Louis Matteo

Hailing from Ohio, Louis Matteo came to New York with music in his heart. Since the mid-2000’s, Matteo made his dream a reality, playing alternative-rock music at venues throughout the city that host local independent musicians like him.

Recently, I met up with Matteo at a concert in Best Buy in Chelsea. After a set of songs that told contrasting stories through a rhythm similar to my favorite rock band Train, I talked with him for a bit.

From composing to performing, Matteo has been fascinated by all areas of music. When as a child, he fondly remembers his mother singing with him while his grandmother accompanied them on the keyboard. It was at the age of nine when he enrolled in private alto-saxophone lessons, which became a major turning point that led him to pursue a career in music. He further explains, “My fiery passion for music began to blossom and flourish from that point forward. As I dug deeper into every aspect, my love and appreciation for this creative outlet grew stronger and stronger.”

Matteo has always been deeply affected by composers of the Romantic Era, particularly Beethoven. His eclectic mix includes classic-rock artists such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, and Queen and modern rock musicians like The Killers, Ben Folds Five, and Radiohead. Matteo takes what he learns from these musicians and uses their power to move him emotionally when creating music for his own fan-base.

He further unfolds how his lyrics are inspired by his own life experiences and observations. He describes that they “are ultimately told through the marriage of music and lyrics.” For example, a powerful track from his first album, Lonely Warren does just that. The song tells the story of a homeless man sitting on the subway, which was inspired by an observation of someone riding on the T in Boston and from the 2002 film About Schmidt. “The song is about seeing first hand that not everyone has the same quality of life and also a constant reminder to be respectful of all life in our universe,” exclaimed Matteo.

This year Matteo will be releasing his second album, covering the current chapter in his life. He shares that “one of the reoccurring themes throughout the new album will be discovering and believing that pure love in all forms does exist beneath all the mixed up feelings and confusion people live through on a daily basis. In addition, this album will have more lively songs pertaining to letting go, having fun and taking time out of your day to laugh and simply enjoy life,” a major contrast from his previous album, which carried a theme of deep observations. He also adds that the lyrics and upbeat melody in his new album will be “very good medicine for the soul.”

Moreover, Matteo has been invited to perform at the sixth annual Pop-Eye European Music festival in Caceres, Spain this coming November, where he will be presented an award for best international artist. Though he doesn’t have all the details, Matteo considers the upcoming event a special opportunity for his career. For Matteo, 2011 is shaping up to be an exciting year.

For the past five years and with everything that has happened in his career, the sky is the limit as to where he sees himself in the next five. Whatever the future holds, he is up for any new and exciting adventures that will come his way. As long as he can continue to write and record music in his studio, attend tours, and build a strong fan base, Matteo will be forever grateful. - Christine Degyansky at YeahNewYork.com

Hailing from Ohio, Louis Matteo came to New York with music in his heart. Since the mid-2000’s, Matteo made his dream a reality, playing alternative-rock music at venues throughout the city that host local independent musicians like him.

Recently, I met up with Matteo at a concert in Best Buy in Chelsea. After a set of songs that told contrasting stories through a rhythm similar to my favorite rock band Train, I talked with him for a bit.

From composing to performing, Matteo has been fascinated by all areas of music. When as a child, he fondly remembers his mother singing with him while his grandmother accompanied them on the keyboard. It was at the age of nine when he enrolled in private alto-saxophone lessons, which became a major turning point that led him to pursue a career in music. He further explains, “My fiery passion for music began to blossom and flourish from that point forward. As I dug deeper into every aspect, my love and appreciation for this creative outlet grew stronger and stronger.”

Matteo has always been deeply affected by composers of the Romantic Era, particularly Beethoven. His eclectic mix includes classic-rock artists such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, and Queen and modern rock musicians like The Killers, Ben Folds Five, and Radiohead. Matteo takes what he learns from these musicians and uses their power to move him emotionally when creating music for his own fan-base.

He further unfolds how his lyrics are inspired by his own life experiences and observations. He describes that they “are ultimately told through the marriage of music and lyrics.” For example, a powerful track from his first album, Lonely Warren does just that. The song tells the story of a homeless man sitting on the subway, which was inspired by an observation of someone riding on the T in Boston and from the 2002 film About Schmidt. “The song is about seeing first hand that not everyone has the same quality of life and also a constant reminder to be respectful of all life in our universe,” exclaimed Matteo.

