Matthew O’Neill Releases Soulful EP “Yanatay Solstice Sessions Selections 2014-2018”

Hailing from Woodstock, New York, a few hours drive out of the city is the talented indie-rock singer-songwriter, Matthew O’Neill. His most recent prize “Yanatay Solstice Sessions Selections 2014-2018” features a collation of luscious instrumentation alongside rugged rock vocals. Blending an array of genre influences from heavier psych-rock flairs and folk-inspired moments, that together create a display of true artistry. 

The album was released on Underwater Panther Coalition, a record label seeking to improve people’s connection to Mother Earth through curated musical projects, giving half of their profit to the First Nations people. The collaboration reflects the organic nature of the EP and the esteemed heart and soul Matthew bares. 

The EP’s new single and title track “Yanatay,” featuring Jesse Murphy (Brazilian Girls) on bass and Aaron Johnston on drums/percussion, was recorded and mixed by Kevin McMahon (Real Estate, Swans) at Marcata Recording outside of New Paltz, NY. Recorded on the winter solstice, the Latin rock jam is a semi-mythic tale of decolonization, resistance and renewal. 

“I play a Gretsch Black Falcon guitar because it has a sound that’s open and clear, which sits in well with the skin drums and other instruments on the song, such as the Rhodes electric piano played by Tyler Wood,” said O’Neill. “And on the solo tracks, I am accompanied by my Martin Dreadnought guitar, cedar flute, and an old synth. It’s been great playing with Jesse Murphy, who plays with Jack Dejonnete and Norah Jones among others, and Aaron Johnston--who had just come off David Byrne’s American Utopia album tour at the time of our recording. This was our first time in a room together, and we’ve been collaborating since.”

O’Neill describes the track listings on “Yanatay” as a “best of” compilation of solstice recording sessions spanning 2014-2018. 

“These are my favourite tracks from recent solstice recording sessions. I wanted to share them because I feel they’ve coalesced into a solid unit; the sonic variation suits my approach to music-making,” told O’Neill. “My music and record label are committed to supporting indigenous rights and to honouring Mother Earth. My lyrics speak to cultural resilience and restoration, and strive to educate listeners about important issues, including endangered languages and decolonization in America and around the world.”

Born in Ontario, Canada with a heartful of joy in relation to Mother Earth Matthew O’Neill grew up outside of Philadelphia and spent much of his youth in the Eastern Woodlands. By the 8th grade he was deep into obscure music and art. An experience on the Navajo reservation/Southwest in high school changed his life forever and he became committed to living and representing indigenous ways. 

At age 19, Matthew removed himself from society and sought out the education of experience in the wilderness. He began that journey in Cherokee National forest, then set out to the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, and from there ventured into the vast backcountry of the Rocky Mountains and Southwest. Years later, he returned to civilization via Santa Cruz, CA and began performing solo and working with draft horses. 

His music is about serving something bigger than oneself; it is a form of gratitude and reciprocity as well as a form of resistance to colonialism and mainstream forces of destruction. It is a celebration of life.