In mid-2005 he began work on a second album with the intention of creating something organic, classic and real. True to his indie spirit, when it came time to record and funds weren't readily available, he called out to his grass-roots fan base for assistance. Loyal fans, eager for a second release, pre-ordered the upcoming album and a small back-log of unreleased demos, generating enough revenue for a completely fan-funded album.
Mattox's stunning sophomore release, Prizefighter [November 1, 2005] is already a knock-out with fans. "My goal was to spend the time and make an album that is easily accessible to people; something they could grasp onto and call their own," he says. He took the better part of 6 months off the road and came up with eleven tales of turmoil and triumph that bob and weave beautifully throughout this stark masterpiece. Mattox and his band recorded Prizefighter during an eight week lock-out with Producer John Briglevich (Goo Goo Dolls, Edwin McCain, Chuck D) at Sonica Recording Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. "I wanted Prizefighter to be very much about my personal struggles this past year," says Mattox "I needed it to reflect who I am as a person and stand as an example for what you can accomplish if you just get up, dust yourself off, and keep going."
Mattox and his band are currently out on the road in support of Prizefighter. "I have had the pleasure of collaborating with a lot of really good musicians over the past two years," says Mattox, "but there's nothing more powerful than sharing a stage and making a record with my best friends." His current touring line-up includes long-time drummer Andy Bauer, keys and rhythm guitarist Rivers Pearce, bassist Mike Lamond and lead guitarist Chris Skogen. Mattox lives in Athens, Georgia, while the band resides in Atlanta, allowing them the privilege of calling both places "home".
Mattox has seen national success on MTV's Real World, Turner Network Television's NASCAR, Delta Airline's Campus Movie Fest, "Good Morning Atlanta" on CBS, and has performed live on FOX Charlotte, Q100's "The Bert Show", and Music Midtown 2004 alongside the Foo Fighters and Switchfoot. His last two Atlanta performances at The Roxy Theatre had over 1,000 in attendance and he has recently seen airplay on The UK's SKY Channel 905, XM radio, Atlanta, Ga.'s 99x, Macon, Ga.'s Q106, and Auburn, Al.'s TigerFM.
Mattox currently reigns as an award-winning artist for:
"Best Rock Band" and "Best Singer-Songwriter" Flagpole Music Awards (Athens, Ga.)
"Best Front-Man" Atlanta Music Guide Music Awards
"Best Singer-Songwriter" and "Best Instrumentalist" Creative Loafing's Best of Atlanta
#1 on The Best Unsigned Band List Alternative Addiction
Creative Loafing says, "As long as Bain Mattox keeps writing simple, stunning, sad songs, he'll maintain both mainstream and indie cred."
City Never Sleeps
Bain Mattox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's people on the streets
And lights assigned to everything
The city never sleeps
It's calling out to you by name and its hospitality
I want to see something
Something new
The city never sleeps
And everyone is digging deep
'Cause when you're down you're down
The city never sleeps
And everyone is betting steep and ordering another round
I want to see something
Something new
Besides the ace and king of spades
See something
Something new
Besides the hope of painted face
6 a.m.
Tonic and gin
Tricks for tips just hit me again
6 a.m.
Tonic and gin
Tricks for tips just hit me again
He says "deal me in"
Seven and ten
Hit me again, victory I win
I want to see something
Something new
Besides the ace and king of spades
See something
Something new
Besides the hope of painted face
See something
See something new
See something new
The lyrics of Bain Mattox's song City Never Sleeps delve into the lively and fast-paced lifestyle of the city. The song opens with the phrase "The city never sleeps," emphasizing the energy and restlessness of urban life. In the following lines, Mattox describes the constant presence of people and bright lights, "There's people on the streets, and lights assigned to everything." The city is beckoning the listener with its hospitality, calling out to them by name. The chorus repeats the idea of wanting to see something new, something beyond the usual "ace and king of spades" or the "hope of painted face."
The second verse highlights the idea of digging deep and taking risks in order to thrive in the city. Those who are down must keep fighting, and the city's inhabitants are always ready to bet big and order another round. The bridge presents a scene of late-night drinking and gambling: "6 a.m. Tonic and gin, tricks for tips just hit me again... He says 'deal me in,' seven and ten, hit me again, victory I win."
Line by Line Meaning
The city never sleeps
The urban area does not rest or become quiet, as there are still people carrying out activities regardless of the time of day or night.
There's people on the streets
Individuals are walking or moving around on the roads and pavements.
And lights assigned to everything
All sorts of objects and places have illumination for visibility and aesthetic purposes.
It's calling out to you by name and its hospitality
The metropolis welcomes or invites you with open arms and friendliness that appeals to your personal preferences.
I want to see something Something new Besides the ace and king of spades
The artist desires to encounter novel or unique experiences that do not involve the common or dull aspects of life.
And everyone is digging deep 'Cause when you're down you're down
The residents are making significant effort and investment despite facing disadvantages or setbacks that put them at a disadvantage.
And everyone is betting steep and ordering another round
The individuals in the city are placing high wagers and drinking more alcohol to cope with the pressure and intensity of the urban lifestyle.
6 a.m. Tonic and gin Tricks for tips just hit me again
The artist experiences the need to earn gratuities by performing unconventional acts or skills after consuming gin mixed with tonic water early in the morning.
He says 'deal me in' Seven and ten Hit me again, victory I win
An anonymous individual requests to participate in a game of cards with a hand combining seven and ten, resulting in a winning outcome after receiving additional cards.
See something Something new Besides the hope of painted face
Again, the artist hopes to discover novel experiences that do not involve only superficial or temporary sources of happiness, such as makeup or external appearance.
See something See something new See something new
Reinforces the desire and quest for unique and one-of-a-kind experiences that escape the monotony and dullness of life in the city.
Contributed by Benjamin M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.