show. Live, the song has morphed into sort of a jam, featuring some extended guitar solos from our other guitarist, Peter. I play most of the guitar solos in the band, so I’m really enjoying the chance to just play rhythm guitar and let him take the spotlight for a bit.
When and where can we see you play live?
We’re playing on March 1st at The White Squirrel with Aeris and the Piggies and Marti Moreno. The show starts at 9 and is free. We’ll be playing our upcoming single “Burned Out Moon” and some newer songs that we’re currently recording. It should be a great show and we’re really looking forward to connecting with the crowd. We hope to see you there!
Mostly Minnesota 