Matthew Payne’s debut album ‘Better Times’ is set to be release on 17th April.

Based in the hill country around Dripping Springs, Austin, Texas, Payne is not entering music as a newcomer in the traditional sense. Before pursuing music full time, Payne spent over 20 years working as an educator, teaching English and creative writing in Austin public schools. This background has a direct influence on his songwriting, which is built around clear narrative structure and character-led storytelling.

His work draws on established traditions within folk, country, and blues, alongside Appalachian influences and the Texas songwriters lineage. These influences are reflected in both his lyrical themes and musical style.

From classroom to recording artist

Payne’s first EP, released in 2025, was ‘Coyote Howlin Blues’. Tracks from the release, including Spider House Blues, received local radio support, featuring on SUN Radio’s “Sound of Our Town”.

He has also been recognised within the songwriter community, including being named a finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival’s New Folk competition. He has also performed at a number of regional festivals. This includes the Dripping Springs Songwriters Festival, Bandera Songwriters Festival, Corpus Christi Songwriters Festival, and the Pecan Street Festival in Austin.

Payne is an active performer within the Austin music scene. He holds a regular residency at the Hole in the Wall, a longstanding live music venue, and frequently takes part in songwriter rounds and collaborative sessions across the city.

Payne’s step from EP to album

Matthew Payne’s debut album Better Times presents a collection of ten original songs rooted in folk, country, and blues traditions. Recorded live in a stripped-back acoustic format at East Austin Recording, the album features Payne alongside Kevin Smith on upright bass and Marty Muse on pedal steel and resonator, with production by James Stevens. The record focuses on narrative songwriting, with each track exploring themes of family, place, and personal transition.