Matthew Genovese

Artist Information

Biography

“Matthew Genovese is an artist worthy of spotlight and praise”
“star quality”
INDIE MUSIC DIGEST

“a premier talent”
“Give this guy a record deal already!”
INDIE SHARK

“substance and genuine star quality…and yes the ladies will tumble for him”
SKOPE


Not much can stop 22-year old Matthew Genovese. He was a Dean’s List student on scholarship at Boston’s world renowned Berklee College of Music, where he majored in songwriting, performance, and guitar.

In the spring of 2009 Genovese headed from ‘East to West’ to Los Angeles in search of ‘Gold’ – or even Platinum! He teamed up with veteran record producer Justin Gray (Joss Stone, Emma Bunton, Wide Mouth Mason), another Canadian Hollywood transplant, to write and record a full length studio album. They completed the first 6 songs late in 2009 which were given the working title, ‘Change’.

In 2010, Genovese and Gray continued to work on the final 5 songs, which now complete the soon to be released album, ‘East to West’. During this process Genovese began training with Roger Love, the famous ‘Vocal Coach to the Stars’ (John Mayer, Maroon 5, Gwen Stefani, The Beach Boys). “I’ve sung my whole life, but Roger increased my vocal range and taught me how to project my voice with confidence. Roger taught me how to be a singer”, says Genovese. “I studied with Roger for the year while working with Justin. My vocal development was so dramatic that we decided to re-record the vocals tracks on the first 6 songs”.

‘East to West’ features Genovese on vocals, guitar, guitalele, and harmonica, backed up by Justin Gray as well as Devin Hoffman on bass, and Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck, Herbie Hancock, Faith Hill) and Randy Cooke (Ringo Starr, Five for Fighting, Smash Mouth, Hilary Duff, Kelly Clarkson) on drums.

Genovese is a seasoned performer, having played full band and solo acoustic shows since the age of 15. He has received a number of international songwriting awards and nominations in competitions such as ‘Top Songwriter’ in the Song of the Year Songwriting Contest, ‘Pop Song of the Year’ by the Independent Singer-Songwriter Association (ISSA), the Song Wars Songwriting Competition, and the Independent Songwriters Competition. He was also invited to perform at the 2009 and 2010 Toronto Independent Awards in the ‘Best Live Showcase Series’ where he was selected as a Finalist.

Instrumentation

Matthew Genovese - Banjo, Harmonica, Lead Vocals and Lead Guitar
Brian Green - Guitar, BG Vocals
Bill Zimmerman - BG Vocals and Keyboards
Devin Hoffman - Bass, BG Vocals
Brandon (Spike) Phillips - Drums & Percussion

Discography

Today, Today, Today, produced by Gerry Mosby, Toronto, independent release, June 2005.

The Rhythm and The Reasons, produced by Tommy Sims, Nashville, independent release, May 2007

Change, Produced by Justin Gray, June 2009

East To West, Produced By Justin Gray 2011

Official Website

http://www.sonicbids.com/matthewgenovese

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter
• Matthew Genovese performs at The Mint in LA, 2010

Audio

• The Walls
  Listen  
• All of Me
  Listen  

Lyrics

• The Walls
• All Of Me

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Showcase Feature - Matthew Genovese [+ Show ]
  

  If anything can be said of Matthew Genovese, it’s that the Toronto-born singer/songwriter has a work...If anything can be said of Matthew Genovese, it’s that the Toronto-born singer/songwriter has a work ethic that would be hard to beat. After graduating from Boston’s Berklee College of Music, Genovese moved from Toronto to Los Angeles to team up with producer Justin Gray. Working together, they managed to release Change, a six-song EP, before getting back to the drawing board to write a full-length.
  
  Along the way, Genovese worked with vocal coach Roger Love (John Mayer, Gwen Stefani, The Beach Boys) to further develop his vocal abilities. Genovese says that after his lessons, his vocals had improved to the point where he felt it necessary to re-record the vocals on all the songs they had already finished. East To West is the final product of Genovese’s work. Now that it’s done, he’s excited to share his radio-ready pop rock with the world. Fans of Coldplay, Kings of Leon, and John Mayer should find lots to like in his music.
  

• Matthew Genovese song 'The Walls' named Best Song of the Month [+ Show ]
  

  Matthew Genovese, a promising pop/rock/alt. singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, has won the Song...Matthew Genovese, a promising pop/rock/alt. singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, has won the SongwriterUniverse “Best Song Of The Month” Contest for May, for his song "The Walls.” This song will be included on his upcoming album, East to West, which he will release digitally this summer.
  
