So, yea. I’m VERY excited to announce we’ve been added to this year’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, TN June 7th – 10th!
NOTE: Yes, “WE.” Matt & Brian will be backing me up.
Actually, I’m thrilled. The line-up this year is pretty nuts-o and I get to occupy the same space.
All the details are coming soon and I’ll be touring south, so once those dates are set in stone I’ll let you know.

Facebook & Twitter are coming in REAL handy with all these announcements and updates, so if you’re not yet a follower, please hop on board.

Additionally, come late May, I’ll be traveling with NEW MUSIC!
A digital 7″ featuring 2 new songs from the upcoming Fall 2012 release! 
So there is A LOT to keep an eye out for and, as always, I thank you for reading, for listening, and for your support.  I’m REALLY looking forward to easing out this new record over the coming months and having people in my corner always makes it a little easier to handle the headaches.

Between now and then, just a few shows coming up, including 2 THIS WEEK!

Upcoming dates:

Monday, May 21st – Room 5 Lounge, Los Angeles, CA – 8pm

Tuesday, May 29th (w. band) – Rockwood Music Hall (stage 2), NYC – 10:30p

See ya out there,

M

also, check out this rad video of Brake Lights from the last Rockwood show (c/o Jeff Barry Films)

 

He was a class act. I was a fortunate fool.

I had the pleasure of crossing paths with Levon Helm more than once.  Every time, there was an infectious smile, a genuine thumbs-up, and to hear him greet me by name, thinking he actually remembered it, was something I’ll never forget.

He let people in, every week, to watch something extraordinary.  A few times, he even let some jokers on stage to play songs, and for that, I am forever grateful.  Those experiences not only helped me grow as a musician & performer, but they also taught me a thing or two about humility.

Regardless what lies ahead for me, standing an arms length away and watching Levon Helm drive one of the tightest bands in music will go down as a cherished, life changing experience.  From my outsider’s perspective, this man had a profound effect on me, and I think that’s as good a testament to his character as any.  At this moment I can only think about those who were closest to him, and what they’re going through. All I can offer is a heartfelt thanks to the man they know so well, for leaving such an impression on me.  I can certainly say, you are the company you keep, and it appeared to me, that Levon surrounded himself with the very best.

Carla Scott and I shared that stage (along with a few other wonderful people) and so I thought it would be fitting to pay tribute to Levon with her.   This is a Buddy Miller song called “Wide River To Cross” that also appeared on Levon’s Grammy winning album, Dirt Farmer. 

Blessed to have known him. Thank you, Levon.

-M

 

]]> http://esmatteo.com/wordpress/?feed=rss2&p=2124 1 http://esmatteo.com/wordpress/?p=2116 http://esmatteo.com/wordpress/?p=2116#comments Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:11:18 +0000 Matt Sucich http://esmatteo.com/wordpress/?p=2116

oof.  As much as I enjoy making music, one of the hardest parts is being patient.  This post being a product of the headache I gave myself, having just scribbled down a staggering list of notes from my most recent mixes.

There are pro’s and con’s to doing this thing myself. The pro’s being that I have the ability to make the necessary changes rather than waiting for someone to send me new mixes. The con being it’s much easier to get in your own head when doing so.  Patience, so important. I can spend 24 hours nonstop listening to the same 6 songs over and over, making adjustments, listening in the car, in headphones, in crappier headphones, and on the laptop, and back into the studio. But you’ll shoot yourself in the foot if you can’t take the next few days not listening AT ALL.

The same can be said for the likes of album art.  Since I’m looking at an early Fall release, there’s nothing stopping me from putting off the artwork until July or August (except that I have way too much fun working on that stuff.)  But after a few rough drafts, and an idea I’ve been sitting with for a pretty long time, I’m fairly certain I’ve come up with the cover for the new record (very exciting.)

Moral of the story: be patient. Nothing shines as poorly as a rushed product.

