With his double album, Krissy Matthews and Friends coming out on May 10th, a tour that is currently in Norway before it crosses into Germany, UK, and Europe, the guitar god himself, Krissy Matthews somehow froze time and answered a few questions for us about his latest single, “Queen”, what sage advice a legendary blues guitarist gave him, and more.
ATN: The single “Queen” features powerhouse vocalist Kim Jennett. Can you tell us more about the collaboration and how Kim’s vocals enhance the energy of the track?
KM: I discovered Kim around 2 years ago online. She just blew my mind! So I had to get in touch and now she is doing some touring with me too – to give my voice a rest but more importantly to enhance my show! This is a song of anger and rage and I knew Kim was the perfect choice. She can come across as very angry but also very soft in her voice. But in this particular song, it was the anger and grit I needed and there was no one better to do that. Much better than I could have done personally!
ATN: “Queen” seems to carry a strong emotional charge, described as a song of anger directed towards a particular person. What inspired you to channel these emotions into the music, and how does the song reflect your musical evolution since your 2021 album, Pizza Man Blues?
KM: I am still involved with the person this is about, so I do not like to reveal who that is! But it is a strong emotional song against someone I do not like but need to have in my life right now for political reasons. Music always helps to let emotions out and make you feel better. It is a free form of counselling for me and any musician! It helps to talk about things out loud and this is me doing that. I think I definitely have improved as a guitarist and singer since Pizza Man Blues and the fact that I am now wanting to collaborate much more on this record feels I have matured as an artist too. It is not all about me me me anymore! Haha. Although I still of course stand by Pizza Man Blues and believe in that record too. It was an album of its time when I had to deliver pizzas to make a living, and now this is an album highlighting some of the great friends I have made on my journey as a professional musician.
ATN: A double album is no simple feat. What can you tell us about your upcoming album Krissy Matthews and Friends?
KM: This was no simple feat at all. It took me over a year to produce. My touring schedule in 2023 and 2024 is/was pretty insane. Not many off days to recharge and relax and all my off days and afternoons before shows on tour were spent either in and out of a studio recording, or calling people to chase them up to do their parts they had promised to do. I really had no time for myself during the process of this record. Musicians lead strange lifestyles and trying to chase them up is sometimes difficult without being annoying, but in the end, I got there and managed to make this record that I am really proud of. Some artists I wanted could not do it due to contractual purposes or time limits and some had no interest, but I think this product is a sign of “hard work pays off” and “do not give up”.
ATN: At what point did you realise Krissy Matthews and Friends wasn’t going to be a regular length album?
KM: Hahaha! Good question. It was originally going to be like 7 or 8 guests, but then I realised after I reached 50 guest musicians on this, that it was going into double album territory, and very nearly into triple album territory! But I had to draw the line before it did that! As that would just be too expensive to sell/produce and possible overkill. I think I stopped at the right time.
ATN: Was there a particular moment (good or bad) that will be forever seared into your memory while making the album?
KM: There are lots of amazing memories from making this album. But one that I will cherish is being able to get my dear friend and mentor Pete Brown to record on this record 3 months before he passed away. We did that together in the studio. I got there just in time! The other one was talking on the phone with one of my favorite musicians ever Dennis Chambers, on the side of the motorway. I asked him to record with me and Malcolm Bruce a tribute to Pete Brown and he said yes! So preparing that was real special and working with this monster drummer.
ATN: Having recorded three albums and shared stages with legends like John Mayall and Jeff Healey at a young age, you’ve already amassed an impressive musical journey. How has your experience shaped your approach to songwriting and performing? (Editor’s note, we read the press release wrong in regards to the number of albums.)
KM: 3 albums? I think I have done 9 or something! ? Bluesboy, No Age Limit, Allen In Reverse, Scenes From A Moving Window, Live At Freak Valley, Monster In Me, Live At Rockpalast, Pizza Man Blues And Krissy And Friends. I have been lucky to work the past 10 years with Pete Brown in song writing before he sadly passed away and I have learnt many things from him during this time. And the older you get, the more mature you naturally become in what you write about, understanding that sometimes less is more and how to give 100% at each show and understand it is more than a performance, it is entertainment too!
ATN: What was it like to have the legendary B.B. King give you advice in your teens?
KM: This was just incredible. Not many people get that chance, and the main thing he said was Never Give Up and believe in yourself and do whatever it takes. And I have followed this advice until today.
ATN: Throughout your career, you’ve had the opportunity to share the stage with a diverse range of artists, from Toto to Joe Bonamassa. How have these collaborations influenced your musical style and performance techniques?
KM: I just love to talk with other artists, watch and learn and it naturally helps.
ATN: Your upcoming European tour spans an impressive 50 dates. What can audiences expect from your live performances?
KM: Plenty of energy and a good time! On the German leg, we got many great guests lined up at each show, the UK leg is on my own apart from our big London show which features an array of guests and in Norway where I am currently, you can experience a great blues band backing me! All good things
ATN: As you embark on the Norwegian leg of your tour with Krissy Matthews and the Viking Blues Band, what excites you most about performing with this lineup, and how does it differ from your experiences with other musical configurations?
KM: I go back to my roots. To my first love of the blues. To play simple. Let the band do the grooving and me do the talking. It is easy and so refreshing to play the blues again.
ATN: For the European leg of the tour, you’ll be joined by an array of talented guests. How do these collaborations enhance your live shows, and what unique dynamics do each of these musicians bring to the stage?
KM: There are going to be many. Kim Jennett who is a powerhouse. Heidi Solheim, Jess Hayes, Emely Myles and Marlia Rae who are insanely talented singers. And some other people too. Will Wilde, Malcolm Bruce and Gert Lange. All are individually and uniquely talented and this will be great fun!
ATN: What’s ahead for you?
KM: To keep on keeping on and try to find a way to battle through this tough industry.
SAME 3 QUESTIONS WE ALWAYS ASK
ATN: Artist / band that you feel is the most underrated and why?
KM: AMUND MAARUD: Norwegian blues guitarist that is pretty well known in Norway but nowhere else really. He deserves worldwide attention. My first favorite blues guitarist.
ATN: Artist / band that you would like to collaborate with and why?
KM: JACK WHITE – Hands down. That guy is the coolest cat there is. This would be a dream. What he does with blues rooted music is so refreshing and damn cool. This would be amazing.
ATN: Artist / band that you would like to tour with and why?
KM: JACK WHITE – Hands down. I would love to play in front of his audience.
