Matt Heckler, "This Town is Killing Me," // GemsOnVHS™

[@SigRho1429]

If you’ve never seen Matt play live, you need to put it on your bucket list. I got to see him and Lost Dog perform together and they put on an amazing show. Matt has a great stage presence and rapport with the audience.

[@ajamu1915]

Same I saw them on tour and it was amazing

[@dylanwestenskow6897]

I have tickets for a show in August I can't wait!

[@thorpedersen5618]

Beyond awesome. And we had a good conversation from the stage!

[@PerryDust]

Saw them both twice. Best shows I’ve ever been to. Saw them in wv then flew out to my brothers in St. Louis and saw them again. Hung out with Matt at both spots and he is a super nice guy.

[@bamse286]

Whenever Lost dog or Matt gets to tour Europe

[@jakenbake8899]

As an old punk kid I never thought I’d ever find my soul in the fiddle or banjo? But these new age “folk/bluegrass/alternative country” whatever you want to call it, has found a way to bridge the gap. It’s so simple just a man and his fiddle, just raw and real. I can feel the fiddle. Thank you and I hope other old punk rockers are enjoying their emotional string instrument phase!

[@lordoftherats8215]

Very much so, folk punk is a whole genre! The railyard ghosts, average Joey, my singer my songbird, and we the heathens are just a few of my favorites

[@lordoftherats8215]

Sorry I forgot holy locust, they’re one of the best!

[@richb81]

Try Andrew Jackson Jihad too-Personal Space Invader sounds a lot like Matt

[@zXaneustNo2]

The punk to bluegrass pipeline is a real thing.

[@DimNussens]

That fiddle sounds so sweet and his playing technique is fascinating. Way more common in the past. This is just so good.

[@crackedupmonk]

Yee

[@anonc3po139]

We still play at shoulder level it's never left 😂

[@BenMartin-o1x]

​@anonc3po139 chest playing was a much more common thing in the past. Remember violins didn't start off with a chin rest.

[@cedarriver]

Great one. Those songs with him just playing fiddle and sing have a special magic to it and you guys captured it very well on this one! Chords and lyrics below folks. Have fun pickin! Standard tuning, no Capo Intro G Em / D C G / G C G C / D C G Verse 1 G Em / D C G / G C G C / D C G Chorus C G D G / C G D Em / C G D G / C G D G Interlude C G D G / C G D Verse 2 G C G C / D C G / G C G C / D C G Bridge C G / D G / C G / D G Interlude 2 C G D G / C G D / C G D G / C G D G [Intro] [Verse 1] In the waning days of autumn when the light starts growing so thin You can hear the winter calling, but by god, don't let it in In a bouquet of leaves I'll hang on to these days as long as I can And I'll better do to the folks I once knew cause I may never see them again [Chorus] And it's so long, I wish you the best dear This town is killing me and I need some mountain air Long gone to the wilds of the west dear I've come from bedlam but I'm bound for better days [Interlude] [Verse 2] Well I wanna die a good man so I can't die tonight Wake me in the morning and bathe me in the light You can burn my old clothes, my fiddle and bow, I won't need them where I'm going I will live and die beneath the cold open sky and never look back there again [Bridge] Cause I dream in waltzes, I waltz through the pines Where the valleys cut through in my mind So I'll take my leave with no goodbyes But I'll write to you, my love, in due time [Chorus] And I will say so long, I wish you the best dear This town is killing me and I need some mountain air Long gone to the wilds of the west dear I've come from bedlam but I'm bound for better days [Interlude]

[@spinelessthief]

I come from bedlam, not back home.

[@cedarriver]

@@spinelessthief Cheers, corrected it

[@guskelly8634]

end of verse one is "I'll bid adieu" not "I'll better do"

[@Oliers]

I’m going to see him this month for the third time this year. Seeing his set in person is life changing. Any time he’s within a couple hundred miles from me I’m going to let his music speak to my soul.

[@sorleythebard]

Sounding really class as always mate - what a legend!! 🎻

[@mueslolini3688]

When you playing at sketchy beats man. I wanna hear some banjo playing, hard to come by in Scotland.

[@Arizmi]

We need some Edinburgh gigs sir; let us pay your bills!!

