Meet Parkways

Matt Joyce is the one dude pretending to be a few others — he calls this experiment in multitasking “Parkways.” The do-it-all ethos Matt’s got going is pretty DIY in and of itself, and his gritty, speed-freak work evokes a unique yet familiar sound.

Giving off some serious Driving Like Jehu, NoMeansNo, and Early Husker Du (think Lands Speed Record) vibes, Matt won’t say what genre his Parkways fits into.

Whatever it is we dig it, and we think you will too. Let’s get to know him a bit more, in our latest interview

A self-portrait by, Parkways

Some questions with Parkways

Who is Parkways?

Parkways is essentially one dude pretending to be an entire band. I’ve been making songs on my computer for about 5 or 6 years but only began putting them out pretty recently.


Do you collect anything, what is it and why?

I used to collect empty cigarette boxes in the back seat of my car, but I quit smoking recently so now I just collect guilt. 

What are your top three used emojis? Do you have any?

The only emoji I’ve ever used is the Jeb Bush emoji.

What is the worst tourist attraction in NYC? Why?

I’d say the most obvious answer is Times Square, a capitalist hellscape. But other spots that are terrible would definitely be the Wall Street bull, that Vessel thing down in Hudson Yards, and as of this past fall, the Joker stairs in the Bronx.

You mention on our Bandcamp page that you haven’t been pigeonholed into a genre yet. What genres do you want to experiment with?

I haven’t really put much thought into what direction I wanna head in, but a more aggressive sound would probably be fun to try. Sort of lean into that late 90’s/early aughts post-hardcore sound a la Drive Like Jehu or Desaparecidos.

Are you a good driver?

I would like to say yes, but the city of Kingston would probably say otherwise. 

You recently released your single “UPM b/w Meth Lab” what is next for the project?


I just put out a new single called “Monument” and that’ll be followed up by a self-titled compilation for Kafadan Kontak Records, and a new EP tentatively called “Jail For Kids.” 

What was your first job? 

Washing dishes at a dive bar in Westchester. The building was once a chicken coop and was completely decrepit but the pizza was flames. 

If the price was no object what would be the perfect bagel?

I’m not really someone who has expensive taste, so I think instead of opting for one high class, deluxe bagel I’d just want like a trash bag full of poppy seed bagels from a Bagel Boss or something (Shout out Bagel Boss) 

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

To anyone who may see this, Parkways is a suitable dance band for any occasion, including but not limited to weddings, house parties, street fairs, presidential inaugurations, etc, etc. Hit my line if you wanna dance, and we’ll see ya real soon.