Matt Hodges spends most of the
year on the road, so it seems apt that his latest tour is called – “On The
Road”
That road brought him to Birmingham last night where he played at The Actress and Bishop with special guests Gasoline and Matches.
Looking very comfortable on stage - as they always do – Sally and Steve of Gasoline and Matches admitted being slightly nervous of both the hometown crowd with many friends in the audience – and of the smoke machine as they seem to have a reputation for venues burning down! The evening was also an unofficial continuation of Sally’s birthday celebrations from the night before in Manchester. Although mostly ignoring doctor’s orders to rest her voice, Sally did have to relinquish vocal duties to Steve, notably on their track Smiling Viper, which did sound slightly different with Steve on lead.
Matt told us that he doesn’t like
calling his opening act a “support act” – and Gasoline and Matches demonstrated
this by giving a polished, powerful show, with Jamie Clayton on bass and James
Randle on drums, filling the room with sound.
We’ve seen Matt Hodges play
acoustic, in a songwriter’s round, with an orchestra and, finally, last night
with his full band (Morgan Smith on Bass, Simon Hant on drums and Cole McNulty
on lead guitar). Matt has such a
commanding presence and such a gruff, powerful voice it doesn’t seem to matter
who is backing him – his vocal will take up the stage and the whole space, he
can quite easily just stand and sing, capturing the audience.
Matt has been on quite a journey
throughout his career in music, playing covers in Nashville, returning to
songwriting after an 8 year break to now playing at independent festivals and
being recognised with awards. He is keen
to include the audience on that journey and speaks fondly of the UK Country
family – both artists and fans alike.
His set includes a song he wrote when he was 18, a song written in one
hour as a challenge, a cocktail list inspired track, and a song used by couples
for their first dance at wedding. Matt
is a down to earth, no nonsense performer.
He’s hard working – although he’s reduced from 310 shows last year to
“only” 250 this year (and the year isn’t over yet!)
He highlighted the line from the
song written by 18 year old him.
I know somehow I’ll always be proud to be me
Ending the show with two party
hits that had the audience up dancing (with Sally and Steve back on stage),
Matt has plenty to be proud of.
You can find Matt on Facebook and Instagram and follow him on Spotify
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