Steve Winwood's 1986 song "Higher Love" was a smash hit, played over and over again the year the New York Mets won the World Series for their second (and, it feels like, final) time. Whereas the song struck gold, the music video was a disaster of epic proportions thanks to the former Traffic band member's relentless mullet. Sadly, a YouTube search for this comes up empty so you'll just have to take my word for it. It was not a pretty sight, but don't stress over it. It has nothing to do with this post, which focuses on budding star Matt Hires. Yep, "Higher Love" simply entered my mind as I typed "Hires," and I chose to lead off the story this way. Sure, I could have ignored the song in my head, but since Hires' songs gloriously spin in my head after I hear them, it just felt right. Call me crazy - actually... don't. Anyway, let's get to the Floridian, who drops a new EP of infectious pop songs with substance entitled "Forever" next week.
The EP's first single "Restless Heart" has hit written all over it. It's infectious pop with substance, and is already making its way through music channels (literally and figuratively). Hires performed the song at the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, NY as part of an A-Sides Music session. Following that song, Hires discussed the songwriting process behind it, "Forever," and his upcoming sophomore album "This World Won't Last Forever, But Tonight We Can Pretend."
That release will be Hires' full-length follow-up to his impressive and well-received debut album "Take Us To The Start."
Watch the performance of "Restless Heart" below, catch the interview after, and send apologies to Winwood and his mullet if you know him.
"Restless Heart"
Hires' Interview
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman:
Jon Chattman's "A-Sides Music" series features artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometimes humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, I'm hoping this is refreshing.