Matt Heckler, "Haw River Ballad," // GemsOnVHS™

Matt Heckler and I traveled outside of Charlotte, North Carolina to visit instrument maker Ryan Navey at his in-home assembly shop. I was picking up a new banjo he'd made for me, and Matt lives in Charlotte so was happy to come along. He imparted some knowledge on us and showed us around the woodworking tools and carvings, then Matt entertained us with a new song.
Matt decided to write a song with a few parameters. Not about drinking, or love, or dying or any of that stuff we all love yet probably fall back on too much. A good old fashioned song with some positivity. Here's what Woody Guthrie had to say about it,
“I hate a song that makes you think that you are not any good. I hate a song that makes you think that you are just born to lose. Bound to lose. No good to nobody. No good for nothing. Because you are too old or too young or too fat or too slim or too ugly or too this or too that. Songs that run you down or poke fun at you on account of your bad luck or hard travelling. I am out to fight those songs to my very last breath of air and my last drop of blood. I am out to sing songs that will prove to you that this is your world and that if it has hit you pretty hard and knocked you for a dozen loops, no matter what color, what size you are, how you are built, I am out to sing the songs that make you take pride in yourself and in your work."
Check out Matt's new RECORD:
mattheckler1.b...
/ matthecklermusic
And check out Ryan Navey's banjos:
/ banjopage
www.carolinaba...
Big thanks to VJ Arizpe and Richard Harmon for making this episode possible.
Want to learn how to play this song? Check out these tabs: tabs.ultimate-...
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/ gemsonvhs
GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
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[@beethornton6802]

My friend and co worker enjoyed Matt's music. We kinda shared that. He shot himself last month. Every Sunday we worked together. Every Sunday I listen to heckler. And remember Brett Daniels.

[@holyvacant1427]

Praying for you brother.

[@thedude7726]

Sorry for your loss

[@theyarddawg94]

Sorry to hear that brother

[@bobcobb6742]

Sorry for your loss brother. I hope Brett is resting in peace. I’ve lost too many friends the same way. Bless them all.

[@jamielong5160]

Thoughts and prayers brother

[@thomasellis4604]

I saw this dude live at the prophet bar in Dallas. The room shook when he played, his voice carried out to the streets and the his sheer will evokes a sense of passion that is extremely hard to find these days. Keep killing it Matt!

[@stemhead]

Dude, I was there too. Boots were stomping, and barns were burning.

[@Tinkerbell-hf3ng]

was there as well, he killed it. Very sociable at the merch table afterwards as well.

[@PerryDust]

Was he signing any cds by chance? I see him soon and was wondering if he’d do that. Haha. If not I’m still buying a hard copy. I already bought a digital copy on Bandcamp. 😍

[@Tinkerbell-hf3ng]

@@PerryDust he signed the copies that my wife bought.

[@carsontaylor7370]

Thomas Ellis love the prophet bar. They have a ton of original acts

[@mikeman00001]

I listen to death metal. Recently I've been gifted with hearing Matt, Benjamin Todd, Tyler Childers, and a few others. This song touches my soul. This blue grass movement is so talented, these guys are Legends!

[@AEMolinaro]

good Death Metal, like all music, is about telling stories and conveying emotion. That's not about one genre.

[@rhess107]

Metal and folk are processed similarly by my brain somehow. Evoke similar emotions. Check out Holy Locust and Bridge City Sinners

[@-elijahriggs-]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4vEY3l5aM6Mpsk kzbin.info?search_query=townes+van+zandt+live+and+obscure kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZTCnqyshNJql7M Our Mother the Mountain is a good studio album, the rest have a few bright spots, but mostly are poorly produced.

[@qdeezyam]

Welcome to the team, come on in the waters fine

[@russelldunlop1416]

Add Zach Bryan

[@sarahellie4113]

My family grew up on the Haw River… the way this song describes the feeling of that… is just perfect.

[@sean9373]

Ever since his song with Benjamin Todd I’ve wanted to see more of this guy. I’m happy to see this!

