Matt had an epiphany that music was to be an irrevocable part of his life while sitting behind a $30 black-trimmed, orange-sparkled drum kit with a homemade kick pedal wired on. At age 13, he taught himself to play drums in the attic of his house and his musical journey began.
Fast-forward to the present and Matthew’s New Folk sound today is much like his background: willing to take a risk yet always accessible disciplined with lyrics that are introspective, observant, and meaningful. As a singer-songwriter telling stories, Matthew plies the trade, knowing the rules well enough to occasionally break them in a way reminiscent to the Beatles or Elvis Costello.
Chicago folk singer-songwriter, Steve Dawson, has been called one of the most underrated songwriters in American music. Dawson has released six albums with his long-time band, Dolly Varden, as well as six solo albums.
Originally from San Diego, California, he spent his teen years in Hailey, Idaho, where he learned guitar and started writing songs. After a few years at the Berklee School of Music, Dawson moved to Chicago and formed the band, Stump The Host, with his future wife, artist and singer, Diane Christiansen. Dawson also teaches songwriting at the Old Town School of Folk Music and co-wrote a book on songwriting called, “Take It To The Bridge: Unlocking The Great Songs Inside You.”