Matt Cusson

Artist Information

Biography

Matt Cusson, an award-winning singer/songwriter and pianist, continues to wow audiences and prove that he is the real deal. He is a gifted self-taught musician who excels in jazz, pop, and soul, as demonstrated by his expert writing and arranging skills on his critically acclaimed self-titled debut album of 2009. That same year, Matt won (by unanimous vote) the John Lennon Songwriting Contest's top annual prize - the Maxell Song of the Year - for his jazz ballad "One of Those Nights". That song also won the Billboard Songwriting Award in the Best Jazz Song category, and came in second in the International Songwriting Competition, as well as being nominated for a 2011 Los Angeles Music Award for “Best Male Vocalist” and “Best Jazz Song”.

Matt attended Berklee College of Music, where he performed in the exclusive "Singer Showcase", which highlights the school's top eight singers. He cites many musical influences, such as James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Djavan, Miles Davis, and John Mayer, just to name a few. Even more impressive is the list of artists he has performed with, including Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, the Roots, Babyface, Christina Aguilera, and Livingston Taylor. Matt has been working and touring with his mentor and friend, Brian McKnight for the past several years. He also performs regularly with Javier Colon, the 2011 winner of the hit NBC show “The Voice”. Matt performed with both Javier and Cee Lo Green for the 2011 Rockefeller Tree Lighting show. Javier sings the soulful duet “Same Old Song” on Matt’s debut album, and Matt is a featured pianist on Javier’s upcoming album with Universal Records.

Matt is a three-time "Amateur Night at The Apollo" winner, has performed with Brian McKnight on "Live with Regis and Kelly", and was a musical guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, ABC's "The View", and Bravo's "Millionaire Matchmaker", where he performed his song "Here's To You and Me". He was a featured performer on the international "Michael Jackson - Man In The Mirror" tour in 2010. Perhaps more inspiring is his constant effort to share his talent by supporting various charities, such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Songs of Love, Defenders for Children, Hillcrest Educational Center, and Community Resources for People With Autism, as well as his local food pantry. It has always been in Matt's nature to give back, and although Matt has performed all over the world, he remains very close to his family and friends in his hometown of Pittsfield, MA.

“You can tell right away when Matt starts playing that he is the real thing.”
– James Taylor

“Matt has an incredible gift.” – Brian McKnight

"Matt Cusson is honestly one of the most talented musicians I've ever met. When I heard him live for the first time, I was blown away not only by how well he sang and played, but how easy he makes it seem. I became an instant fan. There are a lot of artists out there, but few even come close to the amount of talent he has. He combines Jazz, R&B, Pop like nobody I know. He's so good he makes you want to go home and practice your scales. If you haven't had a chance to hear Matt, you're missing out on a world class artist." - Javier Colon, Universal Records and winner of NBC’s “The Voice”

Instrumentation

Matt Cusson - vocals, piano, guitar

Discography

Matt Cusson - Self-titled debut album
Released December 2008

Singles:
One of Those Nights
Same Old Song (Featuring Javier Colon)

Official Website

http://mattcusson.com/

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter

Audio

• Every Step
  Listen  
• Comfortable
  Listen  
• One of Those Nights (Mastered)
  Listen  
• Here's To You And Me
  Listen  
• LEAVING LA (RMX)
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Here's To You And Me
• Leaving L.A.

Video

MATT WHY WHdY

Matt Cusson College Promo Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Album Review [+ Show ]
  

  Matt Cusson was one of the best kept secrets in the music industry. After the release of his debut ...Matt Cusson was one of the best kept secrets in the music industry. After the release of his debut album, the secret is out! Matt's self titled album is truly a work of art that displays musicianship of the highest degree. If one was to listen to his use of sensual lyrics in a classy & elegant way (Heaven), along with the slow yet sensual melodies, one can't help but put a smile on their face. Matt Cusson, on this album, shows his amazing ability to make a song sound so simple, but in reality, it's very hard to duplicate due to the complexity of the chords and his on distinct, unique voice (Comfortable) & (Like A Lover). As stated earlier, his great musicianship shows through songs like "One Of Those Nights" where his ability to create such a great Jazz tune matched with beautiful lyrics or the simple yet amazing poetic lyrics that he uses (Every Step), (Once Upon A Time) & (You Don't Have To Hurry Home). For the avid vocalist, he even displays a complex A capella tune that makes you just want to give him a pat on the back. Matt's unique sound is not only commendable and admirable, it's just something that makes you appreciate good, REAL music and it makes you appreciate the fact that people are still putting out great music. This is a must buy for the listener who appreciates smooth sounds, classy & sensual lyrics, and beautiful melodies.

• Jai D Shea Entertainment
  

  "Matt's voice transends any reality of what sound should evoke in a person..."

• Livingston Taylor [+ Show ]
  

  "Matt is the Michael Jordan of music" -on the album "Real music, from a real artist. A world cl..."Matt is the Michael Jordan of music"
  
  -on the album
  "Real music, from a real artist. A world class album. Finally a music light to walk towards.
  -Livingston Taylor

• Brian McKnight
  

  "Matt has an incredible gift"

• Broadway League of Urban Arts and Entertainment
  

  "The future in acoustic soul has arrived"

• Wilmer Valderrama [+ Show ]
  

  "I had the pleasure of listening to matt's music on his myspace site.... he is amazing. With his tal..."I had the pleasure of listening to matt's music on his myspace site.... he is amazing. With his talent and look... he's going to go far"

• Marta Gomez (chesky records) [+ Show ]
  

  "Matt's voice it's so pure and clear that it almost sounds like a whisper; As if he was telling you ..."Matt's voice it's so pure and clear that it almost sounds like a whisper; As if he was telling you a secret , singing just for you...I perfectly remember the first time I heard him. the sound that came out of his mouth was so unique that every person around him had to stop what they were doing and just listen to that voice that came from another world. Suddenly I had to close my eyes and could not stop smiling, it was like I had to appreciate his music with all my senses not to miss a single note"

• Matt Cusson on ABC's The View
  

  "Matt is a star in the making"

• Shoshana Bean (Wicked, Hairspray) [+ Show ]
  

  "Matt Cusson is an unbelievable songwriter and musician. He's poetic in his storytelling and has th..."Matt Cusson is an unbelievable songwriter and musician. He's poetic in his storytelling and has the most incredible ear for music. Combining his knowledge and love of jazz and soul. . . .I am constantly surprised by the range with which he sings and plays.”

Setlist

Basic Requirements

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