Matt Walsh

Matt Walsh is a DJ and producer from Statesville, North Carolina. He is associated with electronic music, though his background is rooted in blues and guitar playing.

Early life and musical development

Born in 1977, Walsh develops an interest in music at an early age. As a child, he is drawn to novelty act Sha Na Na and imitates their stage show. His musical curiosity broadens through exposure to a range of artists, encouraged by his mother. A major influence comes from his uncle Cary, who introduces him to musicians including Jimi Hendrix, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, Canned Heat, Chuck Berry, Johnny Winter and the Rolling Stones. Walsh identifies Keith Richards as one of his main musical idols.

His understanding of blues deepens after hearing Muddy Waters at his uncle’s house when he is 13. That experience leads him to explore figures such as Lightnin’ Hopkins, Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf and Albert King. He also uses his local public library to find records by Johnny Shines, Jimmy Reed with Eddie Taylor, Jimmy Rogers, T-Bone Walker, Bukka White and other blues artists.

Guitar and blues background

Walsh buys his first guitar, a 1970s electric Hondo, for $25 from a man he meets at a flea market where he and his mother rent a stall to sell goods. He concentrates on learning deep blues guitar, using a thumb pick and a metal slide. He says he learns by listening closely and practicing rather than reading music. He describes the process of learning blues guitar as requiring time, hard work, patience, sacrifice, no sleep, business sense, a difficult market and creativity.

At around 13 or 14, he meets local blues guitarist Max Drake, who becomes an important mentor. Drake, a professional musician with the band Arhoolie, performs over 15 years with artists including B.B. King, Robert Cray, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Carey Bell and Freddy King. He also spends four years as lead guitarist in Big Bill Morganfield’s band. Walsh says Drake teaches him the basics of blues guitar and helps him develop his own style. Drake also gets him into clubs to watch performances while he is still too young to attend on his own. Walsh and Drake continue to perform together from time to time.