By Timothy Behuniak EBS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Mathias’s passion for performing originated when he received
a guitar on his 10th birthday. Today, the Bozeman-based
singer-songwriter has been playing music in Big Sky Country for over two
decades, but is also known around the world for his lively performances,
powerful vocals and percussive guitar style.
In 2010, Mathias released his debut
album, “Walk Alone,” after working in the studio with Emmy-award-winning
producer Jeremiah Slovarp. The following two years, Mathias traveled
internationally, entertaining crowds in Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore and
Chiang Mai, among others. Mathias, 41, spoke with EBS about his music career,
reasons for moving to Montana and his love for the Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood.”
Explore Big Sky: Why did you start playing music? Is guitar your main
instrument?
Mathias: When I was a kid I always had a song in my head. I could often
be heard humming a tune, whether it was a Billy Joel song or the theme to “Star
Wars.” I guess it was a natural progression to pick up an instrument. There was
a catalyzing event involving a friend and myself playing air guitar on hockey
sticks to Twisted Sister’s, “We’re Not
Gonna Take It.” That sort of sealed the deal. I went home telling my
parents I had to have a guitar. Eventually I received one for my 10th birthday
after fulfilling an agreement to take piano lessons as a prerequisite. Shortly
thereafter I began playing percussion in band as well. I feel piano and
percussion were the ideal foundation for playing guitar. Your right hand keeps
the rhythm while your left works with the chords and melody.
EBS: How long have
you been playing for?
M: Just over 30 years. It’s been my sole occupation for over nine
years now.
EBS: Did you grow up in Montana? If not, where are you from originally?
M: I grew up in Williston, ND, but my family homesteaded on both
sides of the border, so my Montana roots are deep. And save a couple years,
I’ve called Montana home since I graduated high school.
EBS: What made you
decide to come here?
M: I originally came out here to study film and to live simply in
the mountains. Bozeman and Big Sky had been common stops on family vacations en
route to Yellowstone when I was young. My older brother attended Montana State
University, which furthered my connection to Bozeman. By the time I moved here,
I was already in love with the area.
EBS: How would you
describe your style?
M: Ah, the dreaded question. I suppose I would say it’s
acoustic folk and rock with everything from country to funk mixed in. My
guitar style is very percussive. If there’s something that sets me apart
stylistically, it’s my utilization of open strings to produce a fuller sound—it’s
a sort of faux 12-string technique. I feel my vocals can run the gamut from the
airy and intimate side to a more full and assertive voice.
EBS: Does the
Montana lifestyle affect your songwriting and playing? If so, in what way?
M: In some ways I’ve gotten slightly more Americana and country
over the years. While I don’t think the average patron of a local watering
hole in rural Montana would classify me that way, they hear it instantly in
Europe or Asia. And of course, I’ve written a lot of my lyrics about
Montana and my experiences here.
EBS: Where have you
performed?
M: I’ve played all over Montana, especially the Bozeman, Big Sky and
Livingston areas. When I hit the road it’s usually for a run of gigs
around Flathead and Whitefish, back home to North Dakota or down to Stanley and
Ketchum in the Sawtooth’s of Idaho. I’ve also played a couple seasons in
the Florida Keys and one on Koh Tao in Thailand. In addition, I try to
work a few gigs into my travels and have now performed in a dozen countries
around the globe.
EBS: What are some
of your personal favorite songs you enjoy performing?
M: I love the songs that lend themselves to a flow state. For
instance, I do my own rendition of “Norwegian
Wood.” It’s actually about 80 percent original material that I’ve
gradually written around the Beatles’ classic. It’s in drop D [tuning] so
there’s a nice drone to improvise over. The song just creates a great
space to explore. I have half a dozen little variations and jams I’ve
written off of it over the years, and it’s constantly evolving. I love
that about it. Some nights it’s not a matter of whether I play “Norwegian Wood,” but rather
which version I should do.
EBS: Which artists or
bands do you draw influence from?
M: Dave Matthews Band, Paul Simon, Coldplay, The Beatles, Weezer, the
Grateful Dead, Vampire Weekend, Mumford & Sons and Phish.
