Mat d. - Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin
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, who picked Mat d's album "Gasoline Rattle" as one of the top 4 CD's of 2007, 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 also cruised into 2008 with some 2007 accolades. Folk Rising, a community of musicians and acoustic music enthusiasts based in Sioux Falls, S.D. dedicated to helping the folk music scene reach new heights, named Mat's album "Gasoline Rattle" album of the year in 2007. Gary Kappenman, head of A&R for the organization said the record "combines the best of old acoustic roots/folk/country blues music with leading edge Americana blues and a hard driving gospel flavor. My favorite lyric is from his 'Bound for Glory' track which provides hope in the depths of despair with 'Baby, this train is still bound for glory, despite all of our rambling ways'". 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.