Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: My mother was a piano and accordion teacher so there was always a lot of music in our house when I was growing up. I started out playing drums and eventually took up guitar and began writing songs. I can’t really remember not ever being in a band and there was never any doubt in my mind about what I would be doing it for the rest of my life. So far, so good:)! (Barry)
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Dirt Road Opera”?
A: We are always looking for new ways to grow our fanbase. Whether it’s through live performances, social media, media outreach, or connecting directly with listeners. If you’re new to Dirt Road Opera, we hope you’ll take a listen, and maybe find a song or two that sticks with you;) We love hearing from listeners. Don’t be stranger! We’re always up for a chat with fellow music lovers. (Rachel)
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Lately, the most inspiring artist for me has been my dad (Dave Matkin). I’ve been going back through a bunch of his old songs. Some I grew up with, some I’m only now really appreciating, and it’s reminded me just how much heart and craft he put into his writing. That’s been a big source of inspiration lately. (Rachel)
Q: What drew you to cover the song “Clay Pigeons,” and what does it mean to you personally?
A: I fell in love with Clay Pigeons the first time I heard it, probably drawn to the melody first and then the heartfelt lyrics. The song can take on many different meanings depending on the listener and Blaze Foley was a maestro at conveying a thought without being too literal about it. (Barry)
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: This is a deceptively simple question! I have a very difficult time settling on a single word. I think that my wife summed it up best when I asked. “Thoughtful”. She smart. (Rob & Laurel;)
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Clay Pigeons”?
A: We didn’t want to mess it up with too much production when we recorded it. The guitar is a big part of the song so we focused on that and some dobro which worked out nicely. We added an instrument called a Melodica which is kind of like an accordion but has a mouthpiece that you blow into, and then put in a real accordion and drums. Topped it off with our trademark vocal harmonies and it was done:) (Barry)
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: Our music leans into the Americana and alt-country world—rootsy, honest, and melody-driven. Barry is the primary songwriter in the group, and as a band, we put a lot of care into making sure the songs are represented the right way—through arrangements, vocals, and the overall feel. Some songs come from personal experience, others from ideas that just feel worth exploring. At the end of the day, we just want to make good music and hope people connect with it. We’re focused on reaching more listeners, playing more shows, and continuing to grow in a way that stays true to who we are. (Rachel)
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: If I could collaborate with anyone, it would be Alison Krauss. I have always seen her as the highest of excellence, her musicianship, the violin, her voice, and her writing have placed her on a very high pedestal. She also portrays an air of confidence and calm through her performances. The fact that there are very little drums or percussion in much of her music is quite satisfying, as I am able to just hear the song, the voice and the stories. (Jay)
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: The older I get, the more I understand my parents stressing the importance of “have something to fall back on”. I always to encourage people to be creative, artistic, and do the things that they love, but the reality is this: making a living in this business is very, very challenging. It’s not for everyone. That said, I think that the very best advice I ever got was from Geddy Lee, who, when asked the same question, sagely replied “Always take your wallet onstage”. 😊 (Rob)
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: If I could go back and give my younger self some wisdom, I would press the importance of being able to read music. As a young musician I had a fine ear for music and absorbed it very easily, to the point that I could fool my music teachers into believing I was actually reading music, when in fact I was not. Later in my music career the importance of reading music came to light as I was less able to pick up musical work due to the lack of my ability to read score. (Jay)
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