Who is Matthew Followill?

Matthew Followill is an American musician, best known as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of the rock band Kings of Leon. He is the younger brother of lead singer Caleb Followill, bassist Jared Followill, and drummer Nathan Followill.

Followill was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. He began playing guitar at a young age and formed Kings of Leon with his brothers in 1999. The band released their debut album, Youth and Young Manhood, in 2003, and have since released six more studio albums. Kings of Leon have won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards and two Brit Awards.

Followill is known for his distinctive guitar playing style, which often incorporates slide guitar and lap steel guitar. He has also been praised for his songwriting contributions to Kings of Leon, co-writing many of the band's biggest hits, including "Sex on Fire," "Use Somebody," and "Radioactive."

In addition to his work with Kings of Leon, Followill has also collaborated with other artists, including Lana Del Rey, Iggy Pop, and The Killers. He is also a co-founder of the music festival Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, which is held annually in Franklin, Tennessee.

Followill is married to model Johanna Bennett, and they have three children. He is a private person and rarely gives interviews, but he has spoken out about his struggles with anxiety and depression.

Matthew Followill

Matthew Followill, the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of Kings of Leon, is a multifaceted musician with a significant impact on the music industry. Here are seven key aspects that highlight his contributions and influence:

Guitarist: Followill's distinctive guitar playing style incorporates slide and lap steel guitar.
Songwriter: He has co-written many of Kings of Leon's biggest hits, including "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody."
Collaborator: Followill has worked with artists such as Lana Del Rey, Iggy Pop, and The Killers.
Producer: He has produced albums for other artists, including The Features and Night Beds.
Music Festival Co-Founder: Followill is a co-founder of the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival.
Influencer: His guitar playing and songwriting have influenced a new generation of musicians.
Private Person: Despite his success, Followill is known for being private and rarely gives interviews.

These key aspects demonstrate Matthew Followill's versatility and impact as a musician. His guitar playing skills, songwriting abilities, and collaborative nature have made him a respected figure in the music industry. As a co-founder of a successful music festival and an influencer on other musicians, Followill's contributions extend beyond his work with Kings of Leon. His private nature adds to his mystique, making him an intriguing and enigmatic figure in the world of music.

1. Guitarist

Matthew Followill's distinctive guitar playing style is a key element of Kings of Leon's sound. He frequently incorporates slide guitar and lap steel guitar into his playing, creating a unique and atmospheric soundscape. His slide guitar work is often ethereal and haunting, while his lap steel playing adds a touch of country twang to the band's music.

Slide Guitar: Slide guitar is a technique in which a slide is used to fret the strings of a guitar, creating a smooth, legato sound. Followill often uses slide guitar on Kings of Leon's slower, more atmospheric songs, such as "Cold Desert" and "Knocked Up."
Lap Steel Guitar: Lap steel guitar is a type of guitar that is played horizontally across the lap. It has a slide bar that is used to fret the strings, and it is often used in country and blues music. Followill uses lap steel guitar on Kings of Leon's more upbeat songs, such as "Sex on Fire" and "Use Somebody."

Followill's distinctive guitar playing style has been praised by critics and fans alike. He has been cited as an influence by a number of younger guitarists, and his playing has helped to shape the sound of modern rock music.

2. Songwriter

Matthew Followill is not only a talented guitarist, but also a gifted songwriter. He has co-written many of Kings of Leon's biggest hits, including "Sex on Fire," "Use Somebody," and "Radioactive." His songwriting skills have played a major role in the band's success.

Lyrical Prowess: Followill has a knack for writing catchy and memorable lyrics. His songs often explore themes of love, loss, and redemption.
Melodic Sensibility: Followill's songs are also known for their strong melodies. He has a natural ability to craft melodies that are both beautiful and easy to sing along to.
Collaborative Process: Followill typically collaborates with his brothers on songwriting. This collaborative process allows for a wide range of ideas and perspectives, which contributes to the richness and depth of their songs.

Followill's songwriting skills have helped to make Kings of Leon one of the most successful rock bands in the world. His songs have been praised by critics and fans alike, and they have helped to define the sound of modern rock music.

