Matt Stillwell Goes Great With Moonshine
All it took was one little mention in Craig Shelburne's news story about the Fremont Street Experience concerts last week in Las Vegas, and my curiosity was piqued.
This new artist Matt Stillwell was there, and I vaguely remembered hearing about his moonshine song, "Shine." So I went to his Web site, played a couple more songs, and then before I knew it, I was the proud owner of his whole album. Sometimes it takes a while for new music from new artists to grow on me. And other times, it happens about five seconds in.
Like it did with "Shine." It's still my favorite, because, c'mon, how can you not love a song about drinking right from a Mason jar and rhyming cooler with Hank Jr.? But "Whiskey Well" and "Dirt Road Dancin'" are nice barn burners, too. Stillwell's not just for rowdy drinkin' anthems, though. He's got one of those full-range voices that can be gritty and tender when it needs to be, like on "Damn This Rain" and "I Keep Thinking About You."
In his bios and blogs, he comes off pretty likable. On work ethics: "I don't have to look anywhere for inspiration or for reasons to get out of bed and work my ass off." On college: "We would go parties and I would sing, which impressed the girls -- and that got my attention." On Nashville: "I took a walk downtown, going to the Ryman and other places. I was supposed to be selling real estate, but instead I wore blisters on my feet. I couldn't get enough of it." On viral marketing via text: "The lists are mainly girls, but I knew that if I got the girls to come, the guys would follow."
Stillwell doesn't have any tour stops planned for my town, yet, so I can't say for sure if he's as good live as I've heard. If you go, though, please come back here and tell me if my gut feeling on this guy is right.
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frank venable says:
I have seen Matt Stillwell live and can promise you he’s great. Continue to check his webb site under Giggs to get an update on upcomming shows. If he is close, it would be worth the drive. The entire group is great!
Tim says:
Matt’s shows are up beat, full of energy, and a lot of fun. He just makes each one better and better too.
Brady Timbs says:
The guy is the most humble and likeable you will ever meet with the talent that he has. His shows are amazing and very down home to the people from the smoky and Appalachian mountains. From my sweet Carolina on his shine record to turn around on his take it all in album its all great. At his live shows he will catch your ear with the song you heard 10 years ago and fell in love with or one you’ve never heard before that has a catchy tune. This guys got it all and you aint heard nothin yet I promise ya.
Mark S. says:
Yes, he’s as good as you’ve heard. I heard him live a couple of years ago, and I’m sure he’s just gotten better. And you’re right about likable — he’s a good guy who really remembers where he’s from (and that’s a good place to be from!). I need to go download his Shine album, and try to encourage him to go to your town…and mine.
Lisa says:
I’ve met him. He’s very nice and down-to-earth. He has worked his butt off touring for years. He has a raunchy, hilarious song as well as one that makes me cry (Good Hands). Get the other album that’s on his Web site - it’s really good!
merlefan46 says:
I like more gritty songs when it comes to moonshine,like Moonshine Hard times by Bluemoon Rising or Daddy Was A Moonshine an by Don Rigsby.
Teddy Phillips says:
Watching Matt grow and mature into a seasoned and very talanted singer/songwriter/entertainer has been a great experience for me. I go see Matt every chance i can. Matt is a true independant artist that is making things happen on his on, and nobody will out work him. His work ethic and energy is unbelievable. Go out and see and buy Matt Stilwell music, it is awesome.
Michelle Nixon says:
I’ve seen him live in the great state of Florida and he lives up to everything you have said in your blog! He’s an amazing person and singer. When someone has a passion for something you can feel it in their performance! I wish him all the best and hope you get a chance to see him soon!
Orlando May 2nd!! I’ll be there!
Holly says:
Matt came to our Napa Town and Country Fair in August of 2008. He sang a bunch of songs in the animal barn with us all. It was great! I had never heard of him until then but I have been hooked ever since. I also got to go to a small concert where he sang at a good friends house. He even dedicated a song to my sister and I because of a tough time we had been going through. He is so amazing! I am happy to hear that everybody loves him and that the limelight is coming!
Melanie and Tim says:
My wife “Mel” and I use to go see Matt at Smith’s Ole Bar in Atlanta, Ga. He always sounded great and puts on a great show. He is one of the most down to earth and is a genuinely great person. He always made us feel welcome at the bar. We enjoy his music and have a couple of his CD’s. We wish him all the best and much deserved success.