Out and proud comedian Matt Mathews was born and raised in Alabama. From an early age, he wanted to entertain people but also had an interest in photography. This led him to teach boudoir photography workshops and begin public speaking. After opening his studio, he had the space to start selling a variety of products including skincare and clothing.
He hit the road to share stories and create a comedy act, which is now bringing him on a return trip to Chicago on March 1. Mathews’ Boujee on a Budget Tour takes him across the country to tackle hot topics, while his special When That Thang Get Ta’ Thang’N debuts on YouTube on March 4.
Everything is coming up roses for this gay funny fella these days— including life on a farm with a husband and a huge herd of animals!
Windy City Times: Hi, Matt. Where in the world are you calling from?
Matt Mathews: (He/Him) I don’t know, actually. I’m on a tour bus somewhere…
WCT: Well, you’ll be in the Windy City soon. Have you been in Chicago in the past?
MM: I played one time at the Park West, but that was it.
WCT: Welcome back. Being from Birmingham, how was coming out in the South for you?
MM: Everybody has this stereotypical idea of what Alabama is. They think that being gay in the South was like the hardest thing in the world where I was shoved into lockers and beaten up all the time, but it really wasn’t.
It is easier to be gay now than when I was growing up, but people didn’t pick on me or make fun of me. They would run their mouths, but nothing else, because I would have fought back since I was from the projects. I grew up in government housing with an alcoholic mom. I couldn’t be this fabulous living in the projects without knowing how to swing at an enemy.
I love being from the South and I am very proud of that fact.
I came out when I was a late teenager and my aunt actually came out for me. She was like, “We need to find you a boyfriend,” so that was pretty easy. My family is all very accepting and very loving. It was never a thing to any of them.
WCT: Where are you based now?
MM: I’m still in Birmingham.
WCT: I read you are married to a lumberjack.
MM: That’s an old statement. I wouldn’t go that far anymore, but he’s pretty great. He’s sitting next to me right now.
WCT: Describe your show Boujee on a Budget.
MM: We just wrapped my first headlining tour When That Thang Get Ta’ Thang’N last year. That was about my life up to this point, growing up with my family and all of that. Boujee on a Budget is about what my life has been like coming into the spotlight. People know who I am now, so this set is about all of the things that I’ve experienced in the last two and a half years.
This tour is called Boujee on a Budget for that exact reason—because I’m the cheapest bitch that’s ever lived!
WCT: The budget must be pretty big if you’re playing at The Chicago Theatre though.
MM: I mean, the budget is budgeting, but it’s because I feel like spending it.
WCT: Judging from your past comedic sets, we need to warn people to not go to the bathroom in the middle of your show.
MM: If I can hold it for about 90 minutes, so can they.
WCT: Was there a comedian you admired growing up?
MM: It might sound crazy, but I didn’t grow up watching comedy. Comedy was not something that I really enjoyed, so, music was my first love. That was my passion and what I always wanted to do, but I never pursued it.
Comedy just fell into my lap and it just became very easy. I eventually fell in love with it and comedians like Katt Williams. He’s incredibly talented. I also like Anjelah Johnson and Mo’Nique’s last special was really good.
WCT: Do you plan to pursue music in the future?
MM: Yes, I am recording my debut album right now, so that’ll be launching in late spring or early summer. My first two singles off the record are planned to be released next month. I am very excited about it.
WCT: What style of music do you like?
MM: My music tastes are all over the board. I would describe my music as a mix between country and folk. It’s not pop country and more middle-of-the-road.
WCT: Are we talking like Trixie Mattel kind of country music?
MM: It’s not that gay. There are different levels of gay and I’m not on her makeup level, but I love her. Onstage I like a little foundation under these eyes and I’m good to go.
WCT: Are you getting time to spend in Chicago while you’re here?
MM: No, I’ve got three shows right before Chicago, so I’ll be in and out. I’ve had a very busy schedule and like to spend as much time as I can at home, plus we’re about to be moving to a new house that we just built.
WCT: What is the budget for the new house?
MM: [laughs] It’s all gone to buy the house!
WCT: Well, you and your husband have to come back and check out the gay bars.
MM: Let me tell you something, I don’t go out and I don’t drink because I like to fight people when I’m drunk. My biological mom comes out of me when I drink.
WCT: Do you have a favorite tattoo?
MM: I have the last birthday card that my mom wrote me before she passed away with her signature on the inside of my arm.
I really love all of my tattoos because they represent who I am today. They were a part of who I was at that exact moment in my life.
People always talk about how I might regret one of them one day, but I knew exactly what I was doing, who I was with and where I was for every single tattoo I have. It’s cool to have those memories.
WCT: Are you bringing candles with you to sell at the Chicago stop?
MM: Absolutely. We will have the whole store available for purchase.
WCT: Do you have a new favorite scent these days?
MM: Right now I am loving the white cashmere. Somebody brought that candle to me at a meet and greet and I was like, “Damn, this stuff is good!”
I like any scent that is food-related. Candles that smell like pumpkin soup, apple maple bourbon and lemon pound cake are my go-to’s.
WCT: Is there a green bean casserole smell?
MM: No, green bean casserole. That would make me want to pee.
WCT: With so many projects how do you have time for photography?
MM: I don’t shoot anymore, but I have a talented assistant, Bri Evans. She photographs all of our clients for the boudoir business. It’s still under my name and everything is still the same, but I’m just not the one shooting.
It’s been incredible to be able to follow my dreams and also see the business that I built for a decade grow.
WCT: Your website has a wide range of products on it.
MM: The hustle never stops!
WCT: Is there something you would like to accomplish that you haven’t done yet?
MM: I have felt like that about my music for years. Every year would come and go where it wouldn’t happen. My husband just said the other day, “I know you have wanted to do music for so long, but you really picked a hell of a time to release an album in the middle of a tour!” I knew If I didn’t do it now, then I would never do it. I just had to jump in and start working on it!
Mathews marches into The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Saturday, March 1 at 8 p.m. For tickets and a plethora of products visit mattmathews.com.