GOLD HILL -- Many of Matthew Earle Schexnyder’s musical influences come from his home state, Louisiana. He is particularly inspired by country-folk, singer-songwriter stylings, with Merle Haggard, Jason Isbell, Alan Jackson, Neil Young, and Willie Nelson among his influences.
Earle, a graduate of the Air Force Academy, flew Air Force helicopters as a long-time career, traveling around the country to states such as New Mexico, Alabama, Texas, and Georgia. He also traveled to countries such as Turkey, Afghanistan, South Africa, Mozambique, and Liberia.
Settling in Iceland with his wife, they relocated to Boston, Massachusetts, in order to raise their two young daughters. Eventually, the family impulsively moved to Boulder, where Earle first dove into performing and writing songs.
In 2018, Earle took a bluegrass ensemble class and connected with two other people there – Joshua Ray and his wife, Brandy. Earle and Joshua connected quickly through their musical interests and ambitions.
In 2019, Earle, Joshua, and Brandy started a bluegrass ensemble. They called it Brandywine and the Mighty Fines, all providing vocals and lyrics. Brandy also played mandolin, and Earle and Ray also played guitar. In addition, Maya Fabrikant provided vocals and played fiddle, and Joe Gibb played bass.
The band has shared the stage with acts such as The Travelin' McCourys, Madeline Hawthorne, Mighty Poplar, and the Henhouse Prowlers, and they have played not just local shows, but worldwide shows, including runs in the Czech Republic and Germany.
In January 2025, Brandywine announced that Earle would step back from the band’s shows to focus on his own performances. Earle credits performing in the group with giving him and Joshua the experience they needed to learn how to perform.
When Earle and Ray perform as a duo, they play a select variety of originals and covers, with many of their songs incorporating their complicated love for their rural upbringings. With more shows scheduled throughout 2025, Earle’s solo performances have only just begun.
You can see Matthew Earle and Joshua Ray performing together at the Gold Hill General Store, located at 531 Main Street in Gold Hill, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, starting at 7 p.m. You can learn more about Earle by going to matthewearlemusic.com, and you can follow both musicians on Instagram, @matthewearlemusic and @joshua.brant.ray.