This year Matteo will be releasing his second album, covering the current chapter in his life. He shares that “one of the reoccurring themes throughout the new album will be discovering and believing that pure love in all forms does exist beneath all the mixed up feelings and confusion people live through on a daily basis. In addition, this album will have more lively songs pertaining to letting go, having fun and taking time out of your day to laugh and simply enjoy life,” a major contrast from his previous album, which carried a theme of deep observations. He also adds that the lyrics and upbeat melody in his new album will be “very good medicine for the soul.”

Moreover, Matteo has been invited to perform at the sixth annual Pop-Eye European Music festival in Caceres, Spain this coming November, where he will be presented an award for best international artist. Though he doesn’t have all the details, Matteo considers the upcoming event a special opportunity for his career. For Matteo, 2011 is shaping up to be an exciting year.

For the past five years and with everything that has happened in his career, the sky is the limit as to where he sees himself in the next five. Whatever the future holds, he is up for any new and exciting adventures that will come his way. As long as he can continue to write and record music in his studio, attend tours, and build a strong fan base, Matteo will be forever grateful. - Christine Degyansky at YeahNewYork.com

Indie rock guitarist and songwriter Louis Matteo recently wrote to us via the MurphGuide page on facebook to tell us about his fund raising campaign on KickStarter.com. He is using the grass-roots fund raising tool to help finance his debut full-length album. So we figured, let's ask him some questions and feature him as our next spotlight artist.Are you a solo act or do you have a band?
I am a solo act backed by an incredibly talented live band. They are:
Chris Anderson - Bass
Paul Maddison - Guitar
Adam Tressler - Guitar
Elliot Jacobson – Drums

How long have you been performing?
I have been performing in one form or another since age 9.

Past lives (i.e., previous bands, your early years, etc.):
I joined my first high school punk band called Captain What at age 17. That same year, I experienced my first taste of studio recording and received widespread local recognition for the songs created during that session. The next band I joined, Anthem, went on to win the Kent State University Battle of the Bands and perform on the main stage at FlashFest in the spring of 2003. Several smaller projects later, I began writing on my own and here we are today.

Musical influences:
The Beatles, Ben Folds (Five), Bob Dylan, Death Cab for Cutie, The Decemberists, Gustav Mahler, Ingrid Michaelson, Iron & Wine, Jeff Buckley, Johnny Cash, John Coltrane, The Killers, Led Zeppelin, Miles Davis, Modest Mouse, Pavement, Phoenix, Queen, Radiohead, Regina Spektor, The Shins, Simon and Garfunkel, The Smiths, Stephen Malkmus, The Strokes, Sufjan Stevens, Thom Yorke, Weezer

Linkage:
facebook: Louis-Matteo
Youtube: iamlouismatteo
Myspace: louismatteo
Reverb Nation: louismatteo
Sonic bids: louismatteo
kickstarter: kck.st/eXnRoL
Pure Volume: louismatteo
Twitter: louismatteo
I read that you went to Berklee College of Music. Did you find the atmosphere there competitive or collaborative? What is the live music scene like in Boston?
Yes, I did study at Berklee College of Music and will say that the experience on campus is what you make of it. I made a real effort to connect and surround myself with like-minded peers to form a collaborative atmosphere. Others may have a different experience and find the vibe to be harsh and competitive. Honestly, it’s all about forming lasting relationships that create opportunities down the road. The live music scene in Boston is alive and well. There are venues for all genres and experience levels throughout the Greater Boston area. The massive population of students also provides a fantastic platform to reach new audiences.

Favorite venues to play:
NYC: National Underground, Crash Mansion, Sullivan Hall, Fontana's
Cleveland: Peabody's, The Grog Shop, Agora Ballroom
Boston: All Asia Bar

Blatant self-promotion: What would you like to plug?
I will be performing at the welcoming gala for the sixth edition of the Pop-Eye Awards in Cáceres, Spain, then presented with the best international artist award in November 2011.Tell us a story or anecdote about performing live.
The best part about performing live is looking out at the crowd while the audience sings along with songs they know and love. YOUR songs, in this case, the songs I have written. I have one fan in particular that knows every single word of every song and watching that person from my vantage point on stage absolutely lights up my life. Those moments are priceless! Also, on one specific occasion, I autographed and personalized the back of one fan’s cell phone cover. She said she would put tape over it to preserve it forever. That was a very cool moment too.

