"So Far, So Decent": Matt Muse EP Listening Party

The city of Chicago is known by many names, as with most things about this city, there are disputing stories about their origins. It was called “The Windy City” supposedly because the politicians talk a lot but say nothing of consequence. Others argue because its leader’s opinions could change as quickly as the wind.

The nickname the “City of Broad Shoulders” comes from a Carl Sandburg poem honoring the work ethic of its tradesmen.

The nickname “Second City” was coined after it was rebuilt due to the Chicago fire or was earned in the early 1900s in reference to it being the United States’ second largest metro area for most of its existence.

Though its true genesis of this particular nickname is unknown, in the music industry, the city is sometimes known as the “City Of No Love” – which makes it an interesting place to release an album exploring different types of intimacy. That nickname is often something you’ll hear whispers of among veterans of the music scene or when discussing the career of an artist who had success upon leaving Chicago.

Regardless of the veracity and origins of each of these nicknames, they all allude to long standing truths in the city: Chicago values hard work, has a chip on its shoulder, and can be a place where you’ve got to carry a pound of hate before receiving an ounce of love.

Matt Muse’s September 19th release “So Far, So Decent” is both an embrace and indictment of the Chicago ethos. In a tonal shift from his recent works, Muse clearly is coming for his flowers – even if he has to pick them himself. While 2019’s “Love & Nappyness” was a soulful navigation through themes of love, self-care, and the search for acceptance, the new project signifies a self-assuredness of an artist ready to stake their claim.

At a listening party at a Very Serious Gallery on the day of the EP’s release, Matt spoke candidly about the perceptions and realities of Chicago’s creative industry. While frequently taking breaks to show gratitude for and get input from the numerous contributors about the EP’s creative process, it was clear that much of the support was within the room was painstakingly built through interpersonal connections. In other words, it was a large, yet tight knit group of people that represented a fan base built organically through communal action and direct interaction.

After seeing some familiar faces and having a few conversations, it was clear most of the people in the room were somehow connected with the industry. This mosaic of people formed an illustration of what type of network it takes to succeed independently in an industry that often tries to bend individuals to its commercial will.

When connecting the dots in the room it became something of a roadmap to chart Muse’s creative career path. His endeavors often went beyond music into social justice initiatives with the Love & Nappyness hair care drive and a project exploring Universal Basic Income. It was illustrative of what’s required from artists in Chicago, where giving back to your community is paradoxically both expected from performers yet can cause some friction in such a politically charged metropolis.

In regards to the new EP, much of the album is thematically straightforward and the lyrics generally speak for themselves. That is by no means an insult, as the project thrives off of its candor and succinctness. It kicks off with “Let It Out” – an announcement that Muse is no longer pulling any punches when it comes to his creative instincts. It’s a simple yet effective production, consisting of drums, vocals, and a synth that would be at home in an early career Weeknd track. Given the title and instrumentation, you could be forgiven for thinking you're headed towards for an “all up in your feelings” emotional trip. Muse’s lyricism instead invokes a conversation you have with your subconscious on a long ride home on the El as you envision a life that no longer requires train rides. A contemplation of newfound knowledge about how the boundaries in your path are artificial, sometimes self-imposed and sometimes otherwise.

The bare bones instrumentation of “Let It Out” directs the spotlight on the song’s message and MC himself while setting the tone for the rest of the album. The second track, “Him Freestyle”, immediately dispels any notion of wallowing in despair as its bombastic production matches its lyrical bravado. The lyrics “If I was them I’d hate me too” sums up a song that acts as both a referendum of Muse's career up to this point and where he plans to go from here.

“Show Me Love” explores a different type of love than those explored on “Love and Nappyness” i.e. the reluctant love you receive from people who were hoping you would fail. The chopped up guitar sample is reminiscent of a 60’s anti war psychedelic rock song spun on its head, thematically touching on the twisted nature of the times which contemplated what it meant to support an empire but not its actions. On “Leave Here” Muse spits two verses of fire, imparting lessons from the perspective of someone who was told to wait patiently for their turn while watching others skip the line. It serves as the single from the album and a declaration of intent that Muse is not afraid to demand a spot in the pantheon of today’s top tier MC’s.

The album closes with “Something Good” - both an unofficial homage to the Chicago legend Chaka Khan and a teaser for the (still to be released) second half of the project. Unlike the prior tracks that overflow with confidence, this is the one song that delves into the emotional toll of success and the realization of its costs. It starts with a capella harmonies and an introspective verse from Senite with Muse closing the project out with a rumination on failure and what it takes to avoid it.

According to Muse, the project doesn’t so much mark a new approach but a rebirth of the confidence he experienced when he first began working on his craft, before he had to adhere to the currents of an industry that can so easily shake the confidence of its practitioners. “So Far, So Decent” may act as a departure from Muse’s prior work that mined the path of self-exploration, but this project seems to act as the natural progression – a proclamation of an artist who has found themselves and is now ready to become their best, self-actualized version. The quick, confident, and concise project comes out of the gate supremely self-assured but also shows enough balance and self-awareness to avoid being purely an ego trip.

I’m grateful to have experienced “Far So, So Decent” at the listening party because the work itself almost comes off as a candid conversation or venting session that you’d have with your friend after a particularly trying episode of life. I won’t try to quote Matt on any of his specific anecdotes but I’m reminded of a conversation I heard from a panel speaker recently. She mentioned how even legacy Chicago artists who have had nationwide or worldwide success still don’t feel love at home. This EP seems to serve as an exploration of and reaction to some of the challenges of working independently in such a unique market like Chicago – a view that was endorsed by the fact that the room was full of other creatives who undoubtedly can empathize. That said, the project is not so much about the difficulties navigating challenges but more so what it’s like to realize you have what it takes to rise above them.

While it’s a beautiful city full of great people, there are certainly some aspect of Chicago that are reminiscent of the name given to the area by its indigenous inhabitants. Like so many recent musical projects from the city, “So Far, So Decent” is, on many levels, like opening a window to get a breath of fresh air. Muse joins other Chicago MC’s like Mick Jenkins and No Name in creating unapologetically real social observations, often delivered in a matter of fact spoken-word delivery that has long been a defining sound of the city. Overall "So Far, So Decent" is an EP brimming with confidence from an MC who has put in the work across multiple facets of arts and culture and is no longer willing to wait for his accolades - he's here to seize them whether you like it or not.