Matt Kabus
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Matt Kabus

Atlanta, Georgia, United States | SELF

Atlanta, Georgia, United States | SELF
Band Alternative Singer/Songwriter

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"Matt Kabus: From Garage Bands to the Big Stage"

He might appear the ordinary college student to some, but Grady student and singer/songwriter, Matt Kabus, has opened for huge musical acts like Sister Hazel, Alison Krauss and Zac Brown. A senior advertising major, Kabus graduated from UGA's Music Business Program last spring and is readily pursuing his passion — music.

Originally from Atlanta, Kabus began his college career at the University of Alabama. After realizing that Tuscaloosa was not going to be the place for him to launch his music career, he returned to Atlanta where he enrolled at Georgia State University for one semester. While at Georgia State he was playing gigs nonstop and soon found himself being recruited by the Music Business Program at UGA, headed at the time by Bruce Burch. According to Burch, the program gave Kabus "the business acumen to go along with the amazing talent he is blessed with."

He's also impressed Grady faculty as well. "Matt manages his time very well, always coming to class prepared with readings, assignments and questions, despite his own busy schedule outside of the classroom as a full-time musician who has performed at Sundance and other big venues," said Joe Phua, Grady assistant professor of advertising. "I believe that with these valuable qualities, he's a stellar example of Grady College's advertising program, and he will have a great career ahead."

Kabus credits his advertising major with giving him the knowledge and skills to market himself as an artist, while also allowing him to "flex his creative muscle."

Advertising professor Spencer Tinkham taught Kabus last fall in his advertising research course and discussed how Matt's musical talents "transpose" into the classroom. "After I learned that Matt is also an excellent musician and songwriter, his creative talents seemed somewhat inconsistent with the strong interest he had expressed in the mathematical aspects of research methods. Then, it occurred to me that music itself is quite mathematical (with timing, counting, measures, scales, transformations and complex relationships). So, in retrospect, I believe that the musical aspects of his life fit right in with his fascination with numerical concepts."



Grady advertising major Matt Kabus played at UGA's Relay for Life on April 20 taking the stage just before midnight.

Kabus flew out to Sundance Film Festival during his first semester at UGA with no bookings or performances scheduled. Through a series of unexpected events, he found himself onstage at the Fender Music Lodge performing in front of a large live audience as well as virtually in front of millions on sites such as fender.com and livestream.com.

"When there, I was taking out the trash at my condo and my neighbor — a music artist from L.A. — came out and said he was playing at the Fender Lodge and then invited me out. I told him I would call him at three the next day, so I call him and no answer. Against all odds, I went ahead to the front door of Fender and the older lady checking guests in alongside a bouncer says, 'You know, I like your energy. Come with me,' and she takes my arm, throws me inside, someone takes my Martin guitar, another hands me a Fender guitar and then all of the sudden I'm onstage playing my songs in front of celebrities. It was insane — I knew that I had to put on a hell of a performance and I did. From there I was interviewed and brought upstairs for gifting and I was invited back the next day," said Kabus.

The next year Kabus returned to Sundance to play at Fender once again. During this trip, he met with and performed in front of the senior vice president of Universal Records who was interested in Kabus' sound after hearing about the Fender Lodge show. He explains, "The Fender performance was kind of like a prerequisite that enabled me to play for him."

In January, Kabus performed at his third Sundance Film Festival. During this visit he once again played at Fender Lodge while also performing at a few private - News @ Grady - Arielle D'Avanzo


"From Open Mics to Marquee Headliners, Matt Kabus is Atlanta's Hidden Celebrity"

Welcome to the estranged metropolis we’ve come to call Atlanta, Georgia, the heart and soul of the Dirty South. Atlanta is a city in which only those who reside can try to personify, and truthfully, most of us have just about given up. We dwell in a self-appointed “community” where fine wine and prime rib is as common as sweet yams and fried okra, where a BMW drives high on your left and a ’77 Chevelle rides low on your right. In this extremist-defined population, we compromise and classify through our art: the makers, the players, the hustlers, and the good ole’ audience. Because here, if you’re not somebody, then you’re nobody. When mass appeal becomes irrelevant and art is enjoyed for the shameless sake of enjoyment, the people will congregate and decide the next representers of this mecca of manifold men, also known as Atlanta, Georgia.


Being a born and raised Atlantan, I have high standards for the coming generation of hometown talent. Especially in this era of fame-and-fast-game, raw artistry seems to be a forgotten species. Nonetheless, my purpose is to expose those who surpass the masses in emerging as outliers of their craft. That said, I introduce my next subject as just that: Atlanta vocalist, musician, and lyricist, the multi-talented Matt Kabus.

