Bassist & Producer Matthew Skillz Finds a New Home for Creative Collaboration in Club Crib
Photos by Michael Salisbury
Erik Hunter, better known as Matthew Skillz, has been a staple contributor in Chicago’s creative scene for years. Skillz has earned a reputation as a trusted collaborator, touring and playing alongside acts like Jamila Woods, Ravyn Lenae and Lili K over the years. Recently he’s harnessed that trust and collaborative spirit into producing with those who join him in the collective Club Crib, an artist growth and collaborative platform.
We caught up with Skillz to learn more about the upcoming projects he’s got in the works —including a solo release—and the mission behind Club Crib. Get acquainted with him below.
Can you introduce yourself to our audience for those who aren't familiar?
I go by Matthew Skillz, a Chicago born and raised musician, currently playing bass for Jamila Woods & Ravyn Lenae.
You've spent a lot of the last few years touring, what's it been like getting to spend this additional time at home?
Taking a break from the touring schedule has definitely been relaxing, but anxiety-inducing to say the least. I miss playing at shows, that rush of energy and momentum you get from the crowds is incomparable. I know I speak for all the fellow artists out there.
At the end of last year, you shared "Catch Phrase" featuring Lea Violet & Elton Aura - what can you tell us about that song?
“Catch Phrase” is the first track off my own project called “Bounce”. We released it back in September 2019 and it features Lea Violet & Elton Aura, two extremely talented Chicago artists. Lea came over to Club Crib and we all knocked out the song in one night. Everything just came together organically. Elton laid his verses down and shortly after, we dropped Catch Phrase.
Is there a release date on the horizon for the album?
Bounce is still coming out, but it’s been pushed back while we plan to drop our first official full-length project from Club Crib. It’s an upcoming beat tape, and it’ll really showcase who we’re about. Every track has a special sound to it.
Talk to us a bit about Club Crib…
Club Crib is a multi-faceted creative collective with a common goal of creating a platform for artist growth and a space for collaboration. The team consists of Erik (@m_skillz) & Nate (@thatdoodnate) “the ears”, Roshan (@roshanseleven) “the eyes”. We decided to combine our individual talents to create Club Crib, a one stop shop for all music artists looking to build their musical and visual brand while providing a list of creative services. Providing everything from the audio side including beats, mixing, mastering & recording to visual branding like graphic design, photography, animation & music video production.
I see Club Crib as a group of creatives trying to change the world sonically, bringing a new sense of positivity back into the music industry that’s been missing for so long. We want to create art that change your mood for the better, no matter what time of the day. At Club Crib, we want to create with and celebrate our fellow artists, because life is too short, and I’m a firm believer in giving people their flowers while they can still smell them. Part of why we launched the #CheersChallenge (more on that later)
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“To me, the idea behind Club Crib is to provide ourselves and others with a safe haven and a creative mindset where you can allow yourself to be vulnerable. Somewhere where you can let your artistic spirit blossom with no restraint or judgment. The name Club Crib really came from the idea of not having to leave the house in order to have a fun time, just hanging with some friends, enjoying a few drinks and creating memorable art with people you just connect with.” - Nate
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“Club Crib is the start of a movement, and it’s only going to keep growing with the right people. This came together during a time that ultimately forced us to make use of our creative talents. As common as it sounds, I really believe our core mission is to bring the positivity and joy back into creating art just for the sake of it and allowing artists to express themselves freely and to take their craft to the next level, also by adding the missing pieces we can offer. I created the logo with that in mind. The house represents the kickback spot, but keep the ego and negativity in the trashcan outside. ” - Roshan
additional photos by Sam Fuehring
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You guys just shared your new single "Cheers" - talk to us about that one.
“Cheers” is the first single off the upcoming beat tape, and a sneak peek into what we have in store. Being locked in for the last month ultimately turned us to the one thing that so many people find therapy and refuge in - music. We wanted to start with something that makes you feel good, and makes us feel good. We really did this for y’all but equally for ourselves. The name of the track is a reminder to look at the uplifting things in our lives, a sign of solidarity, and to toast to our accomplishments and talents, because no matter what 2020 has taken from us so far, we can still turn to our creative passion to give us a sense of peace. Shoutout to the talented Jackson Shepard on the guitar. A few days after dropping the track, we decided to launch an official #CheersChallenge, calling all creatives (not only rappers/singers/musicians) to freestyle and showcase their skill, putting their own twist on the song. The response so far has been incredible with over 17k views and we already received over 50 submissions from different countries in less than 2 weeks of the song being out. It just shows that so many people with completely different skillsets can resonate with what we’re putting out, and that alone encourages us to keep going.
Are there any OG artists or collectives you guys look up to / are studying as you build out Club Crib?
We love what Soulection is doing and they’re definitely a good example on how to build an organic, loyal fanbase from the ground up, while maintaining and upping their game every time. Lyrical Lemonade too - those guys carved their own lane and are thriving. At the end of the day, we’re looking to build something unique that incorporates more than just one creative avenue, and to set the tone for more collaborations between aspiring, upcoming and already established artists (musical and non-musical). But we’re not stopping there. We have also have plans for official Club Crib merch & products, one of a kind events, and so much more that we can’t really reveal just yet, but just know that you’ll be hearing/seeing more of us in the near future.
What's one thing you'd like to see more of within the Chicago music community?
More genuine collaboration in the creative community. Less hating and jealousy, more support and encouragement for fellow artists. To put it simply, Art over Clout. (Shoutout to Ami.)
Anything else our readers should know/keep an eye out for?
“Cheers” was just the beginning. We have a full beat tape coming out very soon, and part 2 is already in the works. Matthew Skillz’s project Bounce will be dropping next, followed by ThatDoodNate’s (@thatdoodnate) “1 Track” project, all creative directed by RO’YA (@royadesigned), Club Crib’s visual side handled by Roshan. Can’t really say more on it, but if you loved Cheers, you’re gonna lose your mind at what we got coming for you guys. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on social media @clubcribent to stay updated for new content and announcements.