[@nomoredems]

Since my fiance passed Matt and Benjamin Tod speak to my heart I cry so much now...

[@MrNU998]

I'm so sorry for your loss

[@Catchyalater_Fishing_Co]

hope youre doing a little better by now, friend

[@FasterBastard1]

Hope this finds you well.

[@callumleask1053]

In case anyone else is trying to play along and struggling like I was, turns out half of Matt's fiddle tunes are in old-time GDGD tuning, with the A and E strings tuned down. Had never heard of this but absolutely in love with it now!!

[@thebigcheese7239]

Gems is my favorite KZbin channel and Matt Heckler is my favorite artist. Thank you so much for bringing us this beautiful music

[@sabin174]

Matt seems like such a beautiful soul. It was really powerful what he said at the end and I could hear his voice start to shake. True desperation really affects a person

[@russellscarbury6029]

I love you Matt and hate that I've never had the pleasure of meeting you. Next time you see a boat going up and down the river, just know there is someone out there working to true music like yours. From Pomeroy Ohio

[@jakecrigger6495]

Matt is so awesome live and a really good person to talk to.. one time he told me that his favorite band was Gwar which was kind of a wild surprise!

[@alexfalcone5979]

LOVE Matt and the heart he puts into all of his art.

[@vjarizpe]

Another hauntingly beautiful track. Thanks Matt and Gems.

[@maxmcmahan717]

This guy came into the restaurant I work at one time! Most awesome, down to earth person ever.

[@GemsOnVHS]

If you like what you hear, you can check out Matt's entire recorded catalogue here: songwhip.com/mattheckler & make sure to follow his instagram instagram.com/mattheckler to stay updated on his new music & tour dates! & if you don't already, follow us at the GemsOnVHS instagram to see more of these incredible artists & pieces of musical history. instagram.com/gemsonvhs

[@malaquiasalfaro81]

I always imagined getting married in the Sierra Nevada Foothills and having Matt Heckler playing at my wedding. Instead the Sierra Nevada’s were on fire the entire week of my wedding and honeymoon and I moved to East TN not long after. Ironically I feel like I had more access to peace and quiet there than now. Life is strange.

[@jojoknows9808]

First time listener, now permanent

[@GemsOnVHS]

Hey y’all, this field recording is now available to stream on our spotify. Check it out here: open.spotify.com/track/3FCXtKv99nPFYV0juibuEp?si=b3d3d16468b04c6a Be sure to give us a follow on there so you’ll be the first to know when we release more. Also, you can stream Matt's whole recorded catalogue here: songwhip.com/mattheckler & be sure to follow him on Instagram for tour dates & new music! instagram.com/mattheckler & if you don't already, give us a follow at instagram.com/gemsonvhs for more incredible songwriters like Matt!

[@galaxyanimal]

If you like what's here, go someplace else!

[@GemsOnVHS]

@@galaxyanimal I can't tell if that sarcasm, but we try to support the artist the best we can by pointing to places where you can learn more about them and maybe see a show. If you like what's here, you definitely should go to those links and purchase a album or go to a live performance. It helps the artist a lot.

[@galaxyanimal]

@@GemsOnVHS I'm sorry. I was trying to joke b/c you wrote "If you like what you here" instead of "if you like what you hear." Of course, anyone who enjoys what the artist is doing should check out their full catalog of works & buy CD's, &c. TL;DR: I'm bad @ making jokes & support artists you like.

[@GemsOnVHS]

@@galaxyanimal haha i didnt notice that! woops, fixed it, good eye!

[@galaxyanimal]

@@GemsOnVHS No problem. Sorry for the confusion.

[@VallieMusic]

had the chance to see him live a couple months back and it was a truly outstanding experience

[@Arizmi]

I absolutely loved this; got me ready for my shift at the Irish bar as security! Highland show this week :)

[@19504x4]

I just moved my family from California to Arkansas. Within a month I bought a house and got a new job. I feel 10 years younger, the people are friendly, there is hope for the future, and there is water, trees and life here. California was killing me.

[@silasmoon]

As an Arkansan who moved to California. I do miss it at times. Where'd you move to in Arkansas?

