Winner of the International Folk Music Awards 2022 for her song “Changemakers,” Crys Matthews has already been hailed as “the next Woody Guthrie.” Heather Mae tackles complex topics surrounding mental health, LGBTQ+ issues and more. Together they perform songs of social justice and compassionate dissent.

Crys Matthews

Already being hailed as “the next Woody Guthrie,” DC resident Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers.

A powerful lyricist, her songs reflect her lived experience as what she lightheartedly calls "the poster-child for intersectionality." Justin Hiltner of Bluegrass Situation called Matthews’s gift "a reminder of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides."

Heather Mae

Heather Mae is an award-winning songwriter whose evocative vocals and rhythmic piano style call to mind artists like Stevie Nicks and Sara Bareilles. She's utterly unfazed by what a typical pop artist today is “supposed” to look or sound like.

Inspired by her own personal experiences and identities — a queer, plus-size woman living with bipolar disorder — she creates intoxicating music that tackles complex topics surrounding mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, self-love, racial injustice, social inequality, and women’s rights.

In the great tradition of folk music, Matthews brings listeners in with sweet sounds that grab them by the heart, and just as they are cradled in her soulful voice and her deft handling of an acoustic guitar it’s as if Matthews says, “Now that you’re here, we’ve got some things to talk about.” — Pride Source