- ALT-COUNTRY SINGER SONGWRITER MAT BLACK ANNOUNCES
- MELBOURNE ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW
- DEBUT LP ‘TRUCKER CAPS AND HEART ATTACKS’ OUT SEPTEMBER 13
- NEW TRACK UNVEILED – CHECK OUT ‘THESE CITY LIGHTS’ BELOW
With his first single ‘Diamond Mine’ scoring terrific airplay support from ABC Country, Saturday Night Country, Double J’s Stir It Up, Kix Country, Australian Country Radio, Showcase Australia, CRN Syndicated programs such as Dirt Music and Good Morning Country, plus numerous other stations around the country, Mat Black is eagerly looking forward to the release of his debut LP on Friday September 13.
The 10 original tracks on ‘Trucker Caps And Heart Attacks’ showcase a songwriter with deft skill and sensitivity – Black is an artist that can remind you of the likes of Ryan Adams (Pockets Full of Dust), Jason Isbell (Same Old Song) and even the great Johnny Cash (Railman’s Son).
These deeply personal and honest songs lay the soul of their writer bare in a brooding exposé. With his commanding vocal ability acting as the cornerstone of each live performance, the band Mat has formed provide a rock-solid foundation and vehicle for his music. Drummer Ross McGregor (Wayfaring Strangers, Spinifex Rose) and keyboardist Brent Tough (Tough Brothers, Winston) are long-time collaborators – while guitarist Matt Dixon (Emily South, James Kenyon) and bassist Paul Robertson (Honkatonk, Joyriders) round out the collective.
The opening track on the album, ‘These City Lights’ is carried by the beautifully melancholic lap steel, and the angelic harmonies from Melbourne songstress Renee-Louise Bottern act as a perfect counterpoint to the sombreness of the lead vocal – “Here I am … this cardboard cutout of a man – searching for a man-shaped hole in this cardboard life.” Check it out below.
To celebrate the release, Mat has put together a family-friendly matinee launch show at The Spotted Mallard on Sunday September 15, with very special guests Gretta Ziller and Mr Alford. Doors open at 3pm, with music starting at 3.45pm. Tix $13.50 are available thru Moshtix here: https://bit.ly/2TsKOwD
Mat Black ‘Trucker Caps And Heart Attacks’ Album Launch
Sunday September 15
The Spotted Mallard
With special guests Gretta Ziller & Mr Alford
314 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
Doors 3pm, music from 3.45pm
Tix $13.50 thru Moshtix: https://bit.ly/2TsKOwD
MAT BLACK BIOGRAPHY
Mat Black is an alt-country singer-songwriter based in Melbourne. With a tendency toward the dark and melancholic, his songwriting and performance, while unmistakably unique, have drawn comparisons to artists such as Jay Farrar, John Doe & Johnny Cash.
Starting his musical career as the creative force behind alt-rock band ‘Count Zero’ and acoustic roots outfit ‘Close To Corners’, the early-to-mid 2000’s saw Mat attempting to find his true voice. After a hiatus of sorts, 2017 saw Black perform feature spots at both the Brunswick and Leaps and Bounds Music Festivals and focus on recording his debut solo EP ‘One Man Ghost Town’. The EP, which was at one turn gentle and reflective, while at the next, exploded with a menacing, rhythmic energy and intent, was extremely well received by peers and fans alike.
“Mat’s voice got me in from the first phrase – I believe him. These are meaningful songs, performed with authority – when he sings, I’m listening!” – Golden Guitar winner Lachlan Bryan (Lachlan Bryan & the Wildes).
“Mat Black … your roots are showing. I really like this stuff. Simple, strong and to the point. Enough country to make it engaging and enough edge to make it interesting.” – Golden Guitar winner Allan Caswell
2019 sees the release of Mat’s debut LP ‘Trucker Caps And Heart Attacks’ – a showcase of deeply personal and honest songs that lay the soul of their writer bare in a brooding exposé.
With his commanding vocal ability acting as the cornerstone of each live performance, the band Mat has formed provide a rock-solid foundation and vehicle for his music. Drummer Ross McGregor (Wayfaring Strangers, Spinifex Rose) and keyboardist Brent Tough (Tough Brothers, Winston) are long-time collaborators – while guitarist Matt Dixon (Emily South, James Kenyon) and bassist Paul Robertson (Honkatonk, Joyriders) round out the collective.
By no means a flamboyant frontman in the traditional rock sense, Mat Black lets his art speak for itself, beautifully conveying songs of love, loss and longing in an understated yet powerful fashion while leaving the pyrotechnics to those who need them. With the release of his first full length LP ‘Trucker Caps & Heart Attacks’, there is no doubt that Mat Black is an artist to watch on the Australian music scene. The album will be released September 13.
