Matt Morris performs music you want to sing along with. His songs are seductive, addictive, playful, soulful, and unforgettable. Each song from his upcoming album causes you to move with the groove, swing your hips, slow dance, or pump your fist.
Matt’s musical career began at age seven when he performed “Blue Suede Shoes” to an audience of 15,000, receiving a standing ovation. It’s been hard to get him off the stage ever since. He joined the new Mickey Mouse Club when he turned 11, and that’s where he met collaborator and producer Justin Timberlake. It was shortly after the MMC television show that Matt discovered his gift for songwriting which has landed his songs on records by Christina Aguillera, Kelly Clarkson and other leading artists in the pop, rock, and country markets.
In May 2007, Matt signed with Justin’s label Tennman Records. Matt then went to work on his full-length release, produced by Austin legend Charlie Sexton. Before the album was finished, Matt opened the Bonnaroo Music Festival in June 2008 to an enthusiastic reception. After the debut of his new songs at Bonnaroo, Matt released an acoustic EP titled "Backstage at Bonnaroo and Other Acoustic Performances" in September 2008. Understanding that many of his fans know him as an acoustic artist, Matt wanted to offer them a taste of what they love – songs performed with just his guitar and piano to accompany his remarkable voice.
“I come from a family where music is played at every large gathering, where people sway in their seats to the melody, and sing along to old familiar songs,” explains Matt. “That will always be a part of who I am - a part of my music. My full-length record will have much more musical texture to offer listeners, but I never forget where all my songs started: just a guitar or a piano in my living room.”
During the fall of 2008, Matt opened for Joan Osborne on her “Little Wild One” tour. Matt’s powerful voice and stage presence won over critics and positive reviews for his performances began to pour in. The Boston Globe said Matt possessed "a mesmerizing vocal gift," and the Portland Tribune raved that Matt was a “head-turning master of soul-pop." Joan invited Matt on stage to perform a duet of Jump Little Children’s hit “Cathedrals,” which brought down the house night after night.
In 2009, Matt’s star continues to rise. Matt just completed a West Coast tour opening for folk legends, the Indigo Girls. Again, Matt became a fan favorite, earning standing ovations and calls for encores. Audiences were thrilled when Amy Ray and Emily Saliers invited Matt back on stage to lend harmonies and vocals for “Closer to Fine” and “Heartache for Everyone.” Matt also made waves with recent appearances at the San Francisco Music Technology Summit and at South by Southwest.
Currently, Matt is adding the final touches to his highly anticipated full length release "The Un-American LP." Sexton, who produced albums for Lucinda Williams and who has toured with legends like Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, joined forces with Justin Timberlake to create a record that Tennman Records president Ken Komisar calls, “just unbelievable.” Along with a few guest surprises, Matt has made an album that will have something for everyone. Says Timberlake, “Matt is kind of like Ray LaMontagne meets Elton John meets Stevie Wonder meets Rufus Wainwright... It's time for the birth of the hybrid artist."
"Backstage at Bonnaroo and Other Acoustic Performances" is available on iTunes, Amazon.com and anywhere you purchase your favorite music online. Look for "The Un-American LP" on September 15th, 2009.
Saw the video. You never cease to amaze me with your talent! I think you played this in Fort Collins; I know that I have heard you sing it before. You rock like a hawk, but you already know that! <3 Take care and God bless!
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