[@WilliamBradleyBuck]

Always so special to hear from Matt Heckler

[@jakegro7825]

Got to see him last week in Wisconsin. Truly an amazing musician and one of the best storytellers I've seen!

[@scubasteve4093]

He came to Wisconsin and I missed it? where did he play?

[@jakegro7825]

@@scubasteve4093 Showboat Saloon/Mama's Garage in The Dells!

[@SS-gx7tg]

Nice, I love when this guy makes an appearance on this chan. First saw him doing a song on here with Benjamin Tod and instantly fell in love with his sound!

[@jdbohrman]

I bet I know the song heh

[@elvenlament]

he told a story about this at his chicago show, about the conductor and everything. it was really great.

[@PizzaKing96]

Do share!

[@ctaber1386]

@@PizzaKing96 they weren't permitted to shoot the video on the train. If they were caught shooting they'd be kicked from the train, in the middle of no where. So, they started shooting the video... got a few takes and just as they were finishing up... one of the guys found Matt playing. He said the look was like a proud dad moment, when you're told not to do something you're told not to... but still do it. And they weren't kicked off the train even afterwards

[@Winaska]

my favorite thing about this channel and also Western AF and the artists that it supports is the odd and interesting mix of left leaning politics with traditional music but also a deeper appreciation for traditional ideals: living with the land, family, community, and a general disgust with modern progressive society and its nihilism/hedonism, and rootlessness. its honestly amazing and refreshing.

[@GemsOnVHS]

wrong channel, this is a westernAF wanna-be channel lol

[@clifftanner6289]

I get excited when I see something new from Matt. Thanks y’all

[@jones7454]

I live in a shity town in anglesey north wales called amlwch and them words this town is killing me says it all.Bless all them lost soles.

[@colberoni]

Matt is one of the most real artists I've been able to see. So pumped to see him back in SLC with Lost Dog!

[@jonathanorlando1294]

Saw this guy in Bend, Oregon. Walked up to him outside the venue chilling with the patrons. Matt is cool as fuck. Shit show of a crowd but the best music ever.

[@RecipesOfHope]

Thank you for that, no matter where I've lived I have that same feeling

[@jacobwynn5016]

Just imagine sitting in that train and this starts…..some people have all the luck

[@Fortheloveofagypsy]

Seeing him twice this summer in the rockies. Should be a blast!

[@georgegavin9512]

I'd always admired Matt's writing, just pure heart in everything he does

[@UNCLEBEN2021]

This guy never disappoints

[@josephfriend7442]

This man's tunes stir my soul like no other's.

[@donttouchmyhousebch]

Saw this guy last week in the Wisconsin Dells and I’m still mind blown. Matt Heckler is insanely talented and if you ever get the chance go check him out live.

[@gregory_adam5350]

Matt Heckler is just awesome. Can’t wait to see him and Lost Dog in August.

[@keithy5111]

You see em at the ogden in denver? Thst was a hell of a show

[@gregory_adam5350]

@@keithy5111 Was supposed to at Laurel Cove Amphitheater in Pineville KY but got cancelled. Have to make another plan.

[@keithy5111]

@@gregory_adam5350 ahhh i seen em on the 24th in denver, that was the closest show they played to me

[@coopsexperience]

I've listened to this at least once a day since it came out. Cannot wait to see him in Ft Worth

[@Algoraphobic]

Moving out of the grand canyon today, been here through torrential storms and drunken brawls at all hours of the night, and while I know this town is killing me, I can help but know I’ll miss it.

[@claytonbigsby1689]

The only time I ever wished I was riding the Nashville Star.

[@mbennett024]

This man is literally a treasure.

[@NinettaSolea7_19]

speak to the heart with the heart thanks 🥲

[@hannahunsaltedmusic6616]

yes! I got to hear the story about this video on Thursday! Amazing and hilarious 😂

[@MattStrom]

Great stuff Mr. Heckler. Cool video spot yall at Gems.

[@brianbrianbification]

I love Matt. What an awesome artist

[@eugene8910]

There are few artists which truly speak to me, but Matt is one of them. The voice, the talent, even the look of him. I really wish I could have met him when he visited us in the Emerald Isle

[@chorizobandito8943]

Old time is no crime

[@dgenbraking]

currently watching him play and he's amazing

[@charlesbuckley9269]

Literally incredible

[@HexWolfMusic2024]

It’s things like this which will be so cool to watch in 50 years

[@GemsOnVHS]

i agree! history preserved.

