Prayers to A Lesser God, the new EP by Payton Matous, officially released yesterday by 301Productions.
Matous is a big addition to the 301Productions team, accompanying other up and coming artists like Zach Welch and Kade Anson.
I had a chance not long ago to meet Payton and to hear him play live. Matous is a giant of a man with a unique voice. His way to twist the storms of life into song is where his talent truly lies. He is A songwriter with a song to sing. Truthful, Powerful songs that touch the darkest places in my soul. I have lived in those same haunted places and I too have found a way out. Thanks a big part to music and the written word. We do recover.
“Recovery” is a song written from a stance of coming out of that bottom. It’s a song for those who have known powerlessness and decided to take the bull by the horns approach and do something about it. It’s about getting better by working through your own inner demons and finding a spiritual connection to add light into those dark reaches of your once dark and hardened heart. In Payton Matous’ own words, “This song is like the day you got that first chip in AA, it’s the one mama is the most proud of.” I can relate. As I am writing this I have not had to take a drink or a drug for 4741 days in a row. You may think that’s a long time, but truthfully all I really have is today. I must have a conscious contact with a Power greater than myself on a daily basis and allow Him to control every area of my life. Sometimes I find that connection in a simple song.
Payton Matous explained the title of the EP. Prayers to a Lesser God is about going into any relationship with the same zeal and drive as a religious person might seek God.
Besides the heartfelt lyrics and the soulful strings of the acoustic guitar, the EP features the work of Wes Barlow of College Station, Tx on fiddle.
Sing from the heart… Learn to love your scars.
Pancho.