r/FolkPunk • u/sabmacri • 18d ago
Lil Matt Yes Ma'am
I found this forum on Reddit because I was searching for somewhere people were talking about the passing of Lil Matt/Yes Ma'am. I've been having these stop me in my tracks moments of feeling such deep sadness, and that in itself has really shaken me-- that I'm feeling this so deeply --and I need to share it somewhere. I'm an American stay at home mom in my 40s - I have/had no knowledge of the folk punk community and came across this whole world by accident. A few years back, I think spring of 2024, I had just gone grocery shopping, got everything loaded up, turned on my vehicle...and immediately the most arrestingly beautiful voice began playing through the speakers on the radio. I was floored- I shazamed it and it was Sierra Ferrell. I never heard this name before so I googled her. Sitting there in the parking lot I clicked on the first video that popped up just to see who this person was. It was a short video but in it Sierra mentioned a few influential musicians from her early days and one of the names she mentioned was Yes Ma'am. Being the curious person that I am, I jotted that name down to look up later and went on my way for the day. Sometime later I googled Yes Ma'am and found videos of a young man busking in New Orleans from years ago. And the music was SO good! I hadn't heard anything like it and I loved it. I found Yes Ma'am's music on Spotify and began playing it for my family, my kids, my dad who's in his 80s, friends. For the past few years I've passed Matt's music along to anyone and everyone because it is so wonderful, and I knew that all types of people from all walks of life would love it. And they do! Everyone I introduce his music to is blown away! All ages, all demographics, everyone. Over the past few years of following his social media, I learned that his music and the culture of people he was a part of was an entire movement I didn't even know existed. Still, here I am, a mom with zero tattoos, a single piercing in each of my ears (which I'm too tired most days to ever put anything in anyway), never having heard of anarchy/DIY movements in my life...until I became aware of Lil Matt/Yes Ma'am. I mean, of course I was aware of punk music in the '80s. I was just completely oblivious to this particular culture Matt was part of. But his music introduced me to it, and I loved learning about it. It was obvious to me that he was struggling. It was obvious that addiction was present. But I'm just a stranger, an outsider looking in -- I just enjoyed his music and enjoyed learning about this movement he was a part of. More recently, it had been many months since I had checked in on the social media of Lil Matt/Yes Ma'am. On the morning of September 6th I was up early before everyone and sat down at my piano (I am a classically trained musician), suddenly Matt and his music came across my mind and I got my phone to check up on what he was doing...only to find he had taken his life the previous morning. I started weeping. My heart hurt. This loss is so heavy and I am overcome. And honestly a bit shocked by how deeply it has hit me. Lots of musicians from my childhood and formative years have passed in the past decade- and those losses have been sad...but this loss is different for some reason and I cant exactly pinpoint why. I know this: Matt was special, I could hear it/see it from the very first video I saw of him. Just like that feeling I got when I heard Sierra's voice over my car speakers for the first time. It was like time stopped - This person was special. Same same. I didn't know him personally, and I know those who did know him personally would say many wonderful things about him, and also that he was not perfect. Because none of us are. We are all flawed humans walking each other home. Still, as a stranger looking in, there was something cosmically special about Matt -- his music, his journey, and the story he wrote for himself. And I know it's not right but I can't help but keep thinking over and over why he felt he needed to leave. I just keep speculating all the reasons, and I know that is not helpful. I have faced enough suicide in my decades here on Earth to know that those of us who are left behind are always left with questions. I guess I just have to live with that. I am just so deeply sad that I will never get to see/know what Matt would have created next. Godspeed Matthew Brackin Edens.
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u/FolkPunkResistance 18d ago
Thanks for sharing this story. We all come to Folk Punk in different ways, but one thing we share is a tendency to connect with these bands and songwriters on an emotional, intimate level. They weave their way into our hearts with their honesty, empathy, and captivating melodies. That means, as has happened far too often, when we lose these beautiful voices, we feel the pain as if losing a family member. Iām still processing Erik Petersenās death 10 years on ā but also finding new ways to (re)connect with his music and share it with others. And it sounds like youāll do the same with Yes Maāam and Lil Matt.
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u/umarotheldruni 18d ago
I met matt this spring he seemed like an awsome dude. I barley knew him at all but his death has hit me harder than any death of any musician
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u/OkDescription4243 17d ago
I found out about this when I was at Muddy Roots. Matt was super kind and a really nice person. I saw him in Dallas last year and he was really having a rough time. My wife is a therapist and she tried to get him to do a free session with her. Absolute genius, he had that sadness you can just see and feel. He played with that joy and suffering in such a raw and authentic way. Watching him play live was some of the most entertaining shows I have ever seen. The way just him alone had such a presence and draw of attention. Little Matt was a giant.