[@jamalsmith9721]

Hell yeah. And he's touring with them now can't wait

[@PerryDust]

I’m seeing them soon in West Virginia!!! I too learned of Matt through lost dog. They are both amazing. None of my friends listen to this type of music. I need new friends. 😂

[@benjib3909]

What song did he do with Benjamin Todd?

[@sean9373]

Benjamin Ryan it’s another song of Matt hecklers called blue eyes dancing. I’m not sure he’s originally in it but they played it together on this channel.

[@benjib3909]

@@sean9373 I found it. Also amazing. About to go down a Matt Heckler/Benjamin Todd rabbit hole. See you on the other side!

[@GavinMcdonough]

The rolling hills of the Piedmont call out your name. Out to pasture in the sweetest refrain. And I pulled in a white cross and got to asking around town. In hopes that I could see you again. You had gone up to the mountain, higher ground to make a stand Perched up on a ledge with a rifle in your hand. Singing: I don’t need no man, To miss all those days gone by And long for those better times I wish I could ease your mind Like the wind blowing wild through the long leaf pine. 110, it felt like nothing on an August day Down to the Haw to wash it all away Hear the holler of the ten point white tailed collar Circle left(?) and promenade Cicadas in the summer time and cider in the fall If I can’t have the girl I love then I won’t love at all And I’ll catch my own damn self when I fall To miss all those days gone by And long for those better times I wish I could ease your mind Like the wind blowing wild through the long leaf pine

[@robertmillier1]

I'd have to say that's damn near perfect Sir.

[@jmosby6718]

Thanks! The "Out to pasture in the sweetest refrain," part was driving me crazy

[@mjq21xb]

I thought it was "through the lonely pines"

[@mjq21xb]

Chords please

[@GavinMcdonough]

@@mjq21xb only Mr Heckler knows for sure.

[@mytwocents8023]

The story you're telling romanticizes the things that I have ached for in my life. Having a heritage and people that teach you things of value that really mean something give value on completely different levels.

[@SigRho1429]

I was amazed at how funny Matt is during his live show. Great stage presence, he is more than happy to play and laugh with his audience. Well worth the money for a ticket to see him do his thing, y’all.

[@taylormorris_]

Love that smug satisfied look on his face after the last strum. Id feel ike that too if I could write and play that well. Props Matt, props where props are due!

[@soradispaul]

i used to live with matt in hudson, new york in a ratty old farm house that probably shouldve been condemned. good times...

[@maxmurray509]

Only if him and Ben would come do a show around Hudson or Albany man closest thing is PA 8 hours away and you best bet I’m still going

[@hunteryoungblood649]

@@maxmurray509 Albany georgia would be nice

[@maxmurray509]

@@hunteryoungblood649 lol I mean ny

[@hunteryoungblood649]

@@maxmurray509 I know

[@uchiha_shisui682]

Come to Charleston SC!!!

[@patrickmbarker]

His energy is electric when he's singing. This performance has a presence of pure musical instinct that isn't present in a lot of musical acts. He's helping something speak that is greater than himself.

[@mikeyoung490]

You have to see him live it's amazing!!

[@K9_50Cal]

After 23 years of hearing, Ive found somthing that my soul can listen too.

[@isabellebailey7771]

I found this song tripping on acid and it blew my mind. I listened to it like...30 times that night and have since started playing banjo. ❤🌈

[@MrHabsJake]

Keep rocking that banjo brother

[@michaellammay9937]

Keep playing and blessings!

[@jackcalligaro1796]

Did the same thing high as Heaven

[@dirtylaundrythemusic]

love you for that

[@lukecollett5944]

Love this

[@Convictedoutlaw1320]

Listening in Missouri. This needs to be heard all over the world. This. This is music

[@juanguajardo8359]

Listening from joplin Missouri here.

[@indigolotus22]

I saw Matt Heckler open for Lost Dog Street Band in Seattle and fell in love. He is amazing! I could hardly look away, his voice carries well and I was transported. I wish they were coming back to Seattle for their next tour. :(

[@amosanon3274]

Matt is a huge talent and a very nice dude. Hope he keeps on this upward trajectory.

[@forslavjo]

No joke. He's fantastic. I'd love to see more of this guy.

