Matt Keil
Scottie Alexander
Rob Zielinski
Jacob Chmara
Dan Eichinger
Influences
Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam, STP, Sublime, Alice n Chains, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Garth Brooks, Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams Jr., Prince, Michael Jackson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Crows, Led Zeppelin, Wolfmother, Black Sabbath, Jack Johnson, Family, Friends, MSU, and of course women!
You can feel it in the hair-raising live performances and you can hear it in the headlong rush of their latest release, Lesson One. Conjuring the spirit of ‘70s Bob Dylan, acoustic Zeppelin, and Neil Young, The Matt Keil Band takes classic sounds and remind us exactly why we lifted our lighters in the air in the first place.
Singer-songwriter, guitarist & band leader Matt Keil says, “Everything should be energetic. We’re trying to get a response all the time. We have songs that start off with a growing energy and that’s us trying to interact with the crowd and get them involved.”
Lesson One, the band’s first fully produced album combines the tones of rock, the grit of alt-country, the strong melodies of pop, the attitudes of punk, all while spinning the vivid imagery of life. Offering eleven tracks of original music Lesson One offers insight into stories told, journeys taken, and lessons learned of his past days.
The compelling reach of Matt Keil Band grabs you in the opening seconds of their latest release and never lets go through the course of a sonic hayride that takes us away from our troubled towns and into a brighter countryside. Led by Matt Keil’s energetic soul, vocals and musicianship, the tightly constructed tunes testify to their grasp of reflective song craft, breezy pop, and expansive exploration, all laid on the rock solid foundation of his supporting band.
The Matt Keil Band project involves the cooperation of over twenty musicians from the Midwest, each bringing a unique perspective to the musical table complimenting each track. He states, “I’ve discovered so many undiscovered and amazing talents that I wouldn’t be satisfied with a small band for the album. Everyone involved is the band.”
Born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, early on it was evident that Matt possessed a voice that demanded to be heard. Starting in choirs at age five he began to put the pieces of music together in his heart and mind, singing wherever there were ears to listen. Seven years of piano lessons developed his theory behind melodies, harmonies, and arrangements, and while studying sciences and singing concerts at Michigan State University he was introduced to the acoustic guitar. This passion would bring to life his first true musical journals at the age of 18.
The strong guidance, encouragement, and honest feedback of friends, family, business partners, and bar regulars helped transform these simple tunes into full theatrical arrangements. Matt Keil once said, “I’ve realized that music is my core, and my dream is to get all this music out of my head and into someone else’s.” With over 30 compilations to choose from he feels the songs featured on Lesson One will be the best debut of his talents as a singer songwriter.
Currently performing at multiple venues with a variety of the diverse musicians on the recorded album, he explains his performing technique, “Some nights I like to bring the crowd to their feet with five or six pieces. On others I like to bring that warm feel of a campfire with acoustic instruments. On all nights I sing my lungs out and go to bed satisfied that everyone including me had the best time.”
Hey! I saw you walking out of Lu's yesterday so I figured you didn't go to the concert :-( I want their other CD's. . you should make me copies plz :-) I've been great thanks. How about yourself?
Hey you! Thanks a bunch... AZ is great. It's starting to get HOT but we have another month or so until it's unbearable. Hope you're doing good. Miss ya!
Yo! Hey come down to our Xmas show next month and sit in on some tunes! It's at El Nibble Nook which is like a mile from CJ's Brewing Co. Also you should come check out Ballz Deluxe on the 5th at the Crofoot for our big XMAS party. Your old guitarist Jim's kid Ian will be shredding it up with DP too.
Ballz Deluxe CD Release Party is Saturday!!! It's at The Ritz in Warren and we have 3 of Detroits biggest bands on the bill as well. You should try and make it out! Chuck
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