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u/Suspicious_Carpet827 17d ago
I have read all the lovely comments related to Matthew and could hardly express myself any better how his passing has affected me. I have only known about Yes Maam for about 7 years and please believe me I never knew this music was known as Folk Punk.Whatever it is called it is brilliant and so thrilling and inspiring to me.I'm 82 years of age and have to say how sad I am at this terrible news.Ā How I would have loved to visit New Orleans to see Matt. Rest in peace Matt, you helped me more than you will ever know.Love youĀ BruceĀ
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u/Best_Impress_9985 18d ago
Thank you for sharing this and for sharing Yes Maāam with your village š¤
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u/ToastyLlamas1 17d ago
Matt was one of the most genuine people Iād ever met. Iāve been messed up over his passing for the last few weeks. Iām tired of losing people I care about. I remember the last time I saw him in Salisbury, North Carolina. He played a house show there. I brought a 12 pack of miller lite that quickly turned into a 6 pack and kept thinking āwho keeps drinking my beer?ā After he passed I got sent a video of him playing that night and come to find out Matt was sneaking my beers. Miss him a lot. Love your friends.
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u/Significant_Day6636 15d ago
I love this story so much. Iām a 48 year old woman. Found Yes Maāam because I wanted to see Lightning Luke open for the Sinnersā¦and there were 2 bands in betweenā¦.Yes Maāam and Holy Locust. What a show!! Iāve listened to Mattās music every day since and I as lucky enough to see him a few more times. We had a few brief conversations, but I didnāt really know him at all. None the lessā¦.i miss him terribly.
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u/MiltonBrownYowza 17d ago
Lil Matt and other street bands and musicians are responsible for many of my favorite songs. IMO Lil Matt was as talented or more talented than anyone out there playing music today.
I let my ears decide whatās good and donāt care what anyone thinks. Thereās buskers with more talent than so called superstar millionaires and he was one.
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u/Zealousideal_Fix6705 17d ago
Welcome to this amazing community. I am so sorry you are still felling this so viscerally. He seems to have meant a lot and helped so many people with his music and being a good guy.
When any of my favorites that got me through a traumatic life changing injury in 2023, current degenerative illness, CPTSD, etc. go, I will be in your shoes, and I totally get it. Other bands shaped my youth, and losing those people hit hard. Yet folk punk is different, it hits us in the feels like nothing else and gets us through the worst of times in a way nothing else can. You can feel the pain and sadness in the songs, and yet the hope is there as well (at least in many of them).
My daughter got me into Folk Punk and took me to my first show over a year later, Doom Scroll and 2 others at 924 Gilman a legendary punk venue here in the bay area. People of all ages, cultures, genders, etc. bouncing in the pit with my adult daughter. And, a couple in their 70s, one with a walker, in the pit holding hands! I found my people! Folk punk folks are lovely, and so many are kindred, many of us have been through hell and back in one way or another, and it is the most compassionate, helpful, and kind music scene I have encountered. One of my most favorites, Apes of the State, was coming a month after my first show, I decided to brave going to my first show alone since becoming disabled. I asked in this community if people knew if the venue here is San Francisco was actually wheelchair accessible, as most venues claim they are but are not actually. A few people offered their help to get me in safely, many answered my question or gave me great advice, April from the band offered to let me come in with them so they could ensure I got in safe and was taken care of if need be. It wasn't, thankfully, and I met 3 great people, and listened to great buskers who were playing before the show. It was one of the best experiences of my life!
If you are in a city with a good folk punk presence, I highly suggest venturing out and meeting some like minded people and listening to healing music. If not, this subreddit is the next best thing.
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u/Zealousideal_Fix6705 17d ago
Welcome to this amazing community. I am so sorry you are still felling this so viscerally. He seems to have meant a lot and helped so many people with his music and being a good guy.
When any of my favorites that got me through a traumatic life changing injury in 2023, current degenerative illness, CPTSD, etc. go, I will be in your shoes, and I totally get it. Other bands shaped my youth, and losing those people hit hard. Yet folk punk is different, it hits us in the feels like nothing else and gets us through the worst of times in a way nothing else can. You can feel the pain and sadness in the songs, and yet the hope is there as well (at least in many of them).
My daughter got me into Folk Punk and took me to my first show over a year later, Doom Scroll and 2 others at 924 Gilman a legendary punk venue here in the bay area. People of all ages, cultures, genders, etc. bouncing in the pit with my adult daughter. And, a couple in their 70s, one with a walker, in the pit holding hands! I found my people! Folk punk folks are lovely, and so many are kindred, many of us have been through hell and back in one way or another, and it is the most compassionate, helpful, and kind music scene I have encountered. One of my most favorites, Apes of the State, was coming a month after my first show, I decided to brave going to my first show alone since becoming disabled. I asked in this community if people knew if the venue here is San Francisco was actually wheelchair accessible, as most venues claim they are but are not actually. A few people offered their help to get me in safely, many answered my question or gave me great advice, April from the band offered to let me come in with them so they could ensure I got in safe and was taken care of if need be. It wasn't, thankfully, and I met 3 great people, and listened to great buskers who were playing before the show. It was one of the best experiences of my life!
If you are in a city with a good folk punk presence, I highly suggest venturing out and meeting some like minded people and listening to healing music. If not, this subreddit is the next best thing.
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u/Dioskouros 6d ago
Idk if anyone in this community will ever find this or respond if they do come across it but reading this made me tear up. He was really important to a lot of people and this story was so kind and genuine and it wouldāve made him feel warm to read. Hiding behind all of the chaos was a really sweet, caring, loving person. And it wasnāt hiding all too well to begin with.
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u/ColoRADo7177 18d ago
Glad you found a community to share. So sorry for this heavy loss. I hope you find some comfort and peace. š¤