Any advice to someone just starting out?
Believe in yourself, follow your heart, and keep playing no matter what happens along the way.Can you recommend any other acts we should feature on MurphGuide?
Will Knox and Sydney Wayser

I first learned about you when you posted on the MurphGuide page on facebook. How did you hear about MurphGuide?
I stumbled across MurphGuide a few years ago while browsing the web for fun places and events happening in and around New York City.

Regarding your kickstarter campaign: How far along in the recording process are you? What will the funding enable you to do?
I am currently in the pre-production phase of the recording process for my debut full-length album. More details will be released as the project unfolds in the coming months. The funding will enable me to record and release new music for my fans, plus make arrangements to tour and play in their towns. - MurphGuide.com

Indie rock guitarist and songwriter Louis Matteo recently wrote to us via the MurphGuide page on facebook to tell us about his fund raising campaign on KickStarter.com. He is using the grass-roots fund raising tool to help finance his debut full-length album. So we figured, let's ask him some questions and feature him as our next spotlight artist.Are you a solo act or do you have a band?
I am a solo act backed by an incredibly talented live band. They are:
Chris Anderson - Bass
Paul Maddison - Guitar
Adam Tressler - Guitar
Elliot Jacobson – Drums

How long have you been performing?
I have been performing in one form or another since age 9.

Past lives (i.e., previous bands, your early years, etc.):
I joined my first high school punk band called Captain What at age 17. That same year, I experienced my first taste of studio recording and received widespread local recognition for the songs created during that session. The next band I joined, Anthem, went on to win the Kent State University Battle of the Bands and perform on the main stage at FlashFest in the spring of 2003. Several smaller projects later, I began writing on my own and here we are today.

Musical influences:
The Beatles, Ben Folds (Five), Bob Dylan, Death Cab for Cutie, The Decemberists, Gustav Mahler, Ingrid Michaelson, Iron & Wine, Jeff Buckley, Johnny Cash, John Coltrane, The Killers, Led Zeppelin, Miles Davis, Modest Mouse, Pavement, Phoenix, Queen, Radiohead, Regina Spektor, The Shins, Simon and Garfunkel, The Smiths, Stephen Malkmus, The Strokes, Sufjan Stevens, Thom Yorke, Weezer

Linkage:
facebook: Louis-Matteo
Youtube: iamlouismatteo
Myspace: louismatteo
Reverb Nation: louismatteo
Sonic bids: louismatteo
kickstarter: kck.st/eXnRoL
Pure Volume: louismatteo
Twitter: louismatteo
I read that you went to Berklee College of Music. Did you find the atmosphere there competitive or collaborative? What is the live music scene like in Boston?
Yes, I did study at Berklee College of Music and will say that the experience on campus is what you make of it. I made a real effort to connect and surround myself with like-minded peers to form a collaborative atmosphere. Others may have a different experience and find the vibe to be harsh and competitive. Honestly, it’s all about forming lasting relationships that create opportunities down the road. The live music scene in Boston is alive and well. There are venues for all genres and experience levels throughout the Greater Boston area. The massive population of students also provides a fantastic platform to reach new audiences.

Favorite venues to play:
NYC: National Underground, Crash Mansion, Sullivan Hall, Fontana's
Cleveland: Peabody's, The Grog Shop, Agora Ballroom
Boston: All Asia Bar

Blatant self-promotion: What would you like to plug?
I will be performing at the welcoming gala for the sixth edition of the Pop-Eye Awards in Cáceres, Spain, then presented with the best international artist award in November 2011.Tell us a story or anecdote about performing live.
The best part about performing live is looking out at the crowd while the audience sings along with songs they know and love. YOUR songs, in this case, the songs I have written. I have one fan in particular that knows every single word of every song and watching that person from my vantage point on stage absolutely lights up my life. Those moments are priceless! Also, on one specific occasion, I autographed and personalized the back of one fan’s cell phone cover. She said she would put tape over it to preserve it forever. That was a very cool moment too.