[@wrecklessrio]

Love you Matt heckler your so talented. Come play Chattanooga TN pls

[@gilliesuit]

You were amazing in person!

[@maxgertenbach5063]

beautiful song. keep up the good work. Glad you are better . you look healthy again good Sir on this one mountain top video you looked like death was holding your hand. prayers for you from germany!

[@IEaTpoopy]

matt.... how can I hear you in person? your voice bro. your music bro/.... unmatched.

[@aaronisacomedian]

Banger

[@jasonmassel4399]

absolutely amazing !

[@travisheebner]

Damn that got me

[@nomanslee1]

In a industry so saturated with talentless suckers, you shine through partner. Got some real talent, and song after song from you is a absolute banger.

[@dan_golbean]

matt is such an inspiration

[@Lunchboxjournalism]

It scares me how much i feel this song

[@sazon860]

Let’s gooooo

[@mannequinhaus9529]

hay~thayre~Matt Heckler! Brandy Gump Here! hya!thay're! them~some~nice~Ole'~fiddle~tunes~you~be~playin'! still raymebre; supre feelin' very~fortunate az well as extremely lucky, too have ya az a roomate at Graail street in asheville, North~cakalacky with Sparrow & marty; and always being treated too the most~beautiful~fine~&~dandy~live~music~in~home~fiddle~beautiful~orchestral~true~gypsy~soul; that side o tha Ol' Miss;iss;ipp! much~love 22 ya friend!dear~one!thanks for keepin the travelin music soul spirit~magic alive & well ;within these ever changing and though time~travelin'both old timey as well as modern o' times! always, & forevz; me & all y'all sacred old~soul~magical fam! peace & Love & happy~hobo~freight~train~dreamin'lullaby! :) bbest~regards! always! b.gump! ;)

[@Fortheloveofagypsy]

Beautiful song.

[@NathanErtznerMusic]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@christopherhenderson7303]

hell, yeah!

[@Gedagnors]

Gorgeous!!!

[@joshgraziosi8159]

I love this guy

[@ladymalingering]

You remind me of all the street kiddos I ran with, brought in, kicked out, loved, and miss. Well…. Some of them 😊. Ride to SD friend

[@highlonesome-coloradobluegrass]

dig it

[@tomcanderson]

How the heck does daddy simpkins make it not sound like matts on a moving train?!? A magician

[@GemsOnVHS]

its no secret, just a lav mic!

[@tamarafields6649]

❤

[@mackenzieprice9551]

what is tattooed on his neck?

[@denisborzov8406]

I think it's claws. Possibly a reference to the 'clawhammer banjo" style.

[@bleeding_rose1990]

Fuck dude wow

[@VallieMusic]

🔥

[@Patrick.Weightman]

Really good waltzing song

[@MrPunisherforlife]

Oh yes

[@stormyyoung6344]

Good performance

[@rhetoricstephen]

You have a hell of a cadence.

[@Shouganaigarage]

I'm having deja vu. Is this a re-upload?

[@teamecrs]

God i love you Tony and others Love Tyler James

[@MrBobbystyles]

See ya at the belly up man !

[@dillonjolly7155]

Not my genre but have to give respect where its due. Good job nice fiddle

[@sipsikaljaantikainen6817]

Im finnist but I wanna junp trains with tou guys

[@light_and_sound]

I'll always wonder if developers weren't behind that bombing somehow. Call me a conspiracist if ya want.

[@GemsOnVHS]

anything is possible, but it seems a lot more likely it was some conspiracy theorist who was depressed and decided to do it. occams razor, you know?

[@light_and_sound]

@@GemsOnVHS It was just a weird location imo and it's been awfully convenient for the developers now. They can develop the area that was once protected historical property. Makes me sad.

[@threestackable3655]

Cause I dream in waltzes

[@nickyloki5238]

Nashville sucks now..just the same town in a different state...drunk powered vehicles everywhere..and 12 run you off if you try to play anything original and doesn't include bud light trucks or a methadone clinic