Mat Hunsley – Do You Need Me Near [TMN PREMIERE]

Mat Hunsley
Do You Need Me Near

Mat Hunsley’s “Do You Need Me Near” coincidentally came into my peripherals along with the changing seasons here in Denver and it already has me daydreaming about lazy summer nights, swinging in a hammock, heartfelt campfire conversations with only the closest of friends, and those unexpected weekend adventures in a pup-filled car, heading somewhere into the wilderness.

This emotive song is the first of the year for this Newcastle-based singer/songwriter, following up on a handful of stellar releases at the end of last year. Just like before, I’m finding myself in a lucid daze, complete with a content grin, digesting his thoughtful lyrics and calculated fingerpicking. With the addition of carefully-placed, fairy-like vocal hums, today’s offering is somehow even more alluring and encapsulating than expected.

This song is testament to my oldest and dearest friends. Like everyone else, I have had those friends whom I believed were essential to my happiness. I mistakenly thought that without their constant presence and participation in my life that I couldn’t possibly be as happy as I once was. Despite my worries and despite each of us having followed our differing paths, these friends have remained close to my heart. When reunited we slip effortlessly back into the old habits and patterns as if we’d never strayed away. These people don’t need me near them in order to get everything they need and deserve from life, but it’s comforting to know that our friendship will forever stay the same.

“Do You Need Me Near” was beautifully produced by Mick Ross (Lanterns On The Lake, Ajimal, The Lake Poets), and will be released on April 28th via Trellis Records. After you support the single, make sure to support Mat’s live show at the Evolution Emerging Festival in Newcastle this May.