Matt Myers Shares How Personal Growth Inspires Houndmouth’s New Music

It’s nearing the end of summer when lead singer and guitarist Matt Myers of Houndmouth walks up Main Street in Burlington, Vermont. He is headed toward Waterfront Park to play later that evening, opening for the band Head and the Heart. He meets up with family nearby for a quick bite and conversation with familiar faces during a nationwide tour. Sweaty with exertion, he stops on the corner of St. Paul Street and begins to talk about falling in love.

“That changed everything,” Myers says, reflecting on how acceptance by his wife and friends finally felt right. At 38, the father of two and second-time husband, he credits the harmony in his life with providing the lyrical undercurrent of “Lordy,” Houndmouth’s new album. Released on Dualtone Records, the record serves as a centerpiece of the label’s 25th anniversary celebration.

The song serves as an anthem about recognizing the face in the mirror and making peace with one’s reflection. Now, Myers embraces the salt-and-pepper hair and well-earned wrinkles accumulated from years of touring across America. This evolution—from the baby-faced performer behind Houndmouth in 2011 to the man who writes great songs without needing to be sad—is exactly what he needs to create authentic work.

“I knew it was a misconception, but you still can’t escape it sometimes,” Myers explains. “It’s not that you have to be sad to create, but I’m happy at home. When I’m writing, the song doesn’t have to be grandiose. I don’t have to overthink. I can just write, edit, and let the song be what it is.”

Myers still calls New Albany, Indiana—situated across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky—the town where Houndmouth was originally conceived. That blend of Midwest roots and Southern influences has long been a cradle for rock acts emerging from the Louisville scene. In his early days, Myers was simply doing “the standard cover band thing” at spots like Huber’s Winery and local bars before the band’s sound was transformed.

The band’s origin story is partly accidental: they coined their name using an internet name generator, and the moniker quickly resonated. They went on to perform at South by Southwest, caught the attention of Rough Trade Records, and later booked Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and the Newport Folk Festival. Their 2015 album Little Neon Limelight broke them nationally, thanks to catchy tracks like “Sedona” and “Darlin’.”

Behind the editorial picks, Myers has built a career defined by authenticity. “You play for four hours and your fingers are just toasted,” he jokes about juggling heavy practice and composition. Eventually he decided to get his friends together and create an ensemble that would play only original songs without compromise.

Houndmouth’s moniker was born from an online name generator, and the name caught on quickly. The band played at South by Southwest, caught the attention of Rough Trade Records, and a deal followed that booked them to perform at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and the Newport Folk Festival. Their 2015 release Little Neon Limelight propelled them onto the national stage with ear‑winning tracks such as “Sedona” and “Darlin’.”

Later releases, including “McKenzie” and “Miracle Mile” from the 2021 album Good for You, further showcased Myers’ musical DNA—a blend of shoegaze indie‑rock anchored by the blues and alt‑country. “I naturally tell stories and don’t embellish stuff, [where] it’s more personal. I didn’t have the drive to make up elaborate, lavish narratives,” Myers notes.

He remains the only remaining founding member of Houndmouth (keyboardist Caleb Hickman joined in 2016), and the blues element in his work serves as a bridge to the band’s earlier, more roots‑oriented years. “Well hey,” Myers sings during the line “Sedona,” a song that mirrors Houndmouth’s current position. “You remember being in that 24‑year‑old mindset where you really just don’t care about anything,” he reflects, stopping before Burlington’s City Hall Park before parting ways.

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