Any advice to someone just starting out?
Believe in yourself, follow your heart, and keep playing no matter what happens along the way.Can you recommend any other acts we should feature on MurphGuide?
Will Knox and Sydney Wayser

I first learned about you when you posted on the MurphGuide page on facebook. How did you hear about MurphGuide?
I stumbled across MurphGuide a few years ago while browsing the web for fun places and events happening in and around New York City.

Regarding your kickstarter campaign: How far along in the recording process are you? What will the funding enable you to do?
I am currently in the pre-production phase of the recording process for my debut full-length album. More details will be released as the project unfolds in the coming months. The funding will enable me to record and release new music for my fans, plus make arrangements to tour and play in their towns. - MurphGuide.com

Louis has an honest singing style and his guitar work is fluid and smooth. I especially liked track two. - annie

Louis has an honest singing style and his guitar work is fluid and smooth. I especially liked track two. - annie

‘Confront The Congregation’ by Louis Matteo is a refreshing collection of rock/pop songs. Every song on this EP album demonstrates excellent song craftsmanship, both lyrically and musically. Moreover, this collection carries an unusual amount of musical diversity and creativity, from driving electric guitars to soothing violin symphonies. The production of ‘Confront The Congregation’ is brilliant, allowing Louis’ passion-filled voice to take the main-stage. Heart-felt lyrics and emotion-evoking melodies complete this package. ‘Confront the Congregation’ by Louis Matteo is a collection that lovers of passion-filled, melodic rock will absolutely love! Pick up a copy today! - Xavier P. for RadioIndy

The Groove - BANDSTAND - Published: 2.6.07

With an ear for melody and a passion for songwriting, Louis Matteo has taken Boston's clubs and coffee houses by storm, delighting his audiences with his catchy, folk infused songs. Matteo's engaging melodies and warm acoustic guitar serves a greater purpose, to expose and elevate his passionate lyrics. These charming lyrics and his expressive songwriting present Matteo as an example of the ideal, well-rounded performer.

Louis Matteo began working tirelessly on his songwriting in the summer of 2005. Writing song after song, Matteo quickly received an enthusiastic mandate from those around him and he began gigging and recording. Louis and his newly formed band, The Modern Minstrels, almost immediately gained a reputation and a fan base in Boston. In the summer of 2006, Matteo began work on his latest EP. A mix of folk-inspired ballads and barroom rock and roll, the EP, Confront the Congregation, was released to much excitement and has not let his fans down. With the EP finally released, Matteo plans to begin gigging more heavily to help promote it. Matteo, who will graduate from Berklee in December, is moving to New York to take a position at Atlantic. While this move saddens his Boston fans, it will give Matteo a great opportunity to spread his fan base and promote his music.

Whether you enjoy the warm, passionate coffeehouse singer/songwriter, or the crunch of a bar rock band, Louis Matteo and the Modern Minstrels has something that is sure to delight. For more information on Louis Matteo or if you wish to purchase his new EP visit his website, www.LouisMatteo.com, or his myspace page, www.myspace.com/lousimatteomusic. While Matteo will soon be leaving Boston, you can expect that his name and music will continue to grow and that he will continue to impress and delight his ever-growing fan base. - By Adam Williamson

The Groove - BANDSTAND - Published: 2.6.07

With an ear for melody and a passion for songwriting, Louis Matteo has taken Boston's clubs and coffee houses by storm, delighting his audiences with his catchy, folk infused songs. Matteo's engaging melodies and warm acoustic guitar serves a greater purpose, to expose and elevate his passionate lyrics. These charming lyrics and his expressive songwriting present Matteo as an example of the ideal, well-rounded performer.

Louis Matteo began working tirelessly on his songwriting in the summer of 2005. Writing song after song, Matteo quickly received an enthusiastic mandate from those around him and he began gigging and recording. Louis and his newly formed band, The Modern Minstrels, almost immediately gained a reputation and a fan base in Boston. In the summer of 2006, Matteo began work on his latest EP. A mix of folk-inspired ballads and barroom rock and roll, the EP, Confront the Congregation, was released to much excitement and has not let his fans down. With the EP finally released, Matteo plans to begin gigging more heavily to help promote it. Matteo, who will graduate from Berklee in December, is moving to New York to take a position at Atlantic. While this move saddens his Boston fans, it will give Matteo a great opportunity to spread his fan base and promote his music.

