Modern Rock/Alternative

5 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Modern Rock, POP: British Pop



Details:
"Anthemic post-U2 guitar rock with Coldplay-worthy pop hooks." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Jan 2006

"The band's self-titled five-song EP kicks off with a rocker fueled by an Edge-y guitar lead. But later tracks are more dramatic with the sense of atmosphere and grandeur you'd find on U2's latest records." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Jan 2006

In a time of musical mediocrity, the five like-minded musicians who form Waking Matthew choose not to follow. For them, music is more of an expression of feeling or purpose and not a set formula for success or popularity. Despite this conviction, or perhaps because of it, they have garnered a distinct group of