3. Collaborator

Matthew Followill is not only a talented guitarist and songwriter, but also a sought-after collaborator. He has worked with a wide range of artists, including Lana Del Rey, Iggy Pop, and The Killers, lending his guitar playing and songwriting skills to their projects.

Followill's collaborations have helped to expand his musical horizons and have exposed him to new ideas and influences. He has co-written songs with Lana Del Rey and The Killers, and has played guitar on Iggy Pop's album Post Pop Depression. These collaborations have helped to shape Followill's own musical style and have made him a more versatile musician.

Followill's collaborations are also a testament to his generosity and willingness to share his talents with others. He is always willing to lend a helping hand to other musicians, and he is always looking for new ways to challenge himself musically. His collaborations have helped to create some of the most memorable and exciting music of recent years.

4. Producer

Matthew Followill is not only a talented guitarist and songwriter, but also a skilled producer. He has produced albums for other artists, including The Features and Night Beds, helping them to refine their sound and achieve their vision.

Collaborative Approach: Followill takes a collaborative approach to production, working closely with the artists to understand their vision for the album. He is known for his ability to bring out the best in other musicians and to help them realize their full potential.
Attention to Detail: Followill is known for his meticulous attention to detail. He spends countless hours in the studio, working on the arrangements, the sound, and the overall mix of the album. His goal is to create a cohesive and polished product that meets the highest standards.
Musical Diversity: Followill is a versatile producer who is comfortable working with a wide range of musical genres. He has produced albums for artists ranging from indie rock to country to electronic music. His ability to adapt to different styles is a testament to his musical knowledge and his open-minded approach to production.

Followill's work as a producer has helped to raise his profile in the music industry and has further cemented his reputation as a multi-talented musician. He is a sought-after producer who is known for his ability to create high-quality albums that meet the needs of the artists he works with.

5. Music Festival Co-Founder

Matthew Followill is not only a talented musician, but also a passionate advocate for music and culture. In 2015, he co-founded the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, an annual event held in Franklin, Tennessee. The festival features a diverse lineup of musicians, from rock and pop to Americana and country, as well as a variety of food and drink vendors, art installations, and other cultural activities.

Promoting Music and Culture: The Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival is a celebration of music and culture. Followill and his co-founders created the festival to provide a platform for emerging and established artists to share their work with a wider audience. The festival also offers a variety of educational and interactive experiences, such as workshops, panel discussions, and artist meet-and-greets.
Economic Impact: The Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival has a significant economic impact on the Franklin community. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, who spend money on hotels, restaurants, and other local businesses. The festival also creates jobs and helps to promote tourism in the area.
Community Building: The Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival is a community-oriented event that brings people together from all walks of life. The festival provides a space for people to connect with each other, share their love of music, and celebrate their shared culture.

Followill's involvement in the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival is a testament to his commitment to music and culture. The festival is a reflection of his own values and interests, and it is a valuable asset to the Franklin community. Followill's work as a festival co-founder has helped to raise his profile in the music industry and has further cemented his reputation as a multi-talented musician and a passionate advocate for the arts.

6. Influencer

Matthew Followill is not only a talented musician, but also an influential figure in the music industry. His guitar playing and songwriting have had a major impact on a new generation of musicians.

Followill's distinctive guitar playing style, which incorporates slide and lap steel guitar, has been imitated by many younger guitarists. His songwriting skills have also been praised by critics and fans alike. Followill's songs are often catchy and memorable, and they explore themes of love, loss, and redemption.

Followill's influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary musicians. For example, The War on Drugs guitarist Adam Granduciel has cited Followill as a major influence on his own playing style. The Killers guitarist Dave Keuning has also praised Followill's songwriting skills, calling him "one of the best songwriters of his generation."

Followill's influence is not limited to guitarists and songwriters. He has also inspired a new generation of musicians to pursue careers in the music industry. For example, Kings of Leon's drummer, Nathan Followill, has said that his brother Matthew is the reason why he started playing drums.

Matthew Followill is a true pioneer in the music industry. His guitar playing and songwriting have influenced a new generation of musicians, and his work has helped to shape the sound of modern rock music.

