Do512 - What to do in Austin

In the past three years Matthew Mayfield has both redefined himself and redefined how a musician can record and release music. When Matthew’s previous band, Moses Mayfield, disbanded at the close of 2007, the Birmingham-based musician was forced to decide how to proceed with his life. A working musician since the age of 18, he only knew songwriting, recording, and touring. “All I ever wanted to be was a rock ‘n roll star,” Matthew says. “When the band broke up, I knew I had to keep pushing.”

Matthew’s career as a solo artist has evolved naturally over the past few years, his fanbase growing organically and his songwriting skills growing exponentially. But it has not just been the quality of Matthew’s songs that sets him apart. The prolific musician has self-released eight EPs since 2008, offering his fans a consistent stream of new music. In September of 2008, Matthew recorded his debut solo EP, The Fire EP, for $1000 in a Birmingham basement. This disc spawned “First In Line,” which appeared in the 100th episode of Grey’s Anatomy.

Matthew’s second EP followed in July 2009. Five Chances Remain Hers, produced by Paul Moak, which landed another track, “Better,” on Grey’s Anatomy. The single skyrocketed to No. 1 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart and in December of 2009 Matthew offered fans a third EP— Maybe Next Christmas. The reaction to these releases and to Matthew’s songwriting was so strong it just made sense for him to keep doing it.

In 2010, Mayfield independntly released his first full-length studio album, "Now You're Free." The album broke the Top 20 charts in the itunes rock category in the first week. Since that time, he began a heavy touring schedule with a full band, and a newer - more polished rock sound. Since the release of the album, Mayfield has toured with such artists as Needtobreathe and Will Hoge. Several of the tracks of "Now You're Free" have been featured on MTV's Teen Mom.