TPOE 342: Matthew Xavier Corrigan

The Point of Everything

Matthew Xavier Corrigan, an artist who splits time between Cork and Dublin, released his debut solo album Beast of Changing on March 21. Written in reflection of a tempestuous season of change across Irish coastlines, centred on Ballinskelligs in Co. Kerry, Myrtleville in Co. Cork and Clare Island in Co. Mayo, Beast of Changing follows a story of growth, of love lost and found, of crossing the threshold into dark, cold, saline water - of surrender. Themes of environmentalism and how we shape the coasts, of erosion and rising water, are woven throughout. Matthew Xavier Corrigan’s debut album was cut to tape with a single collaborator, Mike Halls, over five days in Liverpool, the product of years of writing rendered in a few day's takes. After pushing to a more intimate and organic sound on the From ten, with love EP, the artist now goes deeper; covered in analog warmth and rich harmonies, delicately performed, taking inspiration from the likes of Andy Shauf, Bill Callahan and Robin Pecknold. This renewed focus on analog warmth even comes out in the imagery; the press photos and album/single artwork were captured on expired film by Ronan Burke on vintage film cameras. Matthew talks about his former project Ghostking is Dead, why that came to an end, the Cork scene and working on festivals such as his own River Runs Round, Quarter Block Party, Quiet Lights and Sounds from a Safe Harbour, the story behind Beast of Changing, and lots more. Buy Beast of Changing: https://matthewxaviercorrigan.bandcamp.com/album/beast-of-changing