City of Union is the stage name for multi-talented solo artist Matthew Campbell. In his twenties, the young artist grew up listening to the Beach Boys and performing in classic rock cover bands. With a range of influences, his music cuts through the barrier that separates the music of the 90’s and 2000’s and creates a place where a kaleidoscope of genres can merge together freely. Having released 3 singles and one EP, City of Union is establishing himself as an artist to keep an ear on.
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?! If three words just aren't enough..then tell us more!!
Lyrical, soulful, and intentionally trendy.
When you are writing a song, where do you draw inspiration from? Or what topics do you like to write or sing about?
Inspiration comes from everywhere, books, movies, politics, ramen-noodle packaging - the trick is compiling all the ideas into a 3 minute song.
Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
Writing poetry, hiking, reading, netflix and chill, making coffee, drinking coffee, practicing Spanish, cooking, cleaning, exploring, and chatting with my parents on the phone.
If you were to create your favorite playlist of other artists music, what would your top 3 songs be? And, what artists have influenced your music the most?..
"Time to Pretend" by MGMT, "Black Crow" by Louis Baker, and "King Kunta" by Kendrick Lamar. My music has been most influenced by Frank Ocean, Coldplay, and The Beach Boys.
Can you tell us what song you've written that is the most emotional and describe the meaning behind it? Emotional doesn't have to mean sad etc., it can be a high energy too...(sad, happy, angry, fear,etc.)
The most emotional song I've written that is available online is called "May Storm". However, I'm set to release a song that tells the story of heartbreak when my father lost his brother/best friend to cancer - called "Hands & Feet". It's a few notches more emotional than "May Storm".
What is your dream gig? Is there a gig that you really want that would be the ultimate show for you?
My dream gig at the moment would be in the city hall of my hometown - it would be an absolute rager in which the entire town attends and crowdsurfs me from the venue back to my childhood bedroom for an intimate acoustic set on piano.
Are you working on any new material right now or what's in the works for the upcoming year?
I'm working on something really big at the moment! Expect a new collection of songs and more videos over the next year... and probably some touring.
Tell us where fans can access your music
Website: www.cityofunionmusic.com/ Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/6UXj8pwNAqfe6gXltCbZ0E iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/album/birds-of-paradise-ep/1339714767
Check out their music video for their newest single "Birds in Paradise"