[@rachelpalmer3384]

I met Matt at haw river ball room and have since fallen in love with his music and sound. So ready to see him in Asheville with Lost Dog!

[@rswinsick]

I just found this song. I lived in White Cross for several years, used to go have band practice in Saxapahaw, worked in Carrboro and all around Chatham County. I used to go to the Haw ALL THE FUCKING TIME. I left for New Orleans about 5 years ago, but I havent wanted to go home just SOOO goddamn bad until hearing this. Absolutely beautiful song. 110, it felt like nothing

[@Foxpaw]

Matt's songwriting has been a huge inspiration to my own music. I'm so glad he's getting more recognition.

[@ryannavey2380]

Holy moly, awesome song and video! Was a pleasure having yall in the shop!

[@paradox5672]

That is your shop in the video?

[@jameswalkinshaw5737]

God damn Matt Hecklers awesome. Gems on VHS you guys are my heroes.

[@NickTeodosio]

No, this has to be some sort of mistake. I am sure I have listened to this more than 54k times. Get it together KZbin.

[@galaxyanimal]

Well, youtube has disclosed that the algorithm only counts the 1st time from each IP address each day normally, but maybe a few times each day if it's music or something else that would be reasonable to watch more than once a day.

[@AdamMk1Mod0]

@@galaxyanimal True. It only counts replays if you open a new window, search for the video again, and play it from the search results.

[@John-cb8ot]

I tear up and get shivers down my spine every time I listen to this. Wish I could pick a banjo like that. Thanks for that Matt.

[@julestownsend1042]

The rolling hills of the Piedmont call out your name Out to pasture in the sweetest refrain And I pulled in a white cross and got to asking around town In hopes that I could see you again You had gone up to the mountain, higher ground to make a stand Perched up on a ledge with a rifle in your hand Singing: I don’t need no man To miss all those days gone by And long for those better times I wish I could ease your mind Like the wind blowing wild through the lonely pines 110, it felt like nothing on an August day Down to the Haw to wash it all away Hear the holler of the ten point white tailed collar Circle left and promenade Cicadas in the summer time and cider in the fall If I can’t have the girl I love then I won’t love at all And I’ll catch my own damn self when I fall To miss all those days gone by And long for those better times I wish I could ease your mind Like the wind blowing wild through the lonely pines

[@sean9373]

you are an absolute legend

[@PerryDust]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

[@benmartin8321]

Thanks, but one small correction: through the long leaf pine.

[@juliamcglynn2839]

This song is so good I get goose bumps nearly every time I listen

[@southerncomfortuk]

What a player ❤.The true gifts that KZbin unexpectedly recommends to us 👏👏👏🙏

[@aaustinnkerr]

I used to spend my summer days following his old band Deep Chatham around North Carolina. One of the last shows I saw them play was on the Haw River. Man does this song bring up some feels. Miss Deep Chatham a lot, glad that Matt is making music still. Wish I knew what happened to the rest of them though. What a great time those guys were.

[@MAGSTOX]

Still love this song 4 years on , you created a masterpiece here Matt !! Much love to gems vhs !!

[@ArgentWarrior]

"I wish i could ease you mind like wind blowing wild through the lonely pines" ⚡⚡⚡ good lord that blew my mind .

[@tylerhill9510]

Hate to be that guy but its "long leaf pines". God bless

[@natedean5815]

In two days I've listened to this song 16 times. Love it.

[@HonestGabe343]

I feel so cool listening to this in Phoenix. This man is Great!

[@jeanniecausey514]

Cannot wait for you to come back through Houston. Absolutely amazing talent. Blows me away with every song.

[@jesseschuster4079]

He will be with Lost Dog at White Oak in Houston on May 12th

[@LogarCreed]

Wow. I love the twisted trail of finding a new song from a man you have listed to for along time. Another genius song.

[@chewymane1560]

Beautiful! That's also some beautiful wood work as well!

[@DanielHester]

Discovered Matt Heckler through you guys, love his stuff. This is one of my favourites off his new album! What a great version!

[@mathurinsimpson3816]

I was born and raised in Hillsborough, NC, near the Haw River area. Makes me miss home.

