Guest Navigator: Matthew Mayfield Presents Nashville

By R Life, posted Oct 13th 2011 at 4:05PM

Matthew Mayfield’s first solo album, Now You’re Free, captures the rustic, yet polished sound of this Birmingham, Alabama rocker, who has hardly been free from touring since releasing the album’s chart-topping title track. Now You’re Free, which he recorded in Nashville with producer Paul Moak, can best be described as the perfect soundtrack for open-road driving into a blazing sunset. At age 11, Matthew carried around a Gibson Les Paul and studied the chords and rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle of his heroes: Guns N Roses, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bruce Springsteen, and Eddie Vedder. A fiercely independent spirit, Matthew determined to eschew major-label commitments in favor of cultivating his sound on his own by grinding it out, show after show.

Matthew’s alt-country heartbreak songs have earned him a lot of television play, including Grey’s Anatomy and MTV. After touring across the country, Mayfield has concluded that his favorite destination is none other than Music City, USA — Nashville, Tennessee.

What’s your favorite American city?

Nashville

Favorite place to eat there?

Definitely Rotier’s. Nothing quite like biting into a juicy cheeseburger, chasing it with a milkshake, feeling sick, and then noticing you’ve been sitting next to [Americana music legend] John Prine the whole time.

Favorite place for dancing?

I don’t really remember. If I’m dancing, I must be hammered.

Favorite venue to play?

Ah — that’s tough. There are so many good ones. But for the rock set, definitely 12th & Porter. It’s small, but has a huge PA; plus it’s nice and dark because the walls are black.

Favorite record shop?

Grimey’s. Good people. Homegrown. It’s a perfect picture of what the digital revolution is killing. They need our support. I recently bought Appetite for Destruction on vinyl there. Killer spot.

Favorite boutique?

Imogene + Willie. They are so friendly and want you to be happy with whatever you’re looking for. They custom tailor jeans for you, and my friend is (or was?) the suave, hairy male model on the website.

Favorite food truck?

Mas Tacos. Best tacos in Nashville.

Favorite bartender?

The mighty KS Rhoads was bartending at Burger Up last time I was in town. Incredible songwriter/performer. And I think I got a free shot of whiskey that night. Shhhh.

Favorite make-out spot?

Come on — I can’t kiss and tell! I’m a gentleman. <Coughs>

Favorite place to unwind?

Paul Moak’s studio, the  Smoakstack. The best vibe, the best staff, the best gear, and the best “hidden” stash of Jameson. Paul needs to find a new spot for the good stuff!

Favorite festival or annual event?

I haven’t been to any recently, but my friend Paul McDonald did pretty well on his American Idol audition up there last year.

Favorite catch-up spot with friends?

I love the vibe at Patterson House, the bar/movie theatre combo at the Belcourt, and the Whiskey Jam at Tin Roof — Josh Hoge is doing a killer job with that.

Favorite hidden gem that nobody knows about?

Hmmm. That’s tricky. The Ryman Auditorium. Has anyone ever heard of that? It’s on my list of dream venues to play someday.

Read more about Matthew Mayfield here.

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3 Responses to “Guest Navigator: Matthew Mayfield Presents Nashville”

1. Check-In Sessions – Episode 1: Matthew Mayfield | Renaissance Hotels Lifestyle Blog | R Life says:

   October 26, 2011 at 2:09 pm

   [...] Guest Navigator: Matthew Mayfield presents Nashville [...]
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   November 2, 2011 at 5:59 pm

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