Matthew Kerstein

Singer/songwriter Matthew Kerstein has been an underground favorite in the Midwest for the better part of the last decade. Having moved to Chicago from Boston in the late 90's, Kerstein's career began in college as he co-founded the indie group Scotland Yard Gospel Choir. His unique voice and songwriting immediately cemented him in the Chicago music scene. After leaving the Choir in 2005, he continued forward with a new band he named Brighton, MA as an homage to his birthplace and youth.

Kerstein's songcraft takes cues from early folk heros as much as from latter-day rock bands, and has earned him the stage with acts like The Walkmen, Spoon, Arcade Fire, Mason Jennings, Elvis Perkins, and Old 97's. As a lyricist, his words engage even the most cynical of critics. His imaginative phrasing and tuneful melodies have helped paint backdrops for television shows such as Gossip Girl, Ghost Whisperer, and Castle garnering fans from both coasts and in between.

The indie e-zine Daytrotter perhaps sums up Kerstein best when they wrote: "These are thoughts that one catches himself thinking and knows not where they came from or how they found him, just that they're right or they're more right than wrong. Kerstein has one of the most engaging voices and lyrical minds anywhere..."

BRIGHTON, MA (website) (myspace)