Eric Matthews

Eric Matthews crafted his music as a deliberate counterpoint to the lo-fi techniques that saturated the alternative scene throughout the 1990s. Whereas countless acts of that era embraced a ragged, self-reliant approach, Matthews built his recordings on orchestral principles and delighted in the refined beauty of rich harmonies alongside expansive arrangements. Born in Gresham, OR, in 1969, he developed an early fascination with the symphonic pop of the Beach Boys, Burt Bacharach, and the Bee Gees. John Williams’ score for Star Wars then guided him toward orchestral composition, prompting him to take up the trumpet during elementary school.

He later studied at a conservatory in San Francisco to refine his technique before relocating to the Boston area to advance his songwriting and stage work. There Matthews connected with Sebadoh’s Lou Barlow and Bob Fay, resulting in the 1993 four-song EP issued under the name Belt Buckle. Through Fay he also began a collaboration with Australian-born singer/songwriter Richard Davies, already recognized for leading the cult band the Moles. The pair established the duo Cardinal, which showcased Davies’ wry songwriting together with Matthews’ arranging abilities and command of piano, organ, harpsichord, and marimba, and delivered their self-titled debut in 1994. Internal tensions curtailed Cardinal’s existence, however, prompting Matthews to resume activity as a solo artist.

In 1995 he released his first solo effort, It’s Heavy in Here, an ornate and intricate set that spotlighted his developing vocal and compositional strengths. The Lateness of the Hour appeared to similar acclaim in 1997, after which Matthews stepped away from recording for an extended period. He resurfaced in 2005 with the mini-LP Six Kinds of Passion Looking for an Exit and issued the full-length Foundation Sounds late the following year. The Imagination Stage arrived in early 2008.