Matt Kabus is Atlanta’s hidden celebrity. An accomplished guitarist, pianist, and vocalist, Kabus lures his listeners with an intimacy of subconscious sincerity. His garage band beginnings eventually escalated into an individual exploration of musical self. Experimenting with this newfound independence propelled the full-blown music career in which he is situated today. Apprenticing in rap studios and mastering the art of production, he has attained the hands on knowledge necessary for thoroughly comprehending his field. Kabus has studied music business at the University of Georgia and is currently assembling the score for an independent film; he believes “this generation has to learn how to tackle all angles (of music) if (they) want to excel.”

From open mic bars to marquee headliners, Matt Kabus has progressively made a name for himself at the mere age of twenty-two. As a performer, his sound has been likened to that of John Mayer, but even so Kabus is a breed of his own. He leaves no trace of middle ground in song; when the first chord sounds, his innermost channels are awoken and he becomes his music. As seen in his self-titled EP, his music is a representation of his sentiments and revered as a personal time piece. Kabus, now back from gracing the stages at Sundance Film Festival, turns the page of his ever-unfolding story. Stay tuned for his upcoming album, as the artistry of Matt Kabus delves into its next chapter. - Art Nouveau Magazine


"Matt Kabus (pg. 11)"

If you have ever found yourself deeply lost in the lyrics of a song, waiting to see how a story unfolds, while an enigmatic singer/songwriter bares his soul, you might find that you’re at a live performance by Atlanta’s own Matt Kabus. In a world where simple lyrics and tunes abound, it is rare to find musical prose that captivates and transports you like Kabus’ does. His emotional writing and powerful music resonates to the very core of each of his listeners.

Kabus emerged onto the music scene as a solo performer as well as the lead and founder of the Matt Kabus Band. He has played at Sundance Film festival, The Classical meets Jazz Strings Festival in Steamboat Colorado, opened for Zac Brown, Sister Hazel, Matthew Mayfield and many more. Kabus was recently invited to join UGA in Italy to study theory and songwriting with renown composers. He continues to gain an increasing amount of support after each performance and has built a sizable fan base in the Southeast which continues to grow nationally.
Kabus currently plays between Atlanta and Athens on a regular basis. Some of the local spots you can catch him playing at are venues such as Eddie’s attic, Smith’s Olde Bar, the Vinyl, Masquerade, etc. His love for sharing his music runs so deep that you might happen upon him singing solo at the local pub one night only to find him on stage headlining a full-size venue the next. Kabus delivers a pure musical experience that brings a rush of satisfaction to any listener.

We expect great things to come from this rising Athens/Atlantan star. His plan is to continue to write original music and escalate his performances to venues all over the country in the coming year. For more information on Kabus's performance schedule, just visit his website at www.mattkabus.com or "like" is facebook page at www.facebook.com/mattkabusmusic.
- Atlanta's Finest Magazine


"AF Featured Artist | Matt Kabus"

There is an abundance of talented singers, songwriters, musicians and performers in the music scene today. It is rare to find a representation of the total package. Matt Kabus is a rising star with a fresh new sound that embodies the unique confluence of thoughtful lyrics coupled with memorable tunes.

How did it all started?
Kabus was born with the rhythm inside, his art surfaces through original songs that bookmark his life’s experiences. Matt’ original songs touch the heart. He writes, sings and plays with emotion that is rare and special to any audience he entertains.


During his high school years, he co-founded Abington court, and recorded his first original song, “angle of darkness”, found his muse and along with that his first high school hit. Kabus interned with DARP studios where he worked with dallas Austin and many billboard artists. While at DARP studios Kabus befriended Alvin Speights which let him to M-Studio Atlanta. “I learned much about the urban music industry thru atlanta studio intern work,” the musician says.

Upon entering college at the University of Alabama, he began concentrating solely on writing and performing his own music. Kabus’ original song “picture frame” was his first song to get radio play.

In 2009, the University of Georgia business of music recruited Kabus. He has become a staple of the greater Atlanta music scene while building a following in Athens. Kabus attributes most of his vocal ability to his vocal coach, Jan Smith. From his first solo open mics in 2008 to now, Kabus has performed various nationwide venues amphitheatres opening for a diverse list of national touring bands both solo or with his band.

His music has been influenced greatly by John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Ryan Adams, Shawn Mullins, Jack Johnson, Goo Goo Dolls, Sara Bareilles, and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic.



So, who is Matt Kabus?
When I transferred to UGA, as a solo musician in Athens, I knew that it was time for extra instrumentation on stage. I yearned for the sonic/energy support bringing out everything I intended for in each song. One day in a music class, I had the opportunity to showcase one of my original songs to the other students. The same day, one of the students in that class introduced me to Ryan Harris, the keyboardist. A few months later, I connected with JJ, the drummer, at one of the shows he’d been performing with the Hip/hop group he was in. He came out to one of our shows and soon later switched bands. At the time, we had been playing with a number of different bassists holding down the foundation. One day we were under the gun to find an available bassist for a last minute gig, so I reached out to a friend in the music program at UGA, and he connected us to “Tank” the upright bassist. It was as soon as the first rehearsal that I knew he had connected with our music and would offer an element to our songs far beyond merely holding down the foundation.


Why do you want to record and release your music?
Every once in a while, people beyond my age give me the pleasure vs. pain test regarding my music career. Honestly, it can be stressful spending countless hours a day taking on all aspects of my music career from booking to managing to performing, but all of that “pain” fall short of the “pleasure” I get from bringing music out from inside my head and performing or recording it. As it seems imperative for someone pursuing a music career to record and release his or her music for the sake of following one of the very few career guidelines present in a artist’s path to success, I also record my music because personally, each song more or less creates a picture of that particular time of my life. Looking back on previous recordings whether on my handheld recorder or computer, I can determine where I was as a songwriter and can also reminisce on the song content which sometimes can even serves as the impetus for new inspiration.


Do you write your own lyrics? What are your songs usually about?
Yes, I do. I used to write a lot about love. Although I continue to write about love, I find myself also writing about situations I’ve noticed/experienced that had an lasting impression on me. Along with that, I write about some personal theories of spiritualism and things of that nature.


Who are your musical influences?
I can’t say that I have a specific artist that has been a consistent influence thru the years. I’ll listen to all sorts of artists/bands but then find myself becoming attached to a few artists at a time for a few weeks and discover what elements of their music draw me to them. I might then hear some of those elements coming to mind when writing. Lately, I’ve been influenced by artists like Paramore and OneRepublic for their sense of power and movement within their songs, but I have also been listening lately to Fleet Foxes for their more organic elements.


What made you realize you wanted to become a musician?
After I tried working a 9 to 5 in a cubicle haha. After playing in a rock band thru high school, I started playing cover gigs around town at various restaurants/bars. After a few shows, I started to put some original songs on the songlist just for kicks, but after I’d play those original songs, people would show interest and come up to ask about them. At that point I thought I’d give the original artist thing a shot. I started to write a ton more, performed them live, and gained a bunch of support. From there my folks became a huge support and people higher up in the industry were coming out of the woodwork with all sorts of helpful information. I then took music business classes, interned at 2 recording studios and a performing rights organization to best position myself for the career ahead.


How would you describe your music to people?
I always have a hard time answering that question. I guess it’s emotionally powerful and melodic pop rock with an organic quality.


What are your immediate music career goals?
My goals looking ahead into the next 3 months are to finish the new record, complete the album, configure distribution, and prepare for the big CD release party from PR and marketing to what all is going into the performance.


How would you define being “famous”?
It seems like some might use fame as a unit of measure regarding how many people know an individual. Others might deem it the level of success a particular individual has achieved. As I agree with the above, I believe fame to be what distinguishes one from the rest. What makes that person unique in what they want to offer the world.


So you’ve heard of the term “starving artist” before, How do you cope with major obstacles?
I definitely do know the term and I could have become one if I hadn’t made friends with older musicians a few years ago to each give me their two cents on the matter. To avoid that situation, I work day jobs that can in some way apply to my music career. That way, I can have nights and weekends open for performing and can afford to play exposure shows. As far as other major obstacles, time management has been a pretty dependable one over the years. To cope with this obstacle, I make prioritized “to do” lists. This way, I don’t dilute my efforts and end up putting the true number one in priorities on the back-burner.


Any advice you want to give to other musicians out there?
I hope that there is some useful information above as far as advice goes for musicians, but here are some other things that come to mind:

Listen to as much music as you can, play as much as you can, and then learn diverse cover diverse songs.
Befriend and support other performers. There is no sense looking at other performers as competition. Keep your blinders on when you feel urged to compare to other artists.
Make a business plan. A goal is merely a wish without a timeline, so start with a 12 months. Get greedy with it. You’d be surprised by the amount of stuff you can accomplish in a short amount of time if you roll up your sleeves and stick to your plan.
Give as much music as you can away for free.
Without diluting your own needs, give as much positive energy as you can to others. It always comes around. This is probably the most important advice I can give. I hope this helps!
If you want to know more about Matt Kabus check out their AlmostFamous Profile. - Almost Famous


"GET LOCAL: Much to discover at this year’s DCAF"

Matt Kabus is from Georgia, but he spent two years at The Capstone studying and playing music. He started out playing pop music but has progressed into more of a “singer/songwriter with some added instrumentation to carry the emotion.” He has since moved back to the Peach State but will play Tuscaloosa this weekend and on an upcoming tour. - www.tuscaloosanews.com


"Hot Musician - The Next Rising Star"

Although born in New Jersey, Matt Kabus was certainly raised as a southern boy. His musical talents date back to playing piano as a boy and clarinet in high school but what really has his is heart is his precious guitar and microphone. This unsigned artist is more than just a coffee shop star; he will soon be on your iPod. Matt is a student at UGA and part of the music business program. He is networking and working his way to the top, one listener at a time. A fan once described his sound as "emotional rock," and Kabus is totally cool with being known that way, saying as long as it makes the fan happy. Matt dished on his dream come true, "my dream is to play in front of a stadium of people. I turn the microphone to them and they are singing my song back to me. That will be the defining moment in my music career." I pulled Matt away from the recording studio to get a more in depth look at his journey through the music industry.

How did you get started with music?

When I was three or four I started banging on the piano. My mom said, "we need to get you piano lessons," and for the next ten years, that what I did. By that point, I wanted to branch out. I really gained an appreciation for orchestral movements at a middle school level. I was a little bit of a "clarineter" from grades 5-9. I soon found myself branching out to guitar. I taught myself from knowing piano chords and paired them with internet tabs.

How were your first performances?

At my first open mic, I was really nervous, I was up there all by myself. there was a guy there, Fran Vidal of Grassroots Entertainment, that saw that I had talent and wanted to start booking me around Atlanta. Once I was booked at more places, it started to become more of a job and taking up more time, but I loved it. I say "a job" because I was actually making money off it. I was writing more and doing covers at restaurants. I soon started taking it more seriously. I was working as an intern at a recording studio the summer before I started college with Dallas Austin Record Production (DARP) and that allowed me to see the music business on the urban side, which allowed me to gain a new perspective as well as learn how to build relationships with the important people in the business.

What have you done in Athens to promote yourself?

When I started at Georgia State, I was really taking the in the life of a musician and student. I was living in a studio apartment playing three-four shows a week. I was leaning also how to social network. I had started a really good momentum going in Atlanta. Then, when I transferred to UGA, I had to figure out some other ways to move the momentum that I had created or to start a new fan base. I quickly learned that it is highly difficult when you don’t know anyone. Last semester, I was learning more about what I had to do and what were the good bars to play at. I paired up with some charity groups and sororities to get my name out there and help their cause. This year, I continued to promote my original set and sound. To an extent, I was tired of playing covers. I started actively seeking out band members so I could start this up out here. As people started hearing about my band and me, there were film teams at UGA what asked me for my music, which was pretty cool.

What inspires the lyrics you write?

I write a lot about love I started writing about other things but I keep finding myself gravitating towards love. I write a lot about feelings; I have found out that more people can relate to those kinds of songs. It connects the listener to me and not just the music. I want them to feel what I am feeling not just know what I felt like at the time. My girlfriend is a big part of my latest song. I am so excited about recording it as well as all the new ones. This next batch of songs is a good representation at where I am at in my life.

Have you ever heard your song on the radio?

When I lived in Alabama, I did. My songs were a big hit there. When I first heard a song of mine on the radio it felt like a natural high. The station had announced what time they were playing it and some buddies of mine ran into my dorm room and told me it would be play in just minutes. I freaked out when they called my name out and played my song. Ever other day, I would get texts from folks saying they heard my tunes on their ride in to class.

What experience would you like to share with Study Break readers?

I got the lucky opportunity to play at the Sundance Film Festival in the Gibson Lounge. I took a chance on going out there knowing I needed to just dive into it. While taking out my trash outside the condo, I ran into an Artist who was to play at the Gibson lounge the following day. As I had absolutely no gigs booked at the time, I felt like this was my first lead in my westbound weekend adventure, so, I got his number. I got to the Gibson Lounge that next day which might I add that people off the list were being denied left and right at the door. And may I also add, these folks put up a fight. I finally reached the door, I stumbled for my words, and the doorwoman, for some reason, decided to give me a chance. I was thrown inside the lounge, my Martin taken, they gave me a Gibson, and they threw me on stage. It was all lightening fast. As my senses caught up to reality, the next thing I knew, I saw my face on the three big screens at the back of the room. I realized that this was my shot to give it my all. I started playing my song “Roller Coaster” and when I looked up at the crowd during the instrumental portion, women connected to my song in the front row were crying. The best part of this experience was that I had absolutely no gigs booked flying out there, and now the Gibson lounge has invited me back and referred me around. Believe in yourself and take the risk.

