Matt York (vox/guitar), and a bad-ass lineup of regulars including, Jaret Koop (bass/vox), Joel Parisien (keys/percussion/vox), Scott Galloway (keys), Justin Koop (electric guitar), Mike Todd (electric guitar/vox), Ben Rollo (drums/vox) and Mike Scime (drums)
Influences
Stevie Wonder, Andy Stochansky, John Mayer, James Taylor, The Brand New Heavies,The Beatles, Bill Withers, Carole King, Ben Harper, Dave Matthews, Soulive, Blessed Union of Souls, Terrence Trent D'Arby, Martin Sexton, Marc Broussard, Friends: Nine Mile, Melissa Larkin, Benefits of Doubt, Joel Parisien, Peter Katz, Jaret Koop, Tomi Swick. the list of brilliance goes on...
Sounds Like
The lovechild of Martin Sexton and Stevie Wonder with a little pinch of old gospel soul. amen.
"Producing a slam-dunk your first time out is hard to do, but York has come perilously close." Krissie Callahan, Just Another Song
Matt York isn't your typical boy with a guitar. Physically he's just that – a boy and a guitar. Soulfully he's far from it. When he takes the stage the room fills with anticipation for that first note, the first sound of that voice and the beginning of an experience Matt's fans have been coming back for over and over again. For the newcomers, it's intense. They've heard the songs and the stories from friends, but they really don't know until that voice makes its way through the microphone providing them with what they've come for. After that first taste, like everyone else around them, it's unanimous – they're in.
Matt York's style – an eclectic blend of acoustic soul, jazz and rock has been captivating audiences and redefining the "boy-with-guitar" genre since his first show in 2003 with acoustic pop duo Nine Mile. As a self-taught guitarist Matt has the ability to tap into the mainstream and provide insightful, funky alternatives that has nurtured a dedicated local fan base as well as lovers of the Matt York vibe in markets across the globe.
In the fall of 2004 Matt went into the studio with producer and good friend Justin Koop (Tomi Swick, Joel Parisien, Billy Talent) to start work on his first full-length release. Koop, a master of sound and expression worked with Matt to put together an album that would give listeners that live experience and truly capture the essence of Matt's music. The resulting Under the Streetlights was released to a capacity crowd (500) at Toronto's legendary El Mocambo and marked a new era in Matt's musical journey.
Described by some as the lovechild of Martin Sexton and Stevie Wonder, Matt has been gaining recognition not only for his soaring vocals and truly unique rhythm-based style of playing, but for his dedication to his fans and to himself. Matt's work on all aspects of his project has been receiving praise from industry and fellow musicians alike. His self-designed website and merchandise have both won a number of awards including top honors at Toronto's Indie Week. As well, in the spring of 2005 Matt planned and embarked on a 23-date tour of eastern Canada and the Northeastern US with his band bass player Karl Craddock and drummer Mike Scime. This tour connected Matt with well known musicians such as Ryan Montbleau, Todd Martin, and SYD - an accomplishment that speaks to Matt's ability to build and maintain friendly relationships with individuals in all facets of the music industry. Matt has also opened for/played with G.Love & Special Sauce, State Radio, Percy Hill, Andy Stochansky, Matthew Barber, Alannah Myles Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers, The Alternate Routes, Speechwriters LLC, The Pocket Dwellers and many more. Matt recently completed a 1-month tour of Tokyo, Japan after licensing his record "Under the Streetlights" to Japanese label Entak/Universal which was critically acclaimed. His single, "Hey Love" made the top 50 on the Tokyo radio charts.
Matt is currently writing and recording for his new record to be released in early 2008.
The deadline for the new cd fast approaches. My birthday is on Tuesday and if you remember you did promise. :)....Joke foolin. I can't wait for the new one. It is going to be super I can feel it.
Hey Matt - "Someday" sounds fantastic... a great preview for sure. Thank you! The girls and I send our best for your upcoming race for such an important cause. Be safe. Cheers, Patti~
Watching Mr. DVD right now. Sounds great. I would have been right up in front dancing with the girls....my craziness tends to be contagious. Love Souls!
I wish! nah I have to stay in cold grey Toronto! Have a blast! John is a great dude! Last time I met him he told me that he had been to my MySpace. It kinda weirded me out!