A troubadour of truth, Nashville resident Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. An award-winning, prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews blends Americana, folk, blues, and bluegrass into a bold, complex performance steeped in traditional melodies punctuated by honest, original lyrics. She is made for these times. Of Matthews, ASCAP VP & Creative Director Eric Philbrook says, “By wrapping honest emotions around her socially conscious messages and dynamically delivering them with a warm heart and a strong voice, she lifts our spirits just when we need it most in these troubled times.” Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation adds, her gift is a “reminder of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides.” Her hope-fueled, love-filled, social-justice album called Changemakers was released March 26, 2021, and the title track was named the International Folk Music Association’s “Song of the Year” in May of 2022.
HEATHER MAE ISN’T JUST WRITING SONGS—SHE’S WRITING REVOLUTIONS. A GENRE-DEFYING ARTIST-ACTIVIST, SHE FUSES THE GRIT OF ALTERNATIVE ROCK, THE INFECTIOUS HOOKS OF INDIE POP, AND THE STORYTELLING DEPTH OF FOLK TO CRAFT ANTHEMS FOR THE OUTSIDERS, THE SURVIVORS, AND THE SEEKERS OF RADICAL JOY. HER MUSIC IS AN UNFLINCHING MIRROR REFLECTING THE RAW REALITIES OF MENTAL HEALTH, QUEER LIBERATION, SURVIVOR EMPOWERMENT, AND THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE.