I like to think I’m a pretty organized person, but the desk in my head is littered with post-it notes and trying to make sense of it can be a nightmare. Taking a break is important.  Thankfully, MadMen exists to take my mind off of everything for about 52 minutes a week. How good is this season?! anywho…I’m also thankful my most recent break is over, and I can finally get back to work.

Stay tuned, BIG BIG BIG news coming soon!

-M

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This was easily one of my favorite parts of the process. This fella, Loreto, knows exactly what’s up and the songs have benefited a great deal. Special thanks to Jon at Mercy Sound for taking the time to work with us! Watch this:

The record is well on it’s way, now, with 6 tracks in the “rough mix” stage and a lot of listening going on in my headphones. In other news, I’m gonna have some pretty rad tour news for May & June, so stay tuned, follow me on the ol’ Facebook & Twitter, because that’s where I say things of that nature.

Talk soon!
M

EDITORS NOTE: After posting this, I sat on the first flight for 45 seconds before being asked to leave when the paid customer, whose seat I was given, arrived late. Had a run in with M.Ward while waiting for 2nd flight. Was given a seat on the 2nd flight. end note.

Please forgive the appearance of this post if it seems a bit “off” as I’m not too familiar with iPad blogging (proof being this is my second attempt, deleted the other instead of saving a draft.)

Since I was super early for my flight, or lack thereof (flying standby,) I thought I’d update the ol’ bloggy-doo from the Austin airport. Actually, depending on how my luck works out with this flight, I may be adding a mildly drunk and angry follow up post from Leftys bar 20ft from the JetBlue terminal. Stay tuned.

So SXSW is nuts. Like “Spring break with some extra music” nuts. Personally, I preferred the daytime. Everything was a little calmer, but the music was just as high caliber. A big thank you goes out to the wonderful people at LoungeFlySF for inviting me to be a part of their showcase, and to Maria, Maria for hosting. Your taco salad was incredible. Oh hey, Glen Hansard just sat down next to me in the terminal. I may have only been in town 48 hours, and stayed in one of the creepiest hotels EVER, but I think it’s safe to say ill be back next year for damn sure.

I love meeting new, talented folks, and this was the place to do it. I even had a chance to catch some regulars from the NYC scene (pictures below) including my bass player, Brian Kesley, play with Lily & the Parlour Tricks (who were incredible, by the way.) The other 2 pics are Megan Palmer & Alec Gross. Honorable mention to Marie & Bernt, it was great meeting you and thanks for saying hi!

As usual I documented most of the trip thanks to the handy, dandy Instagram application on my iPhone device, and if you follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram you’ve likely seen these pictures. But in the interest of dressing up this post, have a look below.

Wish me luck on this return flight, otherwise maybe I’ll look into a rental car. I hear it’s only a one day & 5 hour trip to NYC.

Thanks for the hospitality, Austin!
-M

Jubilation & Jealousy was fun to make, but not this fun. For starters, I was sort of bummed out most of the time…<insert shifty eyes and awkward silence> BUT, also, I didn’t incorporate any other musicians (aside from drummer, Matt Farina.)

This time around I’m adding people to the mix, and it makes for a different vibe… one that I’m really enjoying.

As you may have read in a previous post, Matt is back on drums (this time recorded properly, as opposed to his parents basement, though I refuse to say that method was “improper”) and Brian Kesley provided his super sexy bass chops (and sideburns.) Last week’s addition…The  Charness.

When he’s not making his own music, Dan Charness is a very talented multi-instrumentalist, and he brought one of my favorite sounds on earth, Pedal Steel, and Cello to the new record.

Next up: KEYS!

Here’s a quick look:


 

Sometimes, the best way to learn a lesson is to screw up. Fortunately, for me, last week I learned that if you’re gonna go on the road, you go with friends. And, I didn’t even have to deal with awkward silences, or a smelly companion to figure it out.  I’ll add a quick disclaimer: Mama didn’t raise no fool, it’s not always a walk in the park,  and I’m fairly certain there will be future travel days complete with smells and silences (*note: “smells & silences” new album title?)  however, that was not the case last week.

