On Thursday, Matt Stillwell, a burgeoning country star from the mountains of North Carolina, will take the stage at Rick’s Cafe, looking to rock Starkvegas before the stress of holidays and exams descends upon the students of Mississippi State.
“We’re really looking forward to hosting this event,” venue owner Rick Welch said. “It should be a lot of fun for everybody that comes.”
Stillwell defines his unique sound as “country bluegrass with an edge.” He has used his music to touch on a wide range of subject matter.
“I write most of my stuff, so my songs range from fun party songs to stuff about relationships,” he said. “My main objective in writing the song is to write something that would make you want to go out and have a good time.”
Stillwell harnessed this fun- loving attitude for his most recent album Shine. He said he believes this mentality carries over into his live performances.
“[On] my new album, we were very aware of trying to write something that I could play start to finish live,” he said. “I play all the songs from the album live. [My shows] are pretty high-energy. Everybody seems to have a good time.”
In addition to his originals, Stillwell performs an eclectic range of cover songs live, but with a twist.
“I do covers of songs that I like my way,” he said. “I cover across the board. Everything from Johnny Cash to U2 to Ryan Adams.”
Stillwell has been touring extensively, and said he looks forward to his foray into Starkville because of a love for his fellow Southeasterners.
“I probably relate to people in the Southeast a lot more, though everywhere I’ve played, most people are pretty much the same,” he said. “I really enjoy playing the college towns because I relate to all the people there. Most of the people are nice and have a good time.”
“Shine,” the title track and debut single from the album is an ode to the illegal moonshine hidden in his native mountains, Sitwell said.
The song’s subject matter eventually brought Stillwell a fitting sponsor for his tour: Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine, a legal moonshine producer from North Carolina. Thursday’s show will prominently feature promotional giveaways and samples of the company’s product.
“They’re going to be giving away a bunch of shirts and stickers,” Welch said. “We’re going to have Catdaddy Moonshine shots.”
Stillwell said he personally vouches for his sponsorship.
“The stuff is really good; it tastes like Christmas,” he said. “[Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine will] make sure they’ve got liquor in the venue, and they’ll send promo girls around to give shots.”
Welch said, if the moonshine is a hit, it could become a Rick’s staple.
“We’re going to be featuring drinks by Catdaddy all night,” he said. “I got the brand in just for this show. It’s not something we normally carry, but if it does well, it will be something we keep in our inventory.”
Senior mathematics major Zach Dick’s is a fan of Stillwell’s single, “Shine.”
“It’s some good, down- home country music,” he said. “Listening to Hank Williams and drinking moonshine. What more could you ask for?”
Dicks said he believes Stillwell’s performance will be a good fit with the country-loving Starkville crowd.
“There’s plenty of old fashioned country boys around here who are going to relate to his music and have a great time seeing him play,” he said.
According to Stillwell’s Web site, the video for “Shine” has been heavily featured on CMT’s online digital station, Pure Country. Welch said he believes people who are interested in Thursday’s show should check out the music video for “Shine.”
“I would encourage everybody to go watch the video on YouTube or CMT,” he said. “It’s a really good song.”
Cover for the event is $5. The doors open at 8 p.m. and Stillwell will take the stage at 10 p.m.
“We have a really good time,” Stillwell said. “People seem to love it. You’ll get the full Matt Stillwell experience when you come.”

Gallery • 1 Photos