[@daytonduvall3542]

"If I can't have the girl I love then I won't love at all" So true I feel this song like no other as I'm going through the same thing. I wish she could see this because that's exactly how I feel.

[@benmcavoy8804]

I come back to this video just to hear that dude say "hell yeah" when the song is over. That's real love and passion for music, something that's been lost with all the mass-produced pop bullshit that is so pervasive now.

[@TizzmantineUK]

There was a time in my life where i sat heartbroken in my stepfathers shed, drinking whisky and smoking the bob marley, by myself, listening to matt heckler, benjamin todd, the hill county devil, and all these pop punk "im sad as fuck" bands like neck deep and citizen, foxing and brand new, all over some girl i thought id lost forever. That was 2019, i have a baby girl thats nearly 2 now, with the girl i thought id never see again, happier than i ever thought possible, at one point this song broke me down to an empty husk, but now i can look back and adore matt for giving me some kind of emotional release during such a shit time.

[@PerryDust]

Love this song! Love the new album. Ugh can’t wait to see you live!!!!!!

[@WoodwoseTransmissions]

What a tune. One of the best channels out.

[@tyw12]

This is the video of this guy that really made me see that he’s not just some average musician. There’s something special and authentic about these artists from Kentucky. The way he kinda just makes a makes a grin at the end like he knows how great that was made me smile.

[@GemsOnVHS]

he's from upstate NY

[@tyw12]

@@GemsOnVHS he could be from anywhere and it’d still be great.

[@austenkampe5257]

Just got recommended this song by a co-worker. I am blown away. ❤

[@johndewitt719]

I just saw them in Tampa and hearing him play this was unlike no other. The room was full his music and injoyment it was fantastic to see him with lost dog!

[@jamisoncouture5718]

Saw him too at the crowbar in ybor. Was working security had to stop to watch his set. Awesome guy. Got to drink a beer with him.

[@johndewitt719]

Jamison Couture I probably saw you🤣

[@adamhaney9447]

This song moves me in the most forceful, fundamental way. The speed at which the song flies at you, the clarity in voice, the lyrics. Fuck me running. I love it. And it's gotten me through a lot of shit. Thank you, Matt.

[@marleneshoe]

OMG, Matt Heckler! Get in my pocket! I am crushing on this Appalachian Irish man BIG TIME! You are ridiculously gifted, unique, and entertaining. Stick a fork in me, y’all... I’m done. 🔥

[@DEATH_TO_TYRANTS]

I'm a straight male and I'm right there with you 😂

[@Hochodo]

Right, makes the soul feel good

[@marleneshoe]

Everyone should do themselves a favor and look up the Rub Alcohol video on Matt Heckler’s KZbin channel. If you currently play the banjo, it will make you want to just quit playing the banjo. 😂

[@shilohstore6086]

But how do you really feel??

[@kendadrover176]

I bought his album off bandcamp.com and I have been playing it NON STOP. Seriously, this dude is amazing.

[@BVish79]

I dont know how this channel manages to pack so much undiscovered talent into one place, but keep them coming. Its inspiring to an aspiring musician that artists can still be organically be discovered.

[@judy8117]

love your bang jo ,playing,song very love,GOOD LUCK!♥️🐾♥️😊

[@jwilliamr86]

Matt is such a unique and electrifying individual. Love it

[@jacobwhitlow577]

Being from White Cross and the Haw River area, this really reminds me of home.

[@GemsOnVHS]

As always, a big thanks to Caleb Crouch, Richard Harmon and VJ Arizpe for making this possible through Patreon. Find us on instagram, @gemsonvhs and @mattheckler

[@luke1035]

I saw him live in Richmond VA. It was one of the best performances I have ever seen. I’ve seen hundreds of good shows.

[@brutusfirefly5201]

This song got me through a whole heap of shit so many times thanks man

[@cyanosis666]

I met Matt in Detroit at the Lost Dog show. Super nice guy!

[@aquaagu2]

Clay Worsley missed the show!!

[@DC-vj4wv]

@@aquaagu2 damn! same here.