Here’s how it went down - Monday & Tuesday: Todd Kramer, Bianca Merkley and I drove from NYC to Virginia to NYC  in 36 hours to play 2 sets.  Friday morning, the 3 of us went back to VA, this time withRachel Epp and returned Sunday morning. Yea, not the smartest of travel planners among us, but it was well worth it. The hospitality from those hosting our shows, AND putting us up, exceeded the definition of generosity. Can’t quite say thanks enough (honorable mention to Naomi for both performing with us and providing a floor to sleep on.)

You learn a lot about people when you’re confined to a small room moving at an average speed of 68 mph for 7 hours at a time.  So, I’ve decided that I’ll just have to constantly tour with Bianca, Todd, & Rachel…much to their dismay, this won’t be the last of my pitch perfect rendition of Celine’s “Power of Love.”

If you’ve read this far, and you happen to be in Boston or TX, see below for the next 2 shows…

Saturday – 3/10 Middle East – Cambridge, MA (playing with the band)

Friday – 3/16 Maria, Maria – Austin, TX (Unofficial SXSW Showcase)

See ya,

M

I am blessed to have such wonderful supporters out west to help me set up this last visit.  Happy to have seen a ton of friends in the process, and make some new ones as well.  Thank you to the cast of performers involved, Lexi, Julia, & Raquel in SD, Joel Eckels in LA and Jeff Campbell, Brad Brooks & Megan Slankard in SF.

Hitting SD, LA & SF in as many days was, for lack of a better word, a real trip…I can’t wait to go back.

2/9 – Lestat’s in SD

2/10 – Room 5, LA

2/11 – Bazaar Cafe, SF

The drive from LA to San Fran on Saturday morning was some of the best 9 hours in a car I’ve ever spent, and while it could’ve been a 6 1/2 hour drive, the extra time spent was well worth it…

Photos taken with Instagram (best app in the world?) 

“Jubilation & Jealousy” was recorded in isolation, without wi-fi, or a proper bed, for that matter. All I have to remember the experience is my elephants memory, some photos, and a “Daily Journal” written in Microsoft Word which may or may not, at some point, include the words “…afraid to go downstairs” …among other recording related notes.

Point is, this time around, I’m making more of an effort to document the experience publicly.  Making this record at home, for the most part (other than tracking drums in a remote location deep in the heart of Brooklyn,) I can’t help but feel overwhelming joy  at the presence of wireless internet. Nothing beats cracking that mic, strumming the guitar, and thinking about my next tweet all at the same time. I kid, I kid…everybody knows wifi can potentially interfere with the recording, so i make sure to turn it off when Im getting down and dirty in the studio…or do I?!

Anywho, it’s go time.  Amidst some other exciting projects, and an addiction to Stacy’s pita chips, I’m in full on “record making mode.”  To prove it, here’s Brian Kesley KILLING IT on bass…

and here’s Matt Farina KILLING IT on drums:

As you can see, we’re killing it!

WEST COAST MINI TOUR NEXT WEEK -

Thurs. 2/9 – Lestat’s, San Diego

Fri. 2/10 – Room 5 Lounge, Los Angeles

Sat. 2/11 – Bazaar Cafe, San Francisco (with Jeff Campbell & Brad Brooks)

Best,

M

alllllso, I should mention M.Ward has new music out. This thrills me, to no end. Check out the first release.

I love playing a room with great sound (goes without saying?)  When the sound is right, it makes me extremely comfortable on stage. Last night, at Middle East, the sound was fantastic & I didn’t want the set to end.  As always, the Boston crowd is amazing, I met some great new folks, and possibly the most important part of the trip was being able to hit up Flour Bakery + Cafe TWICE…where I’m writing this post.  If you follow me on Twitter, you’ll realize my love for this place.   I worry for my day-to-day  if they were to open in New York, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Here’s a picture of my breakfast sandwich for you to drool over...to keep up with the tour dates, scroll past the egg sandwich: