Matt Frederick is writer, DJ, broadcaster and explorer of all things weird, strange and otherwise magical.
His first book, A Meeting At The Crossroads: Robert Johnson and The Devil, is available now wherever good books are sold.
PURCHASE A SIGNED COPY DIRECT FROM THE AUTHOR
‘A Meeting at the Crossroads’ is the definitive book on a legend that dwells at the heart of the American psyche. What he discovers at the crossroads is more intriguing and mysterious than anything fantasy could conjure.
Mitch Horowitz, PEN Award-winning author of “Occult America”
Some folks will love this book for its essential study in American folklore (especially Southern). Some folks will love this book for its well-researched history of the Blues. Some folks will love this book because of its important discourse on African American society. Some folks will love this book as a study in the archetype of the Trickster. But truly great folks will LOVE it for ALL of these reasons!
Don Webb, author of “Building Strange Temples” and “Overthrowing the Old Gods: Aleister Crowley and The Book of The Law”
The shadows live in the back story - and Matt Frederick explores the shadows of the crossroads legend. What emerges from the shadows is Robert Johnson, the captivating artist influencing and inspiring nearly a century of musician.
John Durr, ARIA award winning record producer, president Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society
This book is a must read for anyone who loves blues music. Written with a passion and devotion to the blues. Get on it friends.
Barry Maxwell, “Blues on The Hill”
Equal parts hoodoo and history lesson, Frederick’s book lays bare the facts and the fictions of the crossroads, and the man that took his guitar there to make a deal.
Shaun Bindley, “Blues With a Feeling”
...so rich with information it could also serve as a travel guide for those wishing to seek out those old Mississippi byways in America's deep south.
Lesley Crossingham, New Dawn Magazine
About
Matt Frederick is a writer, broadcaster and DJ based in Melbourne, Australia.
He graduated with Honours from La Trobe University with a BA majoring in Philosophy and Studies in Western Traditions.
A life-long lover of the blues, he hosts the weekly program The Juke Joint on PBS 106.7fm.
A Meeting at The Crossroads: Robert Johnson & The Devil
Available now from all good bookstores.
Click here to purchase a signed copy direct from the author.
The story of bluesman Robert Johnson and his purported deal with The Devil at the Crossroads is one of the foundational myths of blues and rock ‘n’ roll.
A Meeting at The Crossroads explores the history and meaning of this myth, from the Mississippi Delta to the crossroads gods of ancient times.
Radio and DJ Work
Matt is an experienced broadcaster and DJ.
For the past decade he has presented the blues program “The Juke Joint”, focusing on the very best in new and classic blues. You can catch the show every Sunday from 1-3pm (Melbourne time) on PBS 106.7fm. For more information, playlists and an audio archive, visit https://www.pbsfm.org.au/program/the-juke-joint
He has interviewed many of the world’s top blues acts including Billy F Gibbons, Gary Clark Jr, Larkin Poe, Mick Fleetwood, Cedric Burnside, Rick Estrin, Beth Hart, Fito de la Para, Anna Popovic, Seasick Steve, Bob Log III and George Thorogood.
He is a strong advocate of the Melbourne and Australian blues scenes. As well as featuring local music on his program and interviewing local acts, Matt works with organisations such as the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society and Music Victoria to support and champion Australian and Victorian blues. He regularly serves as a judge for the local rounds of the International Blues Challenge and is proud of the success Melbourne acts have achieved in Memphis.
Matt’s other radio experience includes two years serving as the co-host of PBS’ anchor breakfast show “The Breakfast Spread”. He has produced and presented specialty music programs in genres ranging from Gospel to Cumbia to Free Jazz.
Matt has extensive experience as a club and festival DJ. Specialising in blues, R&B and garage rock on 45 RPM vinyl, Matt has spun records at venues ranging from dive bars to national festivals. He is available for bookings at venues and private events.