Whether you enjoy the warm, passionate coffeehouse singer/songwriter, or the crunch of a bar rock band, Louis Matteo and the Modern Minstrels has something that is sure to delight. For more information on Louis Matteo or if you wish to purchase his new EP visit his website, www.LouisMatteo.com, or his myspace page, www.myspace.com/lousimatteomusic. While Matteo will soon be leaving Boston, you can expect that his name and music will continue to grow and that he will continue to impress and delight his ever-growing fan base. - By Adam Williamson

Open Mic Nights are usually cute and fun with singers trying out new songs for themselves and no, that is it, for themselves alone....and it shows....badly....and this is how this one started out...and continued to drone onwards and downwards until Louis Matteo took the room - no - not the stage - the...room!

Louis brings to the table everything true artists - of the past - brought to the table: uniqueness, experience, education, studied, uncontrived (if not a word it is now), VISCERAL autobiographical fluid stories that touched EVERY MEMBER OF THE AUDIENCE AND IT WAS 11:53PM.... EVERYONE put down their cups and mugs and stopped talking nonsense and LISTENED.

There was not a dry............................seat in the house!
- Monica Lynch

Open Mic Nights are usually cute and fun with singers trying out new songs for themselves and no, that is it, for themselves alone....and it shows....badly....and this is how this one started out...and continued to drone onwards and downwards until Louis Matteo took the room - no - not the stage - the...room!

Louis brings to the table everything true artists - of the past - brought to the table: uniqueness, experience, education, studied, uncontrived (if not a word it is now), VISCERAL autobiographical fluid stories that touched EVERY MEMBER OF THE AUDIENCE AND IT WAS 11:53PM.... EVERYONE put down their cups and mugs and stopped talking nonsense and LISTENED.

There was not a dry............................seat in the house!
- Monica Lynch

“I have visited your numberonemusic and myspace site today and I really enjoyd your music!! i'm not using myspace too often but you can reach me by email anytime. Please, keep me updated i will listen to all your music keep up the wonderful work!” -Chris 1900

“hey, i really love your sound, its fresh and comforting and i loved it the minute i heard.” -Erin

“Let the light shine your way and the stars guide your steps. You definitely have a lot of talent.” -Mrs. Dudley

“Your music is amazing, I'm a big fan of your work. I LUV LOOKALIKE” -Hal

“Louis!<3 youre my favorite singer! please please don't stop singing
youre the best! i like LookALike keep playing on repeat” -Natesh Parashurama

“your music is pretty awesome! it makes my day today and everyday!!” -Erik

“You are very recent discovery for me, but a very good one!” -lizz

“I'd like to tell you that you are a big inspiration to me. I love your music. You're lyrics are amazing, and I really wish I could meet you someday. I bet you're a really nice person. I'd love to see you in concert!” - Quinton

“Hello. I adore You and enjoy Yr Music as do You know. Every Best Wish and Blessed Be¡” - Sheila

“LookALike is brilliant! your music brings tears to my eyes for that is how amazing it is.” -Eric - Fans of LOUIS MATTEO

“I have visited your numberonemusic and myspace site today and I really enjoyd your music!! i'm not using myspace too often but you can reach me by email anytime. Please, keep me updated i will listen to all your music keep up the wonderful work!” -Chris 1900

“hey, i really love your sound, its fresh and comforting and i loved it the minute i heard.” -Erin

“Let the light shine your way and the stars guide your steps. You definitely have a lot of talent.” -Mrs. Dudley

“Your music is amazing, I'm a big fan of your work. I LUV LOOKALIKE” -Hal

“Louis!<3 youre my favorite singer! please please don't stop singing
youre the best! i like LookALike keep playing on repeat” -Natesh Parashurama

“your music is pretty awesome! it makes my day today and everyday!!” -Erik

“You are very recent discovery for me, but a very good one!” -lizz

“I'd like to tell you that you are a big inspiration to me. I love your music. You're lyrics are amazing, and I really wish I could meet you someday. I bet you're a really nice person. I'd love to see you in concert!” - Quinton

“Hello. I adore You and enjoy Yr Music as do You know. Every Best Wish and Blessed Be¡” - Sheila

“LookALike is brilliant! your music brings tears to my eyes for that is how amazing it is.” -Eric - Fans of LOUIS MATTEO