Matthew Inkala & the Hostages

Minneapolis born poet and singer-songwriter Matthew Inkala describes his original folk-rock compositions as 'hopefully romantic'. The lyrics are intimate, honest and based mainly off of Matthew’s own life experiences. Along with his band The Hostages, Matthew brings his unique interpretations of personal experience to appreciative live audiences as well as to his albums.

His 2009 solo recording effort entitled 'this old man' is a stripped down collection of dark, atmospheric songs about the ending of a relationship. Matthew describes it as sad, but with redemption. "To shape a man it takes mistakes and mending/The endless drag will not be my ending".

While compiling an album of original love songs in 2008, Matthew joined the popular local ska/rock/reggae band The Skaliticians as their bass player. Intrigued by the potential of the music, most of the members of the band joined Matthew in support of his new project. He liked their contributions so much that he decided they weren’t going anywhere, and Matthew Inkala & The Hostages were formed. The addition of drums, guitars, bass, trumpet, accordion, keyboard and congas infused Matthew's heartfelt vocals with new life and inspiration, culminating in the release of the band's 2010 debut album 'One Footed Pigeon.' Recorded at Flowers Studio in Minneapolis with Engineer Peter Anderson, three of the 15 tracks feature Brian McLeod- drummer for local favorites Mason Jennings and Atmosphere.

Matthew Inkala & the Hostages are currently working on their 2nd Full Length Studio Album titled ‘As Engines & Faucets Roar…’ Singer-songwriter and long-time friend Dan Popp has joined The Hostages on keys and backing vocals and Drew Stevenson has taken over on bass guitar.

The new album is both about reminiscence and jumping into life’s river. It’s about overcoming adversity and dealing with loss. While recording demos for the album in his apartment, the sounds of people turning their faucets on and off and cars speeding down the road outside found their way into Matthew’s recordings, thus the new album title ‘As Engines & Faucets Roar…’ The album will be released when it’s ready, sometime towards the end of 2013. Check out matthewinkala.com for song samples, pictures/video, lyrics and news about the bands upcoming shows and album release.