Life & Work with MATCHHOUSE of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to MATCHHOUSE.

Hi MATCHHOUSE, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
MATCHHOUSE is a four-piece rock band hailing from Los Angeles, California. The group consists of vocalist/guitarist Ryan Law, lead guitarist Ryland Stevenson, bassist Anthony Ambrose, and drummer Chris James. Born in the heart of Hollywood in 2021, they came together to form a melting pot of stylistic influence that packs more visceral punch than just about anything on the radio right now. With a seductive sound blending the explosive raw power of late 70s rock and kaleidoscopic arrangements with the passion of 90s nostalgia; they’re known for their hypnotic live performances which reverberate within the mind of the listener. Leaving their mark on iconic LA venues such as The Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room, The Venice West, and many more; they continue to carve their names into the city sidewalks and dark corners of LA’s underground scene.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At times the road has this funny way of disappearing beneath your feet as you’re on it, but what keeps the wheels moving forward is the brotherhood we all share. We’ve all individually and collectively had our ups and downs, but the anchoring force in all of our lives has continually been our music. Breakups and divorce? Music. Homelessness? Music. Rehab? Music. Personal injury? Music. Living in our current times, especially in a town like this? Definitely music. The life we’ve chosen in pursuit of our art has provided the reassurance and continuity that we wouldn’t otherwise get following the road more travelled by. That’s why many of the lyrics on our upcoming EP Burn Out offer messages of hope and the reminder that for better or worse, life is beautiful, if not a little dirty sometimes.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We play the music that we want to hear. We’re really proud of our ability to alchemize our life experience into something that can be there for other people in a multitude of ways: a shot of whisky, a shoulder to cry on, a loving touch, or a friend when you need one most. A fan once gave us a box of matches she painted with the band on it.
Things like that really hit home and remind us that we get what we’ve gotten so far by giving it away. To know that we’ve touched someone deeply enough that they felt compelled to give back in one way or another reminds us of the power that being in a meaningful band can hold.

Known for blending blistering guitar work and a powerful rhythm section, the live performances combine unpredictable energy with earworm melodies into an elixir of controlled chaos. The songs are real. Each lyric is sung with the underlying resolute urgency of the moment at hand. Each kick drum, a thunderous heartbeat of created reality, each bend on the guitar strings further stretches the consciousness of what’s possible. Authenticity, literally, bleeds through.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Being in a city so heavily saturated with inauthenticity can be a blessing because it leaves you wise to what it means to be truly honest and to have that come forward in your craft. The fact is that LA is an alluring and attractive place. There are a lot of people in our same shoes trying to make a name for themselves and get big. Oftentimes, the temptation arises to use some kind of gimmick, or to follow a current momentary trend, without focusing on leaving anything of actual substance behind. The silver lining to being in such a diluted talent pool is that it only drives us to create what we think is truly unique, and know will touch people and stand the test of time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchhouseband/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matchhousebandofficial/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MATCHHOUSEBAND
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-973441860-11087957?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=1&si=0D9586162FF04D2494E1CE844E0A709D&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Image Credits
Ferdinand Barrera, Patrick Ricci, and David Luna