Matt Heckler, “St. Tomas,” // GemsOnVHS™
Y’all know I’m a Tennessean for life. One of my favorite vistas in Tennessee, if not the world, is a mountain rising into the clouds, larger than life. Roan Mountain offers some of the most spectacular views along the Appalachian Trail, straddles the border with North Carolina and holds a special place in my heart. Not far from it lives another one of my favorite vistas, Matt Heckler playing his songs near Asheville, NC. So when Matt said he had a song that was particularly special to him, I knew we needed a place he could be amplified by nature itself, like a human antenna, beaming the sound waves to the universe. I didn’t know how fucking cold it would be, though.
As Matt, myself, and Jeff Loops reached the peak on that rainy morning, I was concerned he wouldn’t be able to play. My hands were freezing from the altitude and the wet cold being in a literal cloud comes with. I managed to force my inert fingers to press the record button, and Matt began striking out chords and strings with expert precision. Just watching his aura go to work warmed me, while simultaneously amazing me.
Pre-order Matt’s new album,
https://anticorpmusic.com/collections/matt-heckler/products/album-matt-heckler-blood-water-coal-cd
This video was made possible by our executive producers, Eric Valente, Irvin Maddox, Amy Ennis, Mark Riley, Kenny Schmidt, Edward Siple, Brady Jones, VJ Arizpe, and Richard Harmon.
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@JoshuaPittman-bl8zt
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
This guy's just too good. MORE HECKLER AND TODD PLEASE….. MY 2 PICKS FOR FOLK GOATS OF THIS GEN!!!
@merrittdavid8318
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Im only a 44 minute drive from Carver's Gap! I live in Johnson City, TN. Hope to see you live someday 🙏
@claytonlewisaustin-espino7988
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Bad Religion should cover this
@AutomotiveHospice
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
One of the best small artists I've ever accidentally found , if you love this check out my absolute favorite " blue eyes dancing , but make sure it's the live version from ( gems on VHS ) personally my favorite version when he's with his buddy .
@JamesMannelly
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Matt – thank you for your inspiration although if you ever meet my family please don't tell them your name or you may get blamed for my many many hours spent hitting my banjos with a hammer to sound 1/10th as good as you :). This is probably one of the best folk songs of this century I have heard so far. Thanks for everything you do GemsOnVHS I found you while lying in a chair dieing during the pandemic. When I could barely hold my infant daughter in my arms with your help I managed to find the strength to pick back up my instruments and learn to play what have become anthems of my recovery (my daughters first song she memorized at 4 was loan wolf by Jason Dea West).
@bradcirrito4379
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
I’ve lived in roan mountain for months and listened to this song for years I just put it together that I’ve walked the same trail as Matt heckler
Angry young poor and proud
@alexandrovics5779
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
This is still the shit. I must have listened to it at least 100 times by now
@bryanUFCFightPicks
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Motherfucker has more likes than subs lol. Fuck wrong with y’all
@Astrolofax
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
This song is dedicated to the passing of a folk singer I'm told, whose name has escaped me as though he never jumped from trains and wandered in to bars filling the place with joy with his beloved ukulele playing and big soul. Who in God's name (not in vain) is this song dedicated to?
@glenmitchell4239
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Simply don't know what to say to beautiful to describe
@bigtsshackfestival9563
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
This is fkn what it’s all about folks.
@hanniballslecter9019
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Oh WOW how the bloody hell does someone make an acoustic guitar sound like THAT?? sounds like a full band somehow lmfao
@rsim4381
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
So moving. What an honor to the person it was written for.
@terborify
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
I promised my best friend, who I have hiked countless peaks, driven countless dirt roads while drinking beer and hollering sad country tunes with, that when he goes, I’ll play this song at the top of a mountain
@JCK0711
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Mad talent broseph!
@checkers_t81
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Anyone have any clue what the guitar is? It's a lovely noise. A Kay I think but no further clue
@nunyabisness423
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
My dad listens to this music all the time (though mostly gospel songs) and I never really understood why, but i get it now. There's just something so real about it.
"Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 6:23 KJV
@boonedog1457
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Matt, Great vocals, great instrumental! We hike on that trail all of the time. Wish we had ran in to you! What a gorgeous place to let your music fill the air!! Thanks!
@NadiasFreshPants
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Found this guy through Benjamin Tod's music. So glad there's music like this out here
@jdbohrman
February 22, 2026 at 3:28 pm
I'm a Knoxville, TN native, WYA??? Your channel have been my daily listen for a hot minute
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