Mat d. and the Profane Saints: Bio

Mathew deRiso - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo

Emerging as a critically acclaimed songwriter and performer in the folk music scene, Mat d. has entertained Midwestern audiences with his gritty approach to old time country and acoustic blues to create a dark signature sound best described as hard luck Americana. His lyrical themes focus on life from the darker side of the tracks with a raw sense of wit combined with a faint if not tarnished silver lining. Jim Pipkin of HickoryWind.org writes "Mat reminds me of a young Steve Earle with a more powerful set of pipes...Mat's songs are funny, crusty, dirty glimpses into an America out beyond the strip malls. The subjects of his songs flash by like memories of a road trip, with recurring themes of faith, cynicism, and finding what love the world throws at us." Mat has won Folk Rising's album of the year two years in a row for 2007's "Gasoline Rattle" and more recently for 2008's "Merciful 66" Gary Kappenman- head of A&R for Folk Rising LLC stated "as I sit here listening to Mat’s Merciful 66 album for about the 20th time, I’m considering that reviewers of Mat’s first solo album, 'Gasoline Rattle', reminded them of a young Steve Earle. While I enjoy listening to Steve Earle’s work, I believe Mat’s new album goes significantly beyond Steve Earle’s work in both the striking imagery of his lyrics and the heartfelt soulfulness he brings to his vocals." His music continues to turn the heads of audiences both young and old with his unmistakable voice and a modern, yet traditionally rooted songwriting style. Dark and compelling, somber and bittersweet, Mat's music not only haunts the soul - but inspires it. Mat is working on a third acoustic album to be released independently in Spring 2010 titled "Plank Road Drag"

Mat d and the Profane Saints

Singer/Songwriter Mat D began performing with percussionist Jeff Deignan and bassist Kurt Mullins in late 2006 after recording the "Mermaid EP" and "Small Town Burning..." at Mullin's studio. The band recruited guitarist Kelli Johnson and performed at regional venues, enjoying critical acclaim and a growing fanbase. The group released the EP "Brand New Faith" in Summer 2007. Mat D and Kurt Mullins managed to record two award winning folk/acoustic albums during this period(Gasoline Rattle and Merciful 66) and the band continued on until their breif break-up in Spring 2008. Kelli went on to form his own group and Bassist Bob Birch was asked to help the band finish their performance schedule with Kurt Mullins filling in on guitar duties. After success with a few shows, the group decided to continue on with Birch as a member of a new line-up. New material was written for the band's evolving sound and the album "Dirt Town City Limits" was released in Summer 2009 to critical acclaim and strong reviews. 2010 finds the band's line-up changing once more with the addition of new bass guitarist Bill Harstad.

Jeff Deignan - Drums and Percussion

Kurt Mullins - Electric Guitar

Bill Harstad - Bass Guitar