Backstory:

Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Essential Aunt is a band formed in the fall of 2003. The band members include lead vocalist, Jessie Parker, guitarist, Sam Hawkins, bassist, Charlie Reed, and drummer, Megan Lewis. Jessie and Sam, childhood friends, started playing music together in high school. They were later joined by Charlie and Megan during college, transforming their passion project into a full-fledged band. Essential Aunt got its unique name from Jessie’s Aunt Matilda, who was a significant part of their lives, imbuing them with her love for music and her essential life philosophies.

Genre:

Essential Aunt is best known for their Indie rock genre, infusing their music with strong elements of folk and alternative rock. The band’s sound is characterized by organic, guitar-based soundscapes layered with evocative lyrics.

Title: “Matilda’s Garden”

Lyrics (Key of G):

Verse 1:
(G) Drifting in the breeze, (Em) under the old oak tree,
(C) Is where I found you, (G) in Matilda’s garden.
(G) Wildflowers in your hair, (Em) sun-kissed skin so fair,
(C) Lost in your dreams, (G) in Matilda’s garden.

Chorus:
(D) We danced with the dandelions, we (Em) laughed under the honeysuckle sun,
(C) Free as the river flowing, (G) in Matilda’s garden.
(D) You taught me how to love, you (Em) showed me what it meant to live,
(C) It’s all in the rhythm, (G) in Matilda’s garden.

Verse 2:
(G) Seasons come and go, (Em) but the love continues to grow,
(C) Rooted in the heartbeats, (G) of Matilda’s garden.
(G) Shadows of the past, (Em) memories that forever last,
(C) Carved in the stone, (G) in Matilda’s garden.

(Repeat Chorus)

Favorite Fan:

Their biggest fan is a woman named Bethany Johnson. She stumbled upon Essential Aunt during a difficult phase of her life and their music became her comfort zone. Bethany says, “I fell in love with Essential Aunt’s music the moment I heard ‘Matilda’s Garden.’ Their lyrics speak to my soul, their melodies fill up my heart. They’ve been my favorite band ever since that day. Their music is beautifully raw and comforting, it’s like a warm hug on a cold day. I feel like they’re telling my story, and that’s a rare connection to find.”