Tiny Desk Spotlight

Good evening TRUM Fam! The countdown to TRUM Tiny Desk has officially begun! Look out for more information on our social media!

Wes Matthews

Where are you from? What’s the music scene like there?

Detroit. Detroit is full of vibrant personalities and overlooked niche musicians. The legacy of Motown courses through the veins of the music scene.

How did you decide on your band/stage name?

I am in a Detroit-based hip-hop group called Critical Theory. Our music is a one all platform. It was a name my mother came up with when we first started making music many years ago. She explained that critical theory is a school of thought that seeks to analyze society through a critical lens. That's the type of music we were making at the time.

If you could headline any festival or show in the world, where would you want to perform? Why?

Either Afropunk or Camp Flog Gnaw. I've seen many of my favorite artists perform at those festivals.

What is your favorite piece you have written or you have listened to? Why?

Critical Theory has a song called Splash on all platforms. It was super fun recording that song and every time I listen to it I am filled with memories.

If you could pick anyone in the world, living or dead, who would you most like to collaborate with? Why?

This is a very hard question. I am a huge fan of music, so many artists come to mind. Right now I would say Al Green, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Aaron Taylor, Patrice Rushen, Lauryn Hill.

How has Philly influenced your musical aspirations?

I appreciate Philadelphia's music scene because everyone supports one another; there is no undercurrent of envy or competition. I wish more scenes were wholesome like that because it inspires me to connect with other artists. Also, some of my favorite artists ever came out of Philadelphia soul.

What’s next in your artistic journey? What are your goals?

Critical Theory has a mixtape on the way titled Late Night Sessions. After that, we will wrap up work on our second studio album SPEAKEASY. We plan to keep doing shows in the Detroit-area and eventually hope to establish fanbases across the Midwest and begin touring. We believe that our work ethic will come through. As long as we are making music that people love, we are already fulfilling all of our goals.

What is your favorite type of candy?

Tootsie rolls

Be sure to check out more on Critical Theory's SoundCloud!

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