Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Nanes.
Hi Matthew, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started playing music in earnest in 1997 when I was 12 years old, but it didn’t take me long to start performing at venues like Kilby Court when I was 16. It only took a year and a half to join a band called Day Two, and immediately started touring nationally, even spending three weeks on the Vans Warped Tour.
I quit that band and took a small break from music, but it wasn’t long until I started Swans of Never, the project I’ve had since 2005.
A lot of people say music is a young person’s game – most give up by the time they have kids and get their “grown-up” job, but I’ve never stopped, and I don’t think I ever will. A lot of people have come and gone in my band or even the Utah music scene, but as long as I have stories to tell, I’ll keep creating music.
My songs these days are semi-fictional, talking about my experiences growing up in a religious culture, rejecting it, embracing it again, and ultimately about how I found my own way. Storytelling, whether it’s through my auto-biographical or fictional stories is a part of learning about who I am, and I hope it does the same for others.
I’ve also begun to produce and help others write songs. It’s been a lot of fun not to be so selfish with my creativity for once and it’s been a joy to help others do what they love too.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I think having the experience of having my dreams of being a touring musician come true at such an early age was amazing for me, and I don’t think I was emotionally prepared for living with six other dudes in close quarters or making big decisions about whether or not to sign to a prominent record label (we should’ve in hindsight).
Even through the years, I’ve struggled with my ego being kept in check. Creating music on the strength of the chip on your shoulder can only take you so far. There have been shows where I’ve played to an empty room and then to 400 people the next. I’ve had to learn how to take things in stride, even when it feels like no one cares.
I’ve even quit music for a year once, but it was only really me throwing a fit. Once I had a healthier relationship with creativity and expectations of myself and others, things have been going much smoother, and I’m enjoying the process a lot more.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Generally speaking to the uninitiated, I play rock music with a punk edge. But to folks who know, I play aggressive Americana music with an emo lean.
I’m proud to be still creating music 20+ years into learning my craft. It means a lot to me.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you want me to help you with songwriting, mixing, or producing, email me at swansofnevermusic@gmail.com.
You can find Swans of Never on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, and everywhere else you get your music but the best place to support what I do is by buying my music in Bandcamp.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: swansofnevermusic
- Twitter: swansofnever
Image Credits
Shannon D’Amico
Chay Mosqueda
