Jason Matthews Exclusive Interview

Jason Matthews has been a co-writer and friend of Luke Bryan for a long time.  He has written many of Luke’s most popular songs with him, and even hit the road with him on tour!  LukeBryanFan.com had the amazing opportunity to be able to ask Jason some questions.

So, Jason, you worked with Luke Bryan on writing multiple songs such as ‘Country Man’, ‘Take My Drunk Ass Home’, ‘Muckalee Creek Water’, ‘Drinkin Beer & Wastin Bullets’, and ‘Cold Beer Drinker’, what was your favorite part about working with Luke?

His energy. His shows are only a reflection of his everyday life. Luke is as great as he seems. Truly genuine. So we aren’t just writing partners but friends. Wednesday were our days to write and did that steady for 6 years before he hit the road. So we would get together and start our days. Now remember, some guys tap their foot as they write a melody…but Luke stomped his right foot so hard it shook the whole house. Bam bam bam… You couldn’t help but feel like a party was about to happen. It was like the big bass drum keeping beat as you wrote…got you excited and rev’d for the day!

Out of all of the songs you wrote with Luke, which one was your favorite to work on?

You know we wrote so many dang songs, I can’t choose. They were all very important and special to me. Our first together was Honky Tonk History which Travis Tritt cut. We have this crazy ass song called Whiskey I.V. that is a riot! The sweetest song was a song called “I Don’t Know If I Can Do That”.

How do you get started on writing a song? And, how long does it usually take for you to complete a song?

You need a damn good idea and some inspiration. We’ve had songs to come in an hour or some that take a year. Country Man took 7 full Wednesdays. You’d have your day to write and then time in between to think about it for next time.

What is your favorite part about being a song writer?

This may sound crazy, but when you sit down to create, it is the one time you feel God’s in the room. I love that part of creation. You can sit and work on something and sometimes you can hear this little fragment of a melody or something, whispered in the air. I call it tuning into the God frequency. You don’t always get a lot but when you can tap into that, you’ve got something special.

Whenever you are writing a song, do you ever get that feeling “This will be a hit!”?

As a writer you are trying to write a hit everyday. When you are a pro-writer most songs are well written and are good songs. But then a day comes along and something magical happens and when it does you better hang on. The song becomes a force of its own. It sparkles like it’s been sprinkled with fairy dust. It is like a living thing that will be here long after we are gone.

How long have you been writing songs for? And, how did you get started?

I’ve been writing since I was little. Short stories and poems. But one night I saw Eric Clapton on tv and it was like his soul was singing through his guitar. I knew right then that’s what I am suppose to do. It was like a light was flipped on. I was probably 15. I taught myself how to play… played until my fingers bled…wouldn’t put the guitar down.

How long have you known Luke for? And, when did you meet?

About 10 years ago maybe longer…I can’t keep up with time anymore. I was one of the first guys to write with Luke. My wife introduced us.

Do you plan on working on writing new songs with Luke in the future?

Luke and I always have a song started..so when we grab time together, we finish one or start another. I just got off the road with him where we got a bunch of writing done.

So many fans have great reactions to the songs that you have co-written with Luke, how does that make you feel when they love your song?

First, to hear a great artist sing your song is beyond words…then to be backstage with Luke on the road and to hear thousands of people singing your song back word for word is indescribable. As a writer, it is what you dreamed of and lived for. To see people quoting my lyrics online or to say that my song has influenced their life, I am so humbled. Luke Bryan and his fans are a very special group of people. I hope I get to thank each one in person. They have blessed my life.