Steve Otis

The writing of Steven Otis is consistently melodic, hook-laden, and literate. Says Steven of his style, "I try to think of songs as portraits, hoping they'll come out looking alive. Imagery seems to be the best way to give a song a lived-in feel. If I get it right, and the words seem to work, it's like suddenly I've made a real place and real people, emotions, etc. All out of a few rhymes. That's what I really love." When writing, he likes to think about Paul Simon, David Gray, Conor Oberst and Paul McCartney. He is a frequent collaborator with singer/songwriter/composer Peter Suk and percussionist/engineer Andy Nelson. Together, they perform as Matinee. Matinee has shared the stage with hip-hop powerhouse The Roots and rising Portland band The Stars of Track and Field. Matinee has been featured on 94.7 KNRK's Get Local Spotlight and were an official selection for Portland's MusicFestNW '05. In the spring of 2007, Steven began recording with artist/producer Jim Walker (JVA). On weekdays, Steven answers phones and writes emails for a consulting firm. In the evenings, he sings karaoke, hosts a songwriting forum, or watches "The Office." He lives in and writes music from a basement in east Portland near the 205 freeway.