- Study Breaks Magazine


"Matt Kabus Performs at Nuci's Space for UGA Business of Music Program"

Matt Kabus, a strikingly attractive and talented young man on acoustic guitar with a full backing band. While his looks might have gotten eyeballs on the stage, his vocal strength kept the crowd interested. Kabus sang pop music that sounded polished and pretty enough for Top 40 radio, but refrained from directly channeling his style from the current charts. Sure many of the lively and bright numbers brought to mind Jason Mraz and John Mayer, but he manipulated his vast range with unexpected inflections that made the songs unique. The backing band was well rehearsed and the guitarist stood out on several occasions with noteworthy solos, while the rest of the band ably accompanied without overpowering the acoustic guitar. The strong point of the set was the darker and folksier song “Wrought Iron Fields,” where Kabus’ vocals became more nasal as he tells a coming of age tale. He used this song as a jump off into Van Morrison’s “Moondance,” where he changed the key and improvised a scat-like interlude. At times Kabus laid the cheese on a little thick gazing intimately into the audience and trying to persuade them to sing back at him, but his talent surpasses those gimmicks and his vocals and energy are likely to bring a crowd in the future. - Thomas Winston Dangler


"Ashford Manor"

This Atlanta-based singer-songwriter has a sweet pop voice and delivers heartfelt acoustic ballads. - Flagpole Co.


Discography

Matt Kabus EP#1 (2010)
-Crossroads
-Fly Away
-Roller Coaster
-Picture Frame

A Rock By The Sea Christmas : Volume Two (2011)
-Christmas Moon

1st full record to be released Spring 2012
-C Chord
-Can I Say
-Piece of my Heart
-Girl in the Glasses
-Down at the Beach
-American Dream
-Here's to You
-In the Morning
-(More to be announced)

Radio Play:
WVUA 90.7 FM "The Capstone" Tuscaloosa, AL
WBOR 91.1 FM Brunswick, ME
WUOG 90.5 Athens, GA
920 WHJJ
FM98 WJLB
104.1 WTQR
WENN FM
106.1 WNGC
99.3 KISS FM
93.1 WPOC
96.7 - 102.5 City Beat

Photos

Bio

There is an abundance of talented singers, songwriters, musicians and performers in the music scene today. It is rare to find a representation of the total package. Matt Kabus is a rising star with a fresh new sound that embodies the unique confluence of thoughtful lyrics coupled with memorable tunes.

Kabus emerged onto the music scene as a solo performer as well as the lead and founder of the Matt Kabus Band. He has played at Sundance Film festival, The Classical meets Jazz Strings Festival in Steamboat Colorado, opened for Zac Brown, Sister Hazel, Ed Roland, Matthew Mayfield and many more. Kabus was recently invited to join UGA in Italy to study theory and songwriting with renown composers. He continues to gain an increasing amount of support after each performance and has built a sizable fan base in the Southeast which continues to grow nationally.

Kabus currently plays between Atlanta and Athens on a regular basis. Some of the local Atlanta spots you can catch him playing at are venues such as Eddie’s attic, Smith’s Olde Bar, the Vinyl, Masquerade, etc. His love for sharing his music runs so deep that you might happen upon him singing solo at the local pub one night only to find him on stage headlining a full-size venue the next. Kabus delivers a pure musical experience that brings a rush of satisfaction to any listener.

Recently, Kabus won best performance to represent Heineken Beer Inc. at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Also, his original song "Picture Frame" was placed on MTV's 16 & Pregnant (Season 4 Episode 10). Kabus also composed the music for Ted Turner's Captain Planet foundation video, which aired during his annual event, held this past year at the GA Aquarium. Later that night, he went on to open for Alison Krauss for the event's entertainment.

We expect great things to come from this rising Athens/Atlantan star. His plan is to continue to write original music and escalate his performances to venues all over the country in the coming year. For more information on Kabus's performance schedule, just visit his website at www.mattkabus.com or "like" is facebook page at www.facebook.com/mattkabusmusic.

His music has been influenced greatly by Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Ryan Tedder, and Sara Bareilles.

Online Retailers:
iTunes, Amazon, iLike, Last.fm, eMusic, and more.