The Good Ol’ Days: E.C. Native Matt Caflisch Captures Days Gone By in New Album
Minneapolis-based musician biographizes music icons with forthcoming album, ‘Woke Up Famous’
The most common way of documenting history is through written word, but capturing history through song may be even more captivating.
Woke Up Famous is the sophomore album by Minneapolis-based musician Matt Caflisch, due for release this March. The album centers on 20th century historical heroes and fringe icons from the realms of music, sports, literature, film, and radio.
“Listeners may like the idea that the songs are all biographies of historical figures, but I hope they like the arrangements, too,” Caflisch said. “Most folks will recognize Hank Aaron and Charlie Chaplin, but I’m not sure they’ll know Cisco Houston or Joyce Lamont.”
Caflisch, who grew up in Eau Claire, became known in the area for his rootsy, acoustic-rock sound. His latest effort features songs about cultural heroes such as Bob Dylan and Hank Aaron as well as lesser-known celebs including Elizabeth Wilcocks and Kevin Rowland. He said the inspiration for this project came from his last full-length record.
“A song from my album last record called ‘Paul Nelson (It Demolished Him)’ was the biggest inspiration for this album,” Caflisch said. “I took the biographical, song-form ideas I used for that song, multiplied it by 11, and the product was Woke Up Famous.”
As Caflisch continues to pursue his musical dreams, he said this album is a nod to those who came before him, and he hopes it will serve as a time capsule for a handful of the individuals who made a mark on the world.
Woke Up Famous by Matt Caflisch is available on March 1 via Fat Oak Records. He will support the record with a release show on Friday, March 22 at The Mousetrap Tavern in Eau Claire, with physical copies of the album available for purchase.
You can keep up to date with Matt Caflisch’s musical offerings on mattcaflisch.com. Among other places, his new album is available at The Local Store at Volume One World Headquarters, 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire.
