”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.” 

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.  He’s been playing in the U.S. and Internationally at venues and festivals.

Interview by Michael Limnios

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.

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.

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.