Matt Macaulay

Interesting, clever, creative singer songwriter music with a touch of jazz
George Graham - Homegrown Radio WVIA (Nov 24, 2009) - George Graham - Homegrown Radio WVIA (Nov 24, 2009)

A skilled mult-instrumentalist who makes dreamy, jazzy folk-rock reminiscent of John Martyn and Nick Drake but his is harder to pigeonhole. Whispery vocals over guitar going from fiercely fiery to delicate, often in the space of a single song. -mark this album
Rick Allen - Vintage Guitar Magazine (Nov 6, 2009) - Vintage Guitar Magazine(Nov 6, 2009)

Matt Macaulay is an amazing Singer/Songwriter and equally amazing guitarist who instantly will mesmerize you with his powerful soulful vocals, electrifying guitar playing skills, colorful tunes, and meaningful lyrics. The Woonsocket, RI native knows how to Rock and each of his tracks will definitely show how much the artist can rock. We caught up with Matt in this special spotlight who was more than willing to share a piece of who he is with our Webzine. Enjoy the spotlight!

Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for Matt Macaulay?

Matt: 2008 was a productive year for me. From October-December of 2007 I started recording some of the basic tracks that are on the new album. After that, I took the next 6 months to write more and obsess about the record. In June, I went back into the studio and finished recording the first batch of songs and added a few more. From mid July to the beginning of September, I had a chance to live in Stockholm. While I was there, I edited the record and prepared it for mixing. When I got back to NYC, I started the mixing process and finished between September and December. By the end of the year, the album was ready to be mastered.

Isaac: Describe the music scene in New York City.

Matt: The New York City music scene is amazing just because there are so many people making music here. For me, the modern jazz and avant-garde scenes are the most interesting. It is really inspiring for me to hear and see so many of my favorite musicians on a regular basis. As far as my music goes, I'm still trying to figure out where it fits in.





Published: April 19, 2009 2:45 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA
(Juniorscave.com)

New Music Spotlight
April 2009 Edition

Matt Macaulay






Matt Macaulay




Matt Macaulay is an amazing Singer/Songwriter and equally amazing guitarist who instantly will mesmerize you with his powerful soulful vocals, electrifying guitar playing skills, colorful tunes, and meaningful lyrics. The Woonsocket, RI native knows how to Rock and each of his tracks will definitely show how much the artist can rock. We caught up with Matt in this special spotlight who was more than willing to share a piece of who he is with our Webzine. Enjoy the spotlight!

Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for Matt Macaulay?

Matt: 2008 was a productive year for me. From October-December of 2007 I started recording some of the basic tracks that are on the new album. After that, I took the next 6 months to write more and obsess about the record. In June, I went back into the studio and finished recording the first batch of songs and added a few more. From mid July to the beginning of September, I had a chance to live in Stockholm. While I was there, I edited the record and prepared it for mixing. When I got back to NYC, I started the mixing process and finished between September and December. By the end of the year, the album was ready to be mastered.

Isaac: Describe the music scene in New York City.

Matt: The New York City music scene is amazing just because there are so many people making music here. For me, the modern jazz and avant-garde scenes are the most interesting. It is really inspiring for me to hear and see so many of my favorite musicians on a regular basis. As far as my music goes, I'm still trying to figure out where it fits in.



Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?

Matt: Making the album.

Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?

Matt: As a songwriter, my biggest influences are Elliott Smith, Ani Difranco and John Lennon. I love honest and personal songs and in my opinion these three artists have written some of the best. I'm also heavily influenced by musical innovators. For that reason, I'm really into the Claudia Quintet, Jim Black and John Zorn.

Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?

Matt: A sincere attempt to make the music that I hear.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?

Matt: In my music, I leave lots of room for interpretation and improvisation by whoever is in my band. For that reason, I've got tons of musicians that I would like to play with. A few that top the list are Brian Blade, Jim Black and Craig Taborn. I love hearing how different people interpret what I write.

Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?

Matt: Time Out New York called it "Jazz-Tinged Art-Pop". I think that is a decent label as far as labels go.

Isaac: What is your definition for Singer/Songwriter?

Matt: Anyone who sings and writes songs.

Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from your previous release, EP titled Matt Macaulay released in 2006?

Matt: Pretty positive overall. Some people really liked it; others seemed to like parts of it and most never heard it.

Isaac: What can fans expect from you - Junior's Cave Online Magazine

My first reaction to Matt Macaulay was that he is believable. He is able to touch you with his delivery, and it feels real. The first track on is rather long, but it had an interesting instrumental that kept things going enough that I didn't mind sticking around for the rest. This is only a 4-track effort, and the second one didn't work as well for me. The somewhat experimental sound of the music didn't flow quite as well as track 1 did. I respect the fact that Macaulay took chances with the sounds though, and I see through the things I didn't like enough to know that it is possible for him to get his feet under him and to make it work. Track 3 was in-between for me. On some levels it had the groove track 1 did, pulling me along in interest, but here and there it would lose me a bit. It seems that Macaulay is truly either "on" or "off," and when he hits the groove, it is a sweeping wave. Off the wave however, although it isn't really bad music, can be a sort of confused moment or two before he picks up and gets going again. Track 4 was back on, leaving me with the feeling that Macaulay is feeling his way and getting his style hammered out. You can hear a definite stamp in his music, a certain flow that comes along with confidence as he gets into it. I think that he is gonna be something to contend with as he develops his talent and clarifies his style. Should be something to see. The last track wet my appetite.
By Catherine L. Tully - indiemusic.com () - indie-music.com