“I think the most important aspect is teaching young musicians that blues music is the real foundation of every other kind of music. It will only help them on whatever musical path they choose.”

Matthew Curry: One For The Ride

Matthew Curry, one of the best Blues rock greats of his generation. Curry, is an original roots rock singe and songwriter from Bloomington, Illinois, who is well- known for his incredible guitar-playing abilities. This talent has earned him opening touring slots with The Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton, Steve Miller Band, Journey and more. He has played at nationally-renowned places, festivals and even on a cruise, which featured rock ‘n’ roll legends, such as Gregg Allman, Marshall Tucker, America and many more. Whether he is playing at the Troubadour in LA, Maxwell’s in New Jersey, The Ride Festival in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, or the Hogs Breath Saloon in Key West, Florida, Curry does not disappoint his audience. Fans have traveled great distances to follow and see him live. Curry’s roots certainly run muddy-waters deep, something that’s not been lost on the guitar legends he’s had the honor of sharing the stage with over the past few years. Curry’s music appeals to a broad spectrum as he has built a multi- generational audience, evident at his shows. Fans are drawn to and connect with his music and lyrics. His songs draw from personal inspirations, incorporating elements of rock, blues, southern rock, and old school country.

(Matthew Curry / Photo by Brandy Swartz)

Bloomington native and early-career rocker Matthew Curry is back with his first album in six years, titled “One for the Ride” (2025). This 10-tracks CD includes ten songs featuring special guest musicians from The Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton Band, Jimmie Vaughan Band, and Chicago! One For The Ride captures Curry's life on the road, his love for storytelling, and the musical influences that shaped him. The album bursts open with high-energy southern rock flair, drawing inspiration from the raw spirit of bands like ZZ Top and the timeless road-song tradition.Tracks like "Rum Stumblin'" showcase Curry's knack for crafting fun, bluesy, party-driven grooves, while "Born Behind The Wheel" leans into gritty riffs and harmonies rooted in the southern rock Curry grew up listening to. Matthew Curry is part of the Blues Caravan 2026 tour, alongside Laura Chavez and Elise Frank. The Blues Caravan 2026, kicks off its milestone year with a bold new take on a rock classic: “Under My Thumb” by The Rolling Stones.

Interview by Michael Limnios                Special Thanks: Matthew Curry & Doug Deutsch

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

There are two moments I can recall that musically impacted me the most as a young musician. The first one was hearing the Beatles for the first time. After that, it was all that I wanted to listen to - and it made me OBSESSED with music in general. The second one was hearing Stevie Ray Vaughan for the first time. It forever changed my approach to guitar.. But, I think he did that for a lot of guitar players haha! 

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions? 

I would describe my sound as guitar based american roots music. I grew up listening to everything... Whether it was Blues, Rock'n'roll, Southern Rock, Country, etc.. I've always drawn from all of those genres when crafting songs, arrangements, melodies, harmony, etc. I always try to serve the song when it comes to writing.

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

I think I’ve grown most as a songwriter. I feel more comfortable with my lyric writing, music arranging and producing. I have much more confidence in myself when it comes to that. Also, I feel I’ve grown a lot as a singer too. One thing that has stayed the same about my music is that nine times out of ten, inspiration for a song starts with a guitar riff or melody. I was a guitar player before I was a singer or a songwriter, and so I always come back to that.

“I’m honored and thrilled to have played such large venues with folks like Steve Miller, Doobies, etc.. but I love playing the clubs and more intimate venues as well! And if an arena act called me tomorrow and asked for us to come open up on a tour, I’d certainly do it in a heartbeat! But mostly, I’m just happy to be doing something I love so much!“ (Matthew Curry / Photo by Darin Back - Album artwork by Doug Hicks)

What keeps a musician passionate over the years? What musicians have continued to inspire you and your music?

I guess I can only speak for myself regarding this, but for me, I’m still passionate because I’m still constantly inspired. By all sorts of different things. Sometimes I’m inspired by a new guitar riff I stumble upon, or by a lyrical phrase that pops into my head. Or a musical or vocal melody. That’s also something I hope to never lose. Those little sprinkles of inspiration falling down on me. I’m continuously inspired by artists that I’ve loved my whole life; The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Allman Brothers, etc. But I’m also always searching for new artists that I can get into as well. No matter the Genre. A few of my favorites right now are Jason Isbell and Blackberry Smoke to name a few.

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album One For The Ride?

Hmm, northing too crazy that I can recall haha. It was a rather normal record making process. I produced it with my long time drummer Francis Valentino, who is now playing drums with David Lee Roth of Van Halen. Francis and I work incredibly well together. It’s almost like we have a telepathic way of working in the studio sometimes. Which helps for getting things done and not wasting too much time haha. A cool note about the album is that we had some amazing guest musicians. I called up Rob Arthur (keyboard player for Peter Frampton and Chicago) to play Hammond B3. And Marc Russo (Saxophonist for The Doobie Brothers, and the Yellow Jackets) to arrange and play some horn parts. I was a bit reluctant to ring these guys up about this at first.. They’re just such giants in the musician world, I thought to myself “I don’t know if they’d even be interested in playing on my record.” But, much to my surprise, they both we’re very excited to be a part of it. It’s an honor to have them on the album!

Why do you think that the Southern Rock music legacy continues to generate such a devoted following?

I think it’s because “Southern Rock” embodies everything you could possibly ask for in great music. It takes the storytelling style of songwriting that is popular in country music, blends that with the soulfulness of blues music, and sometimes incorporates the wide harmony spectrum that would possibly be more associated with jazz or things that a pedal steel guitar would play. For me, I was always drawn to bands like: The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Charlie Daniels, The Black Crowes, etc.

