”The creativity is slow these days, the older players to me play with more passion.”

EJ Mathews: King of Backwoods Boogie

Texas native, and 2017 Living Blues Magazine’s Breakout Artist of the Year, EJ Mathews, schooled in the blues during early childhood by his Georgia born grandfather, Zan who played his own version of blues, has released 3 albums and 11 singles of original music. EJ’s style is Backwoods Funk, Swamp Boogie, Country Blues/Funk, Gumbo, and he never fails to shine as himself playing his own distinctive music which he describes as “A little bit of blues with a touch of country mixed in.” Mathews definitely followed his Grandfather’s advice and says his musical style is a blend of blues with a touch of country mixed in and sometimes a little rap.  His musical influences also included Lightnin’ Hopkins and Howlin’ Wolf. EJ’s voice has often been compared to that of Howlin Wolf’s too. He has written over a hundred songs and his music sounds like swamp boogie and country blues. Mathews says “It’s just me, it’s my kind of music.” 

(Photo: Texas native bluesman, EJ Mathews)

EJ’s first musical influence was his grandfather who was from South Georgia.  Grandfather Zan loved listening to country and blues and played slide guitar with his pocket knife. He showed EJ how to play and told him to always stay authentic and original. EJ has released 3 CDs; Welcome to The Backwoods (2015), King of the Barnyard (2017) and I Didn’t Choose the Boogie, The Boogie Chose Me, 2020. EJ’s lifelong dream of being a musician still keeps calling though many would say that he has arrived. EJ is one of the latest Texas Blues musicians whose music has caught on all over the world. “Walking Down This Road", titled the new single and Delmark debut from East Texas real deal bluesman, EJ Mathews, featuring Steve Bell on harmonica. This single introduces an artist who honors the roots while creating a new musical landscape — one that belongs unmistakably to EJ Mathews. At the 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, Julia A. Miller and Elbio Barilari of Delmark Records heard EJ and immediately knew they were in the presence of a singular new voice.

Interview by Michael Limnios              Special Thanks: Kevin Johnson, Delmark Records

What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you?

I learned I have a lot to say, so I just tell my story my life as a kid in the country.

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

It's a Backwoods boogie / country blues mix, I feel each song cause it all original, it's my life.

Why do you think that Texas Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

It’s real folks can relate especially if they from the country they feel the lyrics.

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 used to write my songs to what I thought folks wanted to hear ...now my writing  is more pure; I just tell my story.

What drew you into the blues scene? What moment changed your musical life the most?

My Grandfather is from Butler, Georgia and he played the blues and it was always original music.

Currently you’ve one release with Delmark Records. How did that relationship come about? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album Walking Down This Road?

I was competing in the IBC in Memphis, Tenn and that's when I met Elbio from Delmark  Records. He said he liked my original songs and I met him and Delmark's Julia Miller up in Chicago. It was a fit and they signed me and we recorded and album with some really great musicians  from Chicago. Pooky Styx, Buddy Guy's drummer played drums. I just saw him on my favorite show, Tiny Desk Concerts. I was amazed he was playing on my record!

“I don't think it makes a difference. We all have to tell our story as blues musicians.  The people will let you know what's real!!! And you can feel it in soul if you just listen.” (Photo: Texas native bluesman EJ Mathews with Julia A. Miller, president of Delmark Records)

Your music is described as a bridge between the country blues of the past and the spoken-word energy of hip-hop and rap. How do you manage to balance these different generations and musical genres, proving that the blues remains a living language?

When I write, I just be myself. I grew up listening  to blues, country, gospel, and rap. I never wanted to sound like anyone else so I just did me, what I felt in my soul.

What keeps a musician passionate over the years? Is there a message you are trying to convey with your music/songs?

Music is a fire that I have in my stomach that can't be put out. I hear music, I sleep music, I eat music, I smell music! It's weird I know, but it's my truth. I can see melodies, if that makes sense, lol!

You grew up in East Texas, a region with deep roots in country blues and gospel. How did this specific landscape and its tradition influence your personal sound and the way you tell your stories through your songs?

Between East Texas and Oklahoma, that's where it all comes from. Living in the woods, going to church, listening  to the choir, and feeling that spirit of family.

How easy or difficult is it for the younger generation to relate to the blues?

It is hard for young generations because it is not in their face, not being played on TV a-lot, not in commercials, not in video games, all places young folks spend their time.

What moment changed your life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

Being voted one of the best artists of Dallas–Fort Worth in 2018 by Dallas Observer magazine being featured in Living Blues magazine.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

I love to go studio and create music and the vibe is amazing you. Can feel it in the air the music.

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

The creativity is slow these days, the older players to me play with more passion.

“I learned I have a lot to say, so I just tell my story my life as a kid in the country. It's a Backwoods boogie / country blues mix, I feel each song cause it all original, it's my life. Texas Blues Scene is real folks can relate especially if they from the country they feel the lyrics.”

(Photo: Texas native EJ Mathews, schooled in the blues during early childhood. EJ Mathews taking the stage to bring us some original down home Texas blues. He plays pure original blues that will keep you moving all night long!)

How do you want the music to affect people? What is the role of Blues music in today’s society?

I want it to be spiritual and moving and touch they soul.

When it comes to authenticity in blues, do you believe race makes a difference?

I don't think it makes a difference. We all have to tell our story as blues musicians.  The people will let you know what's real!!! And you can feel it in soul if you just listen.

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

Keep it funky and moving and true to my self.

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