[@isaacolmsted7425]

Nice job bud 👍 awesome sounds from the banjo! And good spin on the lyrics, keep it up!

[@ScottcC-bc5dm]

Dude I saw you in Tulsa at Cains...you're amazing dude .. much love brother

[@Mozlove]

Man this song just hit me like a brick!!! What a beautiful tune..

[@mytwocents8023]

I appreciate your music in the deepest way thank you

[@shanedoherty7199]

Keep the Matt heckler content coming, my man is incredibly talented

[@whereandbackagain7059]

He makes that banjo sound huge! Awesome song.

[@Fiftyfiv3hundr3d]

I think a far more appropriate name for this channel would be GemsoftheWorld...another A+ video. Thanks for sharing your love of music with us.

[@kpsmith4241]

I love Matt Heckler and I love GemsOnVHS .

[@killacookbook988]

When I was up there I wished I'd never come down. Back to the valley through A back alley was the way to drown. When you look out over winding bends to no rivers end, Through crest and creek then back again... There's no way not to change the way you mend. The man in the start said play to your part; While expressing the pattern that stays in your heart.

[@eagles1depippo]

Did you come up with this or is it from something?

[@killacookbook988]

@@eagles1depippo It was just a little blurb about how the 'Haw River Ballad' makes me feel.

[@eagles1depippo]

@@killacookbook988 Its beautiful I really like it

[@tylergreene2878]

Carolina Mountain Music. Makes me love my home ❤️

[@benjaminpetersen1952]

Theres nothing like that Northwestern corner of that state. I long to be back there so much.

[@ronhamby657]

What a great artist. His live show is amazing. Keep on keeping on Matt

[@PRRrailfan]

Awesome! Love hearing a song about where I'm from!

[@tomo-thebear3891]

I came to GemsOnVHS for Benjamin Todd and found Matt Heckler

[@err_kk]

And Sierra Ferrell!

[@traditionalfascists3303]

Same

[@cheapvodka9942]

god matt u can play any thing u sir are great and a refreshing sight and sound real music for sure i could listen to u all day thank u thank u /

[@stankyst4nk39]

Matt is super good at drop thumbing. Like, god-tier. Like, one of the best at drop thumb banjo.

[@anaheimlofianaheim8221]

Matt of course you’re so refined on anything with strings but its your passionate way of singing out that really grabs me inside your album was great you’re great keep it up

[@roygbiv9074]

I went to the haw to swim was when I was 16, one of the first times I hangout with my future wife. I still remember what she was wearing and that was 16 years ago. This song does exactly what he wanted it to, brings me back got that time and place, before I went to iraq, before I went to afghanistan, when all I wanted to do was swing on a rope swing and hangout with my friends. Thanks gems, I really like this song

[@lindsaybarefoot5855]

Listening to this right now while sitting on a rock in the middle of the Haw River drinking a beer and smoking a cig, Thank you for this song. This is home.

[@turtleheadboys5263]

Amazing banjo picker!

[@DEATH_TO_TYRANTS]

I just received my shirt in the mail today. You nailed it Anthony. My grandfather who has passed (the man who raised me) loved Woodie Guthrie, and he loved that quote in particular. So it was a little bittersweet, but beautiful none the less. You and all the wonderful musicians you show us, just keep bringing me to tears :') Thank you so much Anthony, and if you ever make your way home, let me know...I'd love to buy you a beer. Much love to everyone reading this.

[@DEATH_TO_TYRANTS]

Also, Matt Heckler (and literally every artist you feature) are absolutely wonderful!

[@GemsOnVHS]

thanks florida man. your grandpa sounds like a good dude.

[@joereadel]

This really moved me. Great song, Matt.

[@broken8wt407]

Absolutely fantastic .

[@jrose152]

Saw Mat open for Lost Dog in Denver September 2018. He stole the show and was super friendly to have conversation with. Right after his set I went and bought both his CD's. Love this dudes music.

