M. Ward: “Primitive Girl”
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Matthew Stephen Ward (or better known by his stage name M. Ward) is a luminary of modern indie-folk and rock. In addition to being a much-loved solo artist, Ward is a prolific collaborator. He’s worked with Neko Case, Lucinda Williams, Bright Eyes (and again Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis with My Morning Jacket‘s Jim James as the Monsters of Folk) and of course, Zooey Deschanel (as She and Him), to name a few.
Based in Portland, Oregon, Ward grew up on a steady diet of Americana music, a sound that has sustained him for most of his career. In the 90s Ward spend six years with the folk-rock band Rodriguez before striking out on his own with his solo debut Duet for Guitars #2 in 1999. 2003′s Transfiguration of Vincent brought Ward to national attention, and his frequent collaborations have cemented his place in the world of neo-folk and indie-rock.
On April 10th Ward releases a new record called A Wasteland Companion. The record’s second track, “Primitive Girl,” is today’s song of the day. Ward delivers his lyrics with a breathy languor. But there’s also an optimism in Ward’s voice, buoyed by the up-tempo, lushly produced music. It’s the kind of pop song that Ward was born to make.
Be sure to catch M. Ward at KUT’s SXSW showcase at the Four Seasons where he’ll be performing on Wednesday (3/14) at 9am.
You can also see M. Ward at other South By Southwest events:
Wednesday March 14, W Hotel, 8am
Wednesday March 14, Central Presbyterian Church, 11pm
Thursday March 15, Auditorium Shores, 6:45 pm
Friday March 16, Merge Records Showcase, Frank (407 Colorado Street), 7:30pm
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