Matt McKay
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Matt McKay

Boston, Massachusetts, United States | INDIE

Boston, Massachusetts, United States | INDIE
Band Alternative Acoustic

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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Press


"Matt McKay CD Review"

By Susan Frances

Matt McKay is an acoustic rock guitarist with songwriting skills that measure up to Chuck Cannon (Toby Keith’s band) and Peter Yorn. His vocals have a Paul Stanley (lead singer of KISS) raspiness and a Sarah McLaughlin vulnerability. His music is described as “dark folk” and “acoustic Goth” choosing lyrics and chord moods that focus on the darker emotions of relationships – those insecurities that brew beneath the surface and long to come out. His acoustic ramblings are mellow and sparsely adorned, and yet the emotions are complex and bare a soul.

His song “Harder” has a folk/rock style like Sun Volt with movements that roam like a stream of consciousness, taking excerpts from a private journal. Matt’s songs are private and the touches on the melodies are inclusive to himself. His track “They Don’t” is another selection from a private experience where he vents off feelings in the lyric:

“I’m at the point where I’m
giving up on you.”

He says what you would like to say to someone in your own life at times. The lyrics are accessible, raw and hold a personal meaning that can be applied to facets of other people’s lives. His tune “Come” muskets dark, looming tones with lyrics in search of the light at the ending of the tunnel.

Matt McKay has a long history in the Boston music scene, recording and performing as a session player for artists like Rick Berlin, the band members of Extreme and Van Halen, Steve Vai, Joe Perry and his own band Bitterhead. His self-titled album offers songs that speak of dark emotions that when not released, become choking to the soul. The adage that happiness is bittersweet is a reality in Matt’s music. His songs express that moment when the glow of joy has waned and you have to find your way from there, with the musings of a few guitar strums to aid you along your search. They say that playing the acoustic guitar is unforgiving – all the blemishes and flaws of your playing show, and yet it is the one way to see yourself without pretense.
- Northeast In-Tune Magazine


"Matt McKay #2 on Top 50 Folk Charts"

Two of Matt McKay's songs, "Harder" and "Come" have hit the number 2 and 3 spots in the Top 50 Folk charts of a major national internet music site.

Both songs have remained in the top 50 since their January 2007 release. Both songs are on Matt's first self-titled acoustic CD. - Matt McKay


"Matt McKay Endorsed By First Act Guitars"

Matt McKay is now endorsed by musical instrument manufacturer, First Act.

The Boston based company's unique "beginner to pro" instrument philosophy is a unique approach. First Act manufactures entry level instruments for children and adults, and also has a cutom guitar shop in Somerville MA, where musicians can order specialty instruments custom made to thier specifications.

Matt will be playing the 'Deliah' hollow-body electric, and several acoustic models.

Visit www.firstact.com for more details. - Matt McKay


"Curt Mangan Strings Endorses Matt McKay"

Matt McKay has renewed his endorsement with Curt Mangan Strings for 2008.

Curt Mangan manufactures strings for most every instrument, and Matt uses Curt strings for all of his: electric and acoustic guitar, nylon string guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle and bass guitar.

Matt is not the most gentle player, and has used every brand available until sttling on Curt Mangan.

According to Matt, "Curt strings sound great, are consistent and reliable. Curt's customer service team is just wonderful too, and you'll even get Curt himself taking your order once in a while."

Visit www.curtmangan.com. Tell them that Matt McKay sent you! - Matt McKay


Discography

Matt McKay- Helmets for Everyday Living (2009 planned release)
Matt McKay- Matt McKay(2006)
Bitterhead- Decomposition (2005 full band)
Bitterhead- Wish You Weren't Here (2006 full band)

Photos

Bio

New England based artist, Matt McKay, has performed, recorded and written for his own bands, and with many name artists throughout his career. Notables include members of Extreme, Van Halen, Aerosmith's Joe Perry Project, Steve Vai Band, Rick Berlin, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Reba MacIntyre and many others.

Matt's self titled CD was released in January 2006, and has been critically acclaimed, (See the Reviews Section)

Two songs on the CD, 'Come' and 'Harder' have reached the #2 and #3 spots on the Top 50 Folk Chart of a major national music web service, and have remained Top 50 charts since the CD release.

In Canada, an indie web music service ranked several of Matt's songs in their Top 50 acoustic, folk, and overall charts. A new instrumental, a Celtic stlye tune on ukulele called 'Austin,' was #1 on the overeall music charts for several weeks when the tune was released in April 08.

Matt's new acoustic CD, 'Helmets For Everyday Living' is set for a late winter '09 release.

Matt has appeared as a session player on numerous recordings, most recently on former bandmate and Extreme bassist Paul Mangone's critically acclaimed "Fly By Wire." Vocalist Gary Cherone of Van Halen, Extreme, also one of Matt's former bandmates, added vocals to a few tracks.

Matt just finished work on the new CD by top Portuguese singer Louis Neves, which was released in Portugal, Canada and Brazil in spring 2007.

In addition to Matt's original performances, he also offers cover song shows, with acoustic versions of popular rock and folk music from the 70's to today, as well as Celtic and Irish music. Shows are always tailored to suit the audience, and are always family friendly.

Matt is also an active music educator and advocate for music and art in school programs.