Americana/folk/country singer-songwriter, social justice warrior, LGBTQ+, and proud Black woman Crys Matthews releases her latest single, “Forged In Fire.”
Talking about the song’s inspiration, Matthews shares, “The headlines that week were: U.S. Judge Blocks Trump’s Birthright Ban, Allows Class-Action Lawsuit to Proceed; Protesters Confront Feds in Camarillo, CA, as Agents Target Farmworkers; CPJ Calls for Release of Journalist Mario Guevara; Trump Admin Withdraws Head Start Services for Undocumented Children; CUNY Targets Pro-Palestinian Students and Staff in Latest Crackdown; and countless others about everything from tariffs to deadly floods in Texas. While this song was born out of the chaos of a particular week, almost a year later, in the wake of the turmoil this administration’s disdain for democracy has wrought in Minneapolis and in so many other American cities, ‘Forged In Fire’ feels like a rallying cry from those who withstood similar conditions during the Civil Rights movement.”
“Forged In Fire” marks an exciting new chapter for the artist, who has signed an exclusive publishing and recording agreement with TRO Essex Music Group (home to Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Pete Townshend, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, and more), alongside its label arm, Shamus Records (Woody Guthrie’s Woody at Home, Vol. 1 & 2, Flamy Grant’s CHURCH, and Sam Robbins’ So Much I Still Don’t See).
Based in Nashville, Matthews’ sound blends elements of country, Americana, folk, blues, and bluegrass into balanced music with authentic lyrics. In 2022 and 2025, the International Folk Music Awards bestowed the Song of the Year award on Matthews. In 2024, she was named Artist of the Year.
According to Matthews, her mission is to amplify the voices of the unheard, shed light on the unseen, and remain a steadfast reminder that hope and love are the truest pathways to equity and justice.
A folk spiritual, “Forged In Fire” rolls out on a cappella voices drenched in gospel flavors. A thumping rhythm emphasizes the passion of the tune. Layered vocal harmonies imbue the lyrics with emotional electricity. Vaguely reminiscent of Macy Gray, Matthews’ wonderful voice simultaneously thrills and galvanizes with its potent, evocative timbres – ebbing and rising on silky textures.
With “Forged In Fire,” Crys Matthews fuses sacred hymnody with traditional African strokes into a powerful song of hope for justice.
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Upcoming Tour Dates:
Apr 11 Sat
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Apr 17 Fri
Arlington Heights, IL, United States
May 2 Sat
Ridgway, CO, United States
Jul 18 Sat
Godfrey Daniels | Live Music Listening Room @ 8:00 PM
South Bethlehem, PA, United States
