Exposed Vocals Interviews Matthew Hipps

With the outlook and attitude of a young Ian brown, and a slower paced Indie writing style, 18 year old Matthew Hipps returns with second single “Broken Radio.” After releasing covers to make a splash for a fanbase held in England and small areas of the United States, Matthew released his first single “Ride The Waves” June, 2015. After receiving great feedback and airplay throughout blogs and internet radio shows, the writing process continued. on January 20th, “Broken Radio” was released. The song has already managed to surpass “Ride The Waves” in the short amount of time it has been released. As of last week, “Broken Radio” was #1 on Tradiio U.S. Indie Charts.

 

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?  

Matthew Hipps: Ive been here and there, I was raised in the small town I live in now, little grey area. Then pursued to go up North, then back down, now we are here. My family is filled with musicians, from past to present. It was only in due time for me to fill the boots, but mainly I picked it up from my father. Without the inspirations and artist he has shown me, I never would have stood up for it today. As far as picking up the guitar? I thank Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Mighty Joe Young, Robert Johnson, etc.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

 

Matthew Hipps: As far as White Fidelity, John and I were sitting about after a recording session, and we needed a name. For about an hour it was just scribbling anything that came to mind, and I thought of the movie which I love “High Fidelity.” The White is from just a blank color waiting to be pursued with our music, thats an alright way to put it.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

 

Matthew Hipps: I have never sold a song so far, mainly because I do not have enough original content to sell. Its not like im going to sell a cover I did of someone else, what would that be? Just rude. I think it is alright, its not like the artist just makes music off of the song being hosted elsewhere, theres a lot in the bundle of being a recording artist.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Matthew Hipps: Mediation Band, Rebellious, and a few solo artists) know what they are doing. The only tip I can give to any locals? You just gotta do it, find what you like and make that sound, but have something behind it. I hear garbage all the time, and people eating it up. Its sickening really, but whatever you’re into, I guess. I just wont partake.

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

 

Matthew Hipps: Everyone makes mistakes, you just push on and keep it up, as if it never happened. Keep the confidence 100%, always.

 

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

 

Matthew Hipps: Gloomy days, where all I want in front of me is my guitar. Its kind of a weird feeling I get, I guess inspiration with some nostalgia. Just something that I like, and I put it out hoping others do too. If not, someone alone the line will.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

 

Matthew Hipps: matthipps.bandcamp.com

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

 

Matthew Hipps: Its not embarrassing if I like it, so none.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

 

Matthew Hipps: If I answered that, this would take a bit too long. If we were to sum it up, something with a record label.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

 

Matthew Hipps: Earls court. I have quite a few hero’s so the stage would be crowded. If it were tomorrow, Van McCann (Catfish and the Bottlemen.)

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

 

Matthew Hipps: White Fidelity is working in pace right now, I myself am still working on some singles to put out.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

 

Matthew Hipps: Training to be a bartender, serving others and myself.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

 

Matthew Hipps: The first CD I ever had, was a mix my dad made me when I was about four or five. It had “Dont Look Back In Anger” by Noel Gallager. Some tune by the Chemical Brothers. Maybe “Everlong” by Foo Fighters or my mom may have shown me that one later. All good songs though.

 

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

 

Matthew Hipps:  New EP with White Fidelity, and some solo stuff by me.