While Matt The Electrician may sound like some sort of heavy metal alias, don’t be fooled: Matt Sever was actually an electrician.
Music, however, has always been his primary focus. At age 15, Sever was playing music in coffee shops and clubs. His electrician trade just paid the bills as he became an emerging musician.
“”The first song I wrote was for a creative writing class,”” Sever said. “”It was pretty brutal.””
Things have changed. Sever released his first full-length album Baseball Song in 1998, which was followed by several albums, including his latest, One Thing Right. Through years of touring, Sever has become known for his self-proclaimed “”melodic, acoustic, roots-based pop.”” Most reviews and features compare his music to Tom Waits and Paul Simon, but Sever’s goals are nowhere near as lofty.
“”When I’m writing, I just write,”” Sever said. “”I just do what I feel like I’m good at.””
One Thing Right was recorded in Sever’s home city of Austin, Texas, and follows his previous records’ folk-rock sound. Sever also continues his tradition of using unique instruments like the banjolele – a combination banjo and ukulele.
Sever often uses the word “”organic”” to describe his new music; the word is more than appropriate. Sever’s rough-sounding recording channels a sort of honesty not found in most radio pop or even indie hits.
“”It’s a little bit softer than my older records,”” Sever said of his new album. “”It’s not super experimental.””
“”Something In the Stars Translated”” is Sever’s favorite of the new songs, mostly due to his experimentation on the track.
“”I did some stuff that was different on it, like an alternative tuning on my guitar,”” Sever said.
The album’s title is also indicative of its subtle theme: being satisfied with the little victories in life.
“”I tend to look at myself as sort of a Charlie Brown character in a way,”” Sever said. “”A lot of the thematic stuff on the record is (about) being okay with going through life in baby steps.””
While Sever and his band are no rookies on the road, touring does have its downfalls.
“”I have two kids and a wife at home,”” Sever said. “”Being away from them for weeks at time is rough.””
Of course, touring across the country is still a great experience.
“”I love traveling across this country,”” Sever said. “”I love to perform.””
Catch Matt The Electrician perform tomorrow night at Plush, 340 E. 6th St. Sever and his band take the stage at 10:30 p.m., while headliners Greyhound Soul go on at 11:30 p.m. Cover is $5 for the 21-and-up show.
