In the early to mid 80s there was an explosive artistic and musical movement happening in the Southern college town of Athens, Georgia. Several notable bands were birthed from this and include R.E.M., Widespread Panic, The B-52's, Vic Chesnutt and Matthew Sweet. Though Sweet's work is not as well known as some of these other artists, his characteristic brand of folksy singer/songwriter material is just as pertinent. Over his career he has been faced with the decision to cater to the mainstream, but always an independent individual, Sweet has made a point to stay true to himself as well as his music and not allow fame or money to sway his independent thinking.
