Matt Hillyer, a staple in the Dallas music scene, is set to release his new album, Bright Skyline, on June 21 via State Fair Records. This vibrant collection of eleven tracks marks the follow-up to Hillyer’s acclaimed 2022 album, Glorieta. Bright Skyline was recorded at Modern Electric Studios in Dallas and John Pedigo’s house. Hillyer highlights the positive recording experience: “No real challenges presented themselves, just a lot of fun.”
A Genre-Bending Journey
Bright Skyline showcases Hillyer’s songwriting prowess as he seamlessly blends influences from his rockabilly roots with western swing, outlaw country, and traditional honky-tonk. The album offers a relatable and emotional journey, touching on themes of neighborly annoyances (“Moving Away”), questioning love’s worth (“Did She Ever Want To Live Like This”), and yearning for a different life (“Bright Skyline”).
“Moving Away”: A Relatable Tale of Neighborly Woes
The album’s lead single, “Moving Away,” is a hilarious and relatable song about a neighbor who drives you crazy. Hillyer shared that his song is largely autobiographical. He lives in the house he grew up in, having bought it from his parents a few years ago.
While he enjoys the neighborhood, he revealed that their next-door neighbors were problematic, with generations of the same family coming and going. Hillyer mentioned his attempts to be friendly with them, recognizing the importance of not having adversarial relationships with neighbors.
“I remember talking to one of them when he told me they were moving,” he shared. “I had to struggle so hard pretending not to be happy about the news. Then I went inside and wrote the song.”
Watch the Official Video for “Moving Away”
“Did She Ever Want To Live Like This”: Exploring Love and Insecurity
The story behind “Did She Ever Want to Live Like This” resonates deeply with listeners, touching on universal themes of wanting to be enough for one’s family and pondering “what if” scenarios. The song explores the anxiety that many feel about whether their spouse might have had a better life with someone else. The lyrics reflect Matt Hillyer’s concern that his wife might feel she is missing out on something by being with him, referring to himself as “the fool” in the song.
Hillyer, who has been married for 23 years, shared insights into the song’s background. He and his wife started dating when they were young, and he often warned her about the challenges of being married to a musician. Despite these challenges, she was never deterred and has always supported him, valuing him for who he is rather than for his music. Hillyer explains, “The song is more about me worrying about my wife being happy than it is about her actually being dissatisfied.”
“A Daily Fight”: Embracing the Daily Grind
The album closes with the introspective “A Daily Fight,” which contemplates the daily struggles we all face. The song encourages listeners to reflect on what they would do if they could let go of the things beyond their control.
The Power of Songwriting
Hillyer emphasizes the importance of universal truths in songwriting: “I feel like when songwriting is at its best is when there’s a heavy dose of universal truth involved. That’s the goal really. It’s not just that you want to write something that the listener can relate to. I think there’s a degree of catharsis that you’re looking for yourself as a writer. It’s therapeutic.”
A Standout Collection
While every track on the album holds a special place for Hillyer, he highlights “Did She Ever Want To Live Like This” for its emotional weight, “Green Eyes” as a tribute to his wife, and “Bright Skyline” for its unique perspective and sonic departure.
Bright Skyline promises to be a captivating journey for fans of classic country music with a modern twist. Mark your calendars for June 21!
