Jay Mathes

Blog

  • Current Projects, the Future…

    Winterdienst-Einsatz_24.2.2013_(8503230734)The last 12 months are a complete blur.

    Huge family changes, moving, new records released, new bandmates, session work, and a heck of a lot more. It’s difficult balancing family life & music. And I’ve hardly managed to stay on top of it all. You can look at the dates of my previous three posts on this site to see that. BUT if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you know that I haven’t been idle—even if I haven’t been posting here.

    Here’s a quick summary of the past 12 months:

    1. We moved! Twice. A little over a year ago, my wife and I decided that we wanted (needed?) to buy a house. In order to save money for a down payment and pay off some debt, we moved our family into my parents’ house. We are so thankful to them for their generosity and hospitality. They are models to us of what it looks like to serve your children.

    2. We had a baby! In October 2013, Megan, my wife, gave birth to our third child, a beautiful boy whom we named Wesley, after the great hymn-writing pastors, Charles and John.

    3. Restoration Project released an EP. The first in their Firm Foundation series, after a successful Kickstarter campaign. In support of this EP, we’ve played about a dozen shows all over the Chicago area. This project is really where I’ve been spending the majority of my time. In addition to releasing one EP, we also recorded a second, to be released this October. Learn all about ResProj and the Firm Foundation series here: http://resproj.com.

    4. I’ve produced and recorded—a lot. I’ve recorded and produced a handful of albums for other artists as well as done some session work for some local acts. Some of my favorite work this year has been with Alex Ishkov and Carl E. King.

    Other than performing with Restoration Project, what I haven’t done much of recently is perform. And it’s killing me! AND, it’s changing. You’re going to see a lot more shows getting scheduled this fall and winter, into the Spring, as I gear up for another release, likely a solo album. Stay tuned, and be sure to follow me on Insta/Twit for the latest!

  • Three Concerts You Should Go To

    Three Concerts You Should Go To

    I’m getting back in to going to concerts. Not that I wasn’t into going to concerts before, but it’s just that going to a concert is expensive. The biggest cost is usually the ticket, then travel, then the hassle of the crowd, etc. But I like crowds, first off. And secondly, I also realize that concerts give people experiences unlike any other. Music is better live. Better when it’s experiences with others.

    Over the next three months, there are three concerts I think you should go to—if you live near Chicago. Here you go:

    1. Switchfoot with Gungor. 9/19 at Olivet Nazarene University. One of the best alternative bands around. Fantastic songwriting and just plain nice guys. Not so sure about these Gungor folks, but my brother really likes them, so they’re probably okay. The venue probably isn’t the best, but it’s only 90 minutes away from the Fox Valley; and besides, this might be one of Chicago’s last chances to see Switchfoot play—ever.

    2. John Mark McMillan. 9/21 at First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn. This dude is an incredible songwriter. And even though he writes some of the modern “hits,” he understands songwriting aesthetics. Excellent lyrics. Likely a nice, intimate space with average sound (unless he provides his own back-line).

    3. Josh Garrels with Will Reagan. 10/25 at Wheaton College. Really unique voice. A groove that hits that sweet spot. I have a lot of respect for a guy who gives away so much of his music for the greater good: spreading the love (and getting more fans out to live shows). This show will be a highlight of the season for me—in addition to the future birth of my second daughter!