7. Private Person

Matthew Followill, the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of Kings of Leon, is a talented musician who has achieved great success in the music industry. However, despite his fame, Followill is known for being a private person who rarely gives interviews.

Introversion and the Creative Process: Followill's introversion may contribute to his private nature. Introverts often prefer solitude and quiet time for reflection and creativity. Followill's songwriting and guitar playing may benefit from this introspective quality.
Protection of Personal Life: Followill's decision to keep his personal life private may stem from a desire to protect his family and relationships from the public eye. He may also value his privacy as a way to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst his busy and demanding career.
Control over Public Image: By limiting interviews and public appearances, Followill maintains control over his public image. He can choose to present himself to the world on his own terms, rather than having to conform to the expectations or demands of the media.
Respect for Fans' Boundaries: Followill's decision to keep his private life separate from his public persona may also be a way of respecting his fans' boundaries. He understands that his fans are interested in his music, not necessarily his personal life, and he respects their right to privacy.

Matthew Followill's private nature is a unique and admirable quality in the often-public world of music. His decision to focus on his music and personal life, rather than seeking constant media attention, is a testament to his values and priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions about Matthew Followill

This comprehensive FAQ section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding Matthew Followill, the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of Kings of Leon. Each question is answered concisely and informatively, providing valuable insights into his musical career, personal life, and influence on the music industry.

Question 1: What is Matthew Followill's distinctive guitar playing style known for?

Answer: Followill is renowned for incorporating slide guitar and lap steel guitar into his playing, creating a unique and atmospheric soundscape. His slide guitar work often adds an ethereal and haunting quality, while his lap steel playing brings a touch of country twang to Kings of Leon's music.

Question 2: How has Matthew Followill contributed to Kings of Leon's songwriting?

Answer: Followill is a gifted songwriter who has co-written many of Kings of Leon's biggest hits, including "Sex on Fire," "Use Somebody," and "Radioactive." His lyrical prowess, melodic sensibility, and collaborative approach have significantly shaped the band's sound and success.

Question 3: Beyond Kings of Leon, how has Matthew Followill expanded his musical horizons?

Answer: Followill is a sought-after collaborator who has worked with a wide range of artists, including Lana Del Rey, Iggy Pop, and The Killers. He has also produced albums for other artists, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to supporting the music community.

Question 4: What is Matthew Followill's role in the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival?

Answer: Followill is a co-founder of the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, an annual event that celebrates music and culture. The festival showcases diverse musical genres, promotes local businesses, and fosters a sense of community.

Question 5: How has Matthew Followill's introverted nature influenced his public persona?

Answer: Despite his success, Followill values his privacy and rarely gives interviews. This introspective quality allows him to focus on his music and personal life, while maintaining control over his public image and respecting his fans' boundaries.

Summary: Matthew Followill's distinctive guitar playing, songwriting skills, and collaborative nature have made him a respected figure in the music industry. His influence extends beyond his work with Kings of Leon, as he actively supports other artists, promotes music and culture, and maintains a private personal life. Followill's dedication to his craft and commitment to his values continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.

Transition to the next article section: Explore Matthew Followill's early life, musical influences, and the evolution of his guitar playing style in the following section.

Conclusion

Matthew Followill's journey as a musician is a testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional talent, and profound impact on the music industry. His distinctive guitar playing style, songwriting prowess, and collaborative spirit have shaped the sound of Kings of Leon and inspired a new generation of artists.

Followill's introspective nature and commitment to his craft have allowed him to maintain a unique and enigmatic public persona. His decision to focus on his music and personal life, rather than seeking constant media attention, is a reflection of his values and priorities. By embracing his introversion and valuing his privacy, Followill has demonstrated that success and authenticity can coexist.

As Matthew Followill continues his musical journey, his legacy as a guitarist, songwriter, collaborator, and cultural icon will undoubtedly endure. His contributions to Kings of Leon, his support of other artists, and his dedication to promoting music and culture have left an indelible mark on the industry and the lives of countless fans worldwide.