Crys Matthews on Social Justice Album ‘Changemakers’

Crys Matthews is a lesbian protest artist and powerful lyricist whose songs of compassionate dissent reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls “the poster-child for intersectionality.”

On Friday, she released her new social justice album Changemakers, a collection of 12 tracks rising out of Black Lives Matter, Me Too, Queer Consciousness, COVID-19, and many other significant movements and issues. Documenting a time in this world that has required extraordinary courage to endure, like many others, Matthews has also witnessed the dark side of society and understands her duty in the fight for change. Seeped in themes of hope, justice, and love, Changemakers reminds us that we are alone in the battle, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

OFM had the opportunity to talk more with Matthews about the album, as well as her passions for music and social justice.

Hi, Crys! Thank you for taking some time to chat with me about your new album, Changemakers. What can listeners expect?
It is a social justice album, but it is a Crys Matthews social justice album. So, there is a whole lot of love and hope throughout.

Dealing with heavy topics like Black Lives Matter, gun safety, and the opioid crisis, what kind of message do you hope the album conveys?
My sincere hope for this album is that it helps people find their voices so that they can start standing up and speaking out for justice.What inspired you to write a social justice album?
I check a lot of boxes—I’m Black; I’m a woman; I’m a lesbian; I’m in an interracial relationship, etc.—so I know the importance of allies. I also know the importance of being a good ally. We are at a critical moment in this country, so to not use my platform to try to do some good, as opposed to just making people feel good, that is just not who I am. It’s like Congressman John Lewis said, ‘If you see something that’s not right, not fair,’ stand up and say we can do better.

Have you always been passionate about social justice and activism?
I have, but musically, I did not begin that journey until after the murder of Trayvon Martin. I wrote a song called “Don’t Forget My Name” which is on my album Come What May. Music has always been a form of therapy for me, a way to process my feelings. As the environment in America has become increasingly tenuous, I have had a lot of feelings, to say the least. My music has reflected that more and more. In fact, before Changemakers, I released an EP called Battle Hymn for an Army of Lovers, which is also an entire collection of social justice songs.

Living in Washington D.C., you have seen firsthand some of the major protests in our nation’s capital. What kind of impact do they have on you?
They keep me encouraged and hopeful. When you see things on TV like babies being caged at the border during the previous administration but can then see people flooding into the city to protest that atrocity, it is a constant reminder that there is so much good in this country. There are so many people who take the colors of our flag seriously. Perseverance and justice, vigilance and valor—I wrote that in “Hope Revolution” to remind people that is in fact who we are.

Related Story: ‘Sunday, Someday’ Celebrates LGBTQ Youth and QTPOC Communities

Do you think we will see an increase in music projects similar to Changemakers?
I certainly hope so. Many of the artists in my circle released amazing projects last year like Kyshona’s Listen and Raye Zaragoza’s Woman in Color.

Throughout the writing process, what have you learned about yourself as an artist?
On this album, I have learned that I am getting better and better at writing songs, which is nice. You always want to be working on your craft, and Changemakers is definitely indicative of some artistic growth.

When did your love for singing and songwriting begin?
I grew up in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in southeastern North Carolina, which means I sang in the choir just as soon as I was able. I remember teaching myself piano and learning some of my mom’s favorite hymns so that we could sing together at home.

As for songwriting, that came much later in life for me. My college roommate asked me to fill in for their keyboard player for a random gig one night and said that I would also have to sing a song. I agreed, and it ended up being the night that changed the entire trajectory of my life. I had an incredible time, so much so that I wrote my very first song shortly thereafter. I entered it into the campus talent show and won first place. The rest is history.What more do you hope to accomplish with your platform?
I hope to be able to collaborate with other artists. I had the good fortune of being quarantined with another singer-songwriter, Heather Mae, at the beginning of the pandemic, which led us to write a beautiful song called “Six Feet Apart.” I hope to do more of that in the future. I also hope to keep as many people encouraged and inspired as I possibly can. As artists, it is very easy for us to get pulled into the dream of changing the world with our art, but I would be happy just knowing that a song of mine inspired one person in the middle of Colorado to stand up for a stranger in a moment when they really needed an ally.

Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?
I would love for folks to check out my Patreon. Things still are not back to normal for the music industry, and Patreon has definitely allowed me to continue to focus on my music.

Visit Matthews’ official website, and sign up for her mailing list, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to stay up-to-date on the latest news and projects. Changemakers is now available on all digital streaming platforms.

Photos Courtesy of Rah Foard