What´s been the highlights in your career so far? Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

I've been so fortunate in this regard. So much in fact, that I really cannot name one single highlight in my career.. there's been so many, and I'm crossing my fingers that there are many more to come!  However, I can give you some of my most cherished memories thus far.. Certainly all of the major support tours we've done. Opening for Steve Miller Band, The Doobie Bros., Peter Frampton, Journey, etc. I've had the great pleasure of befriending all of these people.. that's not something many folks get the great fortune of being able to say. So I'm forever grateful for that.. and for all of their kindness and generosity.

“I think it’s because “Southern Rock” embodies everything you could possibly ask for in great music. It takes the storytelling style of songwriting that is popular in country music, blends that with the soulfulness of blues music, and sometimes incorporates the wide harmony spectrum that would possibly be more associated with jazz or things that a pedal steel guitar would play.” (Matthew Curry / Photo by Norbert Novak, one of the best Blues rock greats of his generation)

Are there any specific memories with Steve Miller, Doobie Bros., and Peter Frampton that you would like to tell us about?!

I have so many great memories with all of them. And one thing I can say regarding Steve, Peter, and Pat, Tommy, and John (and all of the band / crews), Is that they are all some of the nicest and most generous people in this business as far as I’m concerned. One kind of funny memory I have: We were opening for Steve Miller and Journey in Quebec, and it was the largest crowd I had ever played in front of. I was told it was 65,000 people when we went on stage. Funny enough, I was not nervous at all.. Until I looked over to the side of the stage, and Steve was standing there watching me and my band like a hawk... haha, I was immediately a nervous wreck. But we played great and had a wonderful time, and Steve seemed to be pleased with the performance haha! But there’s nothing like having one of your hero’s watch your set to “calm the nerves “!

How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?

My approach kind of changes depending on the song and how the inspiration is striking me. Most of the time, it starts with a guitar riff or melody. But sometimes a vocal melody or phrase pops into my head andI ride that wave for a while. Like on the song “Don’t Be a Stranger”, I had all of the lyrics written before I even had any idea of what I wanted to do musically or with the melody. I tend to let the song tell me what it needs. I never try to force anything. If it’s going towards in a bluesy direction, I just let it happen. If it’s going in a americana or country-ish direction, I just let it go.. I don’t ever try to restrict myself or have a closed mind about the direction that a song is heading. That’s the first way to clog up the writing process if you ask me. I can only be myself and write what comes out! So, I never fight it!

You’ve worked in many different settings, from clubs, bars and studios to open air festivals and theatres. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

I guess I don’t think about it too much at this stage in my life and career. I’m just happy to still be doing it and making a living doing it. If the audience is happy, then I’m happy… no matter the size of the audience. I try my best to be as positive as possible about this business as there is no shortage of highs and lows. I’m honored and thrilled to have played such large venues with folks like Steve Miller, Doobies, etc.. but I love playing the clubs and more intimate venues as well! And if an arena act called me tomorrow and asked for us to come open up on a tour, I’d certainly do it in a heartbeat! But mostly, I’m just happy to be doing something I love so much!

“Well generally, I think the most important thing in this business is kindness and respect. People's egos can get in the way of that.. whether they're on the music making end of things, or music business end of things. I'd be lying if I said I haven't been there in my younger years. At this point in my career, I'm just out to make as many friends as I possibly can!” (Matthew Curry / Photo by Mia Torres)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

Wow, this is a great question. I guess the thing I miss most from music of the past is less related to the music itself and more related to how it was consumed. Going to concerts, and buying records / cd's / tapes / etc. Was a way of life for so many people. (In my case as a child, it was buying CD's hahaha.) Granted, while social media and streaming platforms can be very helpful for musical artists - it can also be harmful. Every single person has the option to hear any music they can dream of at the touch of a finger. Or watch any concert online. I fear that this will lead to future generations not having the same appreciation for going to see their favorite artists in a live setting. I don't know, I hope I'm wrong.. Time will tell! 

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Well generally, I think the most important thing in this business is kindness and respect. People's egos can get in the way of that.. whether they're on the music making end of things, or music business end of things. I'd be lying if I said I haven't been there in my younger years. At this point in my career, I'm just out to make as many friends as I possibly can! 

How did the idea of Blues Caravan 2026 come about? What do you love most about the Under My Thumb song? How did the blues shape rock and roll?

The Blues Caravan is something that Ruf Records has been doing for twenty years now. As a newly signed Ruf artist, I was asked to be a part of the tour in 2026. I'm very excited for it! In regards to "Under My Thumb" there's nothing to not love about it! It's a timeless song by a timeless band! The Blues shaped everything.. Blues is the true foundation to every genre. I'm so happy that I was so deeply invested in playing the Blues from a very early age. It gave me the proper foundation to continue to build and explore! 

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music/musician in today’s society?

I think the most important aspect is teaching young musicians that blues music is the real foundation of every other kind of music. It will only help them on whatever musical path they choose.

”I would describe my sound as guitar based american roots music. I grew up listening to everything... Whether it was Blues, Rock'n'roll, Southern Rock, Country, etc.. I've always drawn from all of those genres when crafting songs, arrangements, melodies, harmony, etc. I always try to serve the song when it comes to writing.”

(Photo: Matthew Curry)

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

Well, in all honesty.. I'm not so sure I think about relevancy so much in the writing process. Of course I draw inspiration from new artists and newer music.. But I tend to write, sing, and play what speaks to my emotions and to my heart. And I guess all that I can do itshope it speaks to a few other folks as well! Hahaha! My hope is to only keep growing as a songwriter, singer, and guitar player! 

Matthew Curry - Home