Crys Matthews is a Nashville-based artist, through and through. Her identity as an LGBTQ+ musician, black woman, and proud Southerner inform her unique perspective as a songwriter. Her latest single, “The Difference Between”, is a powerful response to the hate-driven language and beliefs that circulate through culture, politics, and even music. Featuring a powerful trio of Nashville-based, LGBTQ+ artists including Melody Walker, Chris Housman, and of course, Crys Matthews herself, “The Difference Between” sheds light on the communities that are often the target of persecution. It’s a powerful reminder that these very communities are in fact what keep the South afloat.
“The Difference Between” is a soulful country anthem filled with roaring riffs, bustling percussion, and empowering vocals that speak volumes to the collective. Matthews sings, “See I’m from the South like you / So tell me, what’s your excuse? / It’s right or wrong, not left or right / It sure ain’t red or blue.” “The Difference Between” is pivotal listen at the present moment, reminding us all that our differences are what make America so powerful.
Revealing more on her track, Matthews confides, “This is a reclamation not just of the space Black artists have been denied in Americana music, not just of the space LGBTQ people have been denied in communities of faith, not just of the autonomy women have been denied over our own bodies, but a reclamation of the South that raised me.”
Crys Matthews draws on influences of country, americana, folk, blues, and bluegrass to impact her one of a kind sound. She’s preparing to tour alongside Julian Taylor in November and with Flamy Grant, Jennifer Knapp, Spencer LaJoye, and Heather Mae in December. “The Difference Between” is her latest release.
Keep up with Crys Matthews: INSTAGRAM // TIKTOK