[@GemsOnVHS]

If you like what you hear, we have "Haw River Ballad" and other Matt Heckler favorites available for download on our Bandcamp page: gemsmattheckler.bandcamp.com/ Matt stays busy, so follow him on Instagram to keep up, instagram.com/mattheckler/ Follow GemsOnVHS on Instagram as we explore where music's going and where it's been, instagram.com/gemsonvhs/

[@fergofns]

Awesome tune, .. looking forward to seeing more from Matt.

[@gregturner1209]

ever since I have seen Matt play with his old band Deep Chatham at a house show i was hooked. Carolina Rain makes me cry every time.

[@rifleman1122]

I had the pleasure of seeing Matt open for Flogging Molly in Rochester this past weekend. He wasn't on the billing so it was a complete surprise. I was amazed at what one dude could do with a fiddle and a banjo. On top of that I found out Matt is playing a show in April with Lost Dog Street Band that I'm going to. I'm so fucking hyped to see them play together.

[@takeaseat6969]

Love seeing Matt live! He's got some serious pipes.

[@positivelynegative3260]

This song hit me like spring!

[@GemsOnVHS]

Howdy, folks! If you're enjoyin' these recordings, please consider becoming a Patron to keep us going. For the price of a slice of pizza every month, you can help us bring you new stories and songs. We'll return the favor with plenty of digital downloads, CDs, behind-the-scenes takes, giveaways, and more! www.patreon.com/gemsonvhs

[@henryasselin123]

You guys only post BANGERS 🤙🏻

[@jamielynn86]

I'd like to see Matt sometime... but just imagine what It'd be like to be on a grandcayon rafting trip with him playing this at camp in the evening around a fire in the middle of no where, hearing this echoing through the canyon would be so cool.. If you've rafted /paddled the grand you'll understand

[@krudbag]

Matt just keeps surprising me, I cannot wait to see him and Lost Dog in Vermont.

[@95ZR580]

What!? When and where is this??

[@krudbag]

@@95ZR580 higher ground, Burlington - April 18

[@Townes.VanZandt]

Whoa. Im in upstate NY, my bday is April too. Dont think I can miss that. Prolly end up going alone. Thanks a lot for this heads up tho... seriously, big time.

[@lenhockley1981]

So if I had the opportunity to see Matt Heckler in Toronto Sunday night, I should do it, right?

[@mylesstoesz6135]

Friggin rights!

[@PerryDust]

Why is this even a question?? GOOOOOO!!!

[@stevechisamore8691]

Len Hockley so did you go? We were there to see Flogging Molly but Matt was really impressive. Amazing musician.

[@lenhockley1981]

No, couldn't make it unfortunately.

[@paradox5672]

I'd say yes

[@mikeyraeburn558]

I’m back here everyday to listen to this!

[@craigwest5254]

more Matt Heckler PLEASE!!!!! I FUCKING LOVE THIS GUY

[@telerzo]

I night listen to this 4 times a week at least. I won't get all mushy but you helped me. Thank you 🔥

[@kimbolinarino9]

This made me cry. Thank you for playing

[@elfamosonerds416]

Excelente video Saludos desde Guadalajara Jalisco México

[@GemsOnVHS]

gracias amigo

[@jonchrzanowski725]

That's some mighty fine picking and a singin

[@jimmyjones2901]

Thank you fellow ginger. This has inspired me to learn banjo and this song. Keep it up👍🏻

[@WelfareChrist]

Amazing. Towards the end of the song I found myself hollaring affirmational noises at the screen.

[@GhostofNr9]

When I am overwhelmed by good folkish music (from the US, irish, scotish, georgian, yemenite, nevermind) I tend to accompany it with barking sounds like Woody Guthrie used to do it in some of his songs. To be able to do so, for me, is a sign a song is good :)

[@DjANDROID37]

This is so amazing!!! I have never heard the banjo sound so alive in my life

[@craigwest5254]

dude i absolutely love your music. i swear i have seen everything of you that is on KZbin.. i need more my brother lol you are the best.

[@hisdukeness3037]

I just watched a vid where Matt was fishing with a lurer maker. Some might call marling baits a master… baiter… love that these two crossed.

[@donnfrydae7031]

Oof, I've listened to this countless times since yesterday- every song I've heard Matt sing has instantly became a favorite.