Matt Cranstoun
Warrington, Pennsylvania, United States | SELF
Music
Press
I interviewed Matt Cranstoun right before his appearance at The Rock Shop during CMJ where he told me there would be gospel singers. I couldn’t remember the last show I had been to with gospel singers so of course I went and boy am I glad I did. The energy jumped off the stage into the crowd and every mouth dropped in amazement as Cranstoun captivated the room. - YouSingIWrite.com
A first listen to Matt Cranstoun´s new single “Tattoo” is somewhat surprising. Once you´re about to get used to its sticking initial beat, the song manages to reinvent itself into something even better and quite more amusing. As it should, “Tattoo” sets the tone for what it is to be expected of The Last Drop Of Color, Cranstoun’s latest work, released on November 19th. Written by Matt and recorded with Chris Cubeta at Galuminum Foil Studios , the album brings his soulful, folk-ish feel throughout while also playing along with a range of styles going from rock to funky, modern grooves.
Matt’s early exposure to a drum kit and teenage experiences with jazz and more are easily apparent on his sophomore effort. The self taught multi-instrumentalist proves in The Last Drop Of Color that well executed ideas, when blended with all sorts of influences, become a successful path towards a solid, powerful record.
However, as great as the tunes themselves might be, Matt´s incomparable vocals are the element tying it all together. Not only is his voice highly emotional, the way he sings the words alone is enough to melt faces to the ground. Every single bit of his work becomes the most sincere statement about everywhere, everything and everyone.
Beyond all that, Cranstoun is a true force when it comes to live performances. Armed with a strong repertoire, deep, honest eyes and charisma that is nothing short from rarity, he has an outstanding effect over the audience. It is a difficult task not to give in to such heartfelt music.
This may be a last drop of color, but it is still more than plenty to color the lives of many.
By: Nilo Ayer - NYC Art Scene
For Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, Matt Cranstoun, music isn’t just what he does; it’s who he is. Known for his dynamic live show and the commanding effect he has on an audience, Cranstoun’s unique blend of soul, folk, funk and rock is fully imagined on his upcoming album The Last Drop of Color, out November 19. With the intensity of Ray LaMontagne and the soul of a gospel choir, Cranstoun's husky vocals and multi-instrumental talents create a genre-bending sound that speaks to the hard-working rockers of yesteryear. “I want to do it the way they did in the ’60s,” Cranston says of his musical journey. “I want to put a guitar on my back and I want to hitchhike and play music. If nothing happens, nothing happens. At least that’s an experience.” This blue collar mentality began on 2010’s By Framed Image - which Cranstoun funded, played, produced, home-mixed and recorded on his own. And the new album picks up where Image left off: more raw vocals, emotionally charged lyrics and experimental arrangements. Matt Cranstoun will release The Last Drop of Color on November 19 at New York City’s Mercury Lounge - a live music event sure to leave you wanting more. - Paste Magazine
On Matt Cranstoun's The Last Drop of Color, you'll learn a lot about trains. From describing the exits in New Jersey in 'These Tires,' to the righteous indignation of 'Disgrace,' there's a lot of comings and goings throughout. But all of these trains find their way back up to Cranstoun's adopted city of Brooklyn eventually. A homespun poet with a gift for the kind of Americana that Springsteen used to bring, Cranstoun is etching the gospel to New York's buildings and leaving us with some endearing experiences as naked as his revealing shot on the album's cover. This is an artist whose power comes from his range, showing on 'Aint Dead Yet' that he can handle funk and blues as well as he tears down the rafters in album opener '5th Street Lights.' Get Matt's latest at his bandcamp and you'll find yourself traveling too. - Mike Levine - The Deli Magazine
Visit www.Icoros.com to see Matt Cranstoun as the featured artist. Watch the video trailer taken by the Icoros video team. - Icoros.com
Named Outstanding performer for Philly's WXPN sponsored World Cafe Live yearly showcase. Matt will be performing in the monthly showcase in June. - World Cafe Live
Matt has one of the most soulful voices I have ever heard. He is a one take kind of singer. Which is rare in this protools era we live in... - Ground Hog Studio
...He is based in NY – Brooklyn to be exact – and has one of those voices that will perk your ears up a bit. His lyrics are touching and familiar – his voice goes from soft and sweet to powerful and commanding. I highly recommend that you check him out as I’m certain that we’ll be hearing more from this guy in years to come... - Lady Day - Erin Whelan / MOG.com
Discography
By Framed Image - 2010 - Clay Mile Records
The Last Drop Of Color - 2011 - Clay Mile Records
Photos
Bio
Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Matt Cranstoun is known for the commanding effect he has on an audience using only his words, voice and guitar. At times his music evokes a cathartic gospel show, while others, a quiet and intimate look into the songwriters psyche. Cranstoun's music is charged by the roots of folk and soul, in which every word--- whether whispered or howled-- expresses as much urgency as the next.
Cranstoun connects with his audience through performances that expose his passion, honesty and long lasting affair with both the creative process and its platform for expression. He offers up a raw sincerity in both the story being told and his personal relationship with it that extends outward powerfully through his voice. Cranstoun's voice has reminded listeners of a soulful hybrid of Van Morrison, Bill Withers and Paul Simon.
Cranstoun began as a drummer at eight years old and went on to teach himself guitar, bass and piano. Before he hit 20, he was out of the classroom and in the studio writing and recording his own songs, playing nearly all the instruments himself.
Following the completion of his first LP Wouldn't We All over ten years ago, he formed SWG, a high-energy funk, rock, and blues-fused band that quickly gained regional popularity. Their first show was in February 2001 at Conduit in Trenton, NJ on the same stage Matt would later open for Gavin Degraw on. After writing, performing and touring with the group for several years, Cranstoun left the band, moved from his hometown in Central New Jersey to New York, and began his solo career.
In 2010, he wrote, recorded, performed, produced and released By Framed Image independently. The album is intimate and raw with live solo performances alongside experimental arrangements and production. A close listen will reveal the neighborhood sounds outside Cranstouns Bed-Stuy apartment window.
On The Last Drop of Color, released in 2011, Cranstoun mixes multiple genres, displays versatile atmospheres and instrumentation, and achieves the balanced blend of styles that have inspired him, from the immortal worlds of classic soul and folk, to modern groove, funk and rock. His raw and emotional voice and unique and strong lyrics protrude throughout the broad spectrum of The Last Drop of Color.
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