New Signing: Crys Matthews

TRO Essex Music Group, alongside its label arm Shamus Records, is proud to announce the signing of award-winning singer-songwriter Crys Matthews to an exclusive publishing and recording agreement.

“I am so incredibly honored to have my music housed in and represented by the very institution responsible for preserving the legacies of so many of my heroes,” said Matthews. “As an artist whose mission is to amplify the voices of the unheard, shed light on the unseen, and to be a steadfast reminder that hope and love are the truest pathways to equity and justice, I cannot imagine a more perfect partnership than one with TRO Essex and Shamus Records.”

Matthews’ impact has already been widely recognized across the industry. She is the 2025 and 2022 Song of the Year winner at the International Folk Music Awards, making her the first artist to receive the honor twice since its inception, and was also named 2024 Artist of the Year. As noted by Bluegrass Situation’s Justin Hiltner, her work serves as a “reminder of what beauty can occur when we bridge those divides.”  In her own words, Matthews says her mission is: to amplify the voices of the unheard, to shed light on the unseen, and to be a steadfast reminder that hope and love are the truest pathways to equity and justice. 

Matthews joins a dynamic and growing roster of contemporary artists shaping the future of the TRO and Shamus legacy, including Alex Wong, Siibii, St. Catherine's Child, Flamy Grant, Jaden Evans, Casii Stephan, Sam Robbins, Sam Louis, amongst others.

With this partnership, TRO Essex Music Group and Shamus Records reaffirm their commitment to amplifying powerful voices and fostering artistry that reflects the cultural moment, continuing a legacy built on music that moves, challenges, and inspires.

Matthews makes her electrifying label debut on No Kings Day with the release of "Forged In Fire", available worldwide 3/28.