  “The Walls” is an appealing, uptempo pop/rock song which has an easy-going, acoustic flavor. The lyrics are intelligent and articulate, about gently breaking down the walls in a potential relationship. The song provides a good showcase for Genovese's clear, expressive vocals, and also sportlights his excellent guitar playing. "The Walls" was expertly produced by Los Angeles-based writer/producer Justin Gray, who is known for his work with Joss Stone and Emma Bunton.
  
  Genovese, who is 22, was born and raised in Toronto, ON, Canada, and then he moved to Los Angeles in 2009. He began playing guitar when he was nine, and by age 13 he started to write songs. Growing up, Genovese was inspired by listening to such favorite artists as John Mayer, Sting and Paul Simon. When he was just 15, he recorded and released a full album of his songs called Today, Today, Today (produced by Gerry Mosby). Then two years later (in 2007), he traveled to Nashville to co-write & record a 7-song EP (called The Rhythm and The Reasons) with Grammy-winning writer/producer Tommy Sims (Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt).
  
  Following high school, Genovese received a scholarship offer from the Berklee College of Music, and he subsequently attended Berklee for 2 1/2 years. Then in the summer of 2009, he moved to Los Angeles, where he began collaborating with Justin Gray. Genovese & Gray originally worked together to record Genovese's 2009 EP, Change.
  
  
  Matthew Genovese
  However, upon the release of Change, Genovese received feedback that his vocals could be stronger. So he began training with prominent L.A. vocal coach, Roger Love (whose clients include John Mayer, Maroon 5 and Gwen Stefani). "I studied with Roger for the year while working with Justin," explained Genovese. "My vocal development was so dramatic that we decided to re-record the vocal tracks on the first six songs (of the Change EP)."
  
  These songs (featuring improved vocals) from Change, combined with Genovese's new songs such as "The Walls," should make for a strong new album release. East to West is the title of the new album, which Genovese will release digitally this summer. "I'm excited about releasing my East to West album," he said. "I also want to play live more, and I'm looking forward to co-writing new songs with some great writers."
  

• Artist Interview - Matthew Genovese [+ Show ]
  

  Matthew Genovese is a talented singer-songwriter currently from Los Angeles and is a Berklee College...Matthew Genovese is a talented singer-songwriter currently from Los Angeles and is a Berklee College of Music graduate. We were delighted when Matthew agreed to complete a full feature interview for Song Revelation so that we could share his impressive music portfolio with you. Read on to find out about, amongst other things, how he creates his memorable songs, who his musical inspirations are and what Matthew does to relax when not working. For full Interview see http://songrevelation.com/2011/07/artists-bands/up-and-coming-artists/artist-interview-matthew-genovese/

• Matthew Genovese is an artist worthy of attention, spotlight & praise" "star quality" - INDIE MUSIC DIGEST:- [+ Show ]
  

  Originally from Toronto, Canada, singer-songwriter Matthew Genovese spent 3 years in Boston studying...Originally from Toronto, Canada, singer-songwriter Matthew Genovese spent 3 years in Boston studying music at the renowned Berklee College of Music. He has recently been living in Los Angeles finishing his new LP “East to West” due for release in early 2011. His latest EP entitled “Change” was released in 2009. Genovese, on lead & back-up vocals and electric & acoustic guitars, is accompanied by Randy Cooke on drums and Justin Gray on bass & keyboards
  
  “Change” takes flight with “Key to My Kingdom”, an upbeat intro piece that serves up a steady rock groove against catchy vocal melodies & an impressive hooky chorus from Genovese. This first track is quite impressive as it ebbs and flows its way through to emotional fruition. Track 2, “The Girl I Knew Before”, keeps things moving with direct & thought provoking vocal delivery from Genovese, steady flowing rhythm, and smooth melodic guitar accents, making for an impressive follow up piece. Lyrics go - “You’re a perfect ballerina as you twirl and twirl and twirl, & even if you stop you can never stop the world” – nice lyrical touch there. Track 3, “Stop Wait Turn Around”, shifts gears a bit with its striking vocal intro, gradually building into an impressive ballad with a passionate vocal finale from Genovese. The CD makes a great first impression dashing out 3 solid songs in a row. The musicianship of everyone involved is clearly above the bar. Along the way you will notice the standard 4 piece delivery with other things like impressive solo guitar chops, nice sonic touches, & lush harmonies layered everywhere. As this CD slowly unfolds, it’s obvious the players in Genovese‘s band are rock solid. From the emotional “Wake Up” & thought provoking “Tonight” to the perfect finale piece “Don’t Change Yourself for Me”, this EP pretty much has something for just about everyone. “Change” delivers 6 solid tracks, all with messages that are uplifting, passionate & positive. The music of Matthew Genovese has everything you would expect from a top notch pop-rock production.
  
  Now turning our attention over to Genovese. As for his vocal abilities, his voice works extremely well within the confines of this catalogue. His vocals fill the space smoothly & unobtrusively. He takes several vocal risks throughout the EP indicating a strong & confident vocal ability. I suspect some of his vocal influences are John Mayer, Jason Mraz, & Jack Johnson, & perhaps a splash of Sugar Ray. All songs are extremely well crafted & consistent across the board. He’s got the voice, the looks, is a gifted guitarist, & writes great songs! I am placing my bet that he will be even bigger than any of us realize at the moment.
  
  I normally dedicate a potion of my reviews to point out any weaknesses As you can see I have nothing to report in this regard. For the record, I don’t give 10 start to EP’s. Having said that, this EP is one of the best productions I’ve heard this year!
  
  From start to finish “Change” from Matthew Genovese is an impressive collection of music. The songwriting is world class. All songs present consistent musical experiences, yet each possesses a unique personality, flair, & signature groove. Note for note, song for song there isn’t a weak moment on this entire EP. The writing & playing abilities of Matthew Genovese are rock solid, the melodies & harmonies are well crafted, & the lyrical content is packed to the hilt with conventional wisdom & messages of hope. Last but not least, the vocal presence of Matthew Genovese is world-class. He is an infectious artist worthy of spotlight, attention, & praise. He is a musical triple threat who possesses a lot of star quality. Changes goes down smooth, & will not only make you want to dance, but will lift your spirits in the process.

• Matthew Genovese - Review of 'Change' [+ Show ]
  

  So across my desk slides the new CD by Matt Genovese entitled “Change.” Did a little deeper I discov...So across my desk slides the new CD by Matt Genovese entitled “Change.” Did a little deeper I discovered that this Canadian lad not only has a great voice, plays guitar, writes amazing music – but he also spent several years attending Berkelee college in Boston before settling in LA to peruse a musical career.
  Change presents 6 amazing tracks that clearly prove Genovese has substance & genuine star quality. Music reminds me of Sugar Ray, Jack Johnson, & Jason Mraz. It’s a polished sounding musical appetizer from start to finish served up fresh with great playing, solid writing, amazing singing & yes the ladies will tumble for him.

• Urb.com: Next Great Singer/Songwriter (2009) [+ Show ]
  

  (Reviewed by Dan Vidal) Matthew Genovese has all the makings of a great singer/songwriter. He stu...(Reviewed by Dan Vidal)
  
  Matthew Genovese has all the makings of a great singer/songwriter. He studies guitar and songwriting at Berklee College of Music, and draws heavy influences from greats such as Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, and Jimi Hendrix. At only 20 years old, he’s already displaying an excellent sense of composition and a rapidly maturing vocal delivery. He keeps his lyrics simple and playful, but still poignant. “Boyfriends and Girlfriends” is an excellent example of this.
  
  Original Article here:
  http://www.urb.com/promotions/next1000/profiles/1602-Matthew+Genovese.php

• S. L. Feldman and Associates Reviews Genovese Showcase [+ Show ]
  

  Great guitar work, great look. You're a rock star. Diggin' the Tracy Chapman cover. Great songwritin...Great guitar work, great look. You're a rock star. Diggin' the Tracy Chapman cover. Great songwriting, musicianship, lyrics, image, vocals and presentation. Solid!
  
  Industry Showcase
  The Reverb
  April 29, 2007

• Maple Music Reviews Genovese Showcase [+ Show ]
  

  Good set. Great presentation, great vocals and image. Energy imitates the music. Good job of bringin...Good set. Great presentation, great vocals and image. Energy imitates the music. Good job of bringing out a crowd. Shows you're working it. Keep playing and writing. You've got something there. Good Stuff!
  
  Industry Showcase
  The Reverb
  April 29, 2007

Setlist

Basic Requirements

PDF Rider

Matthew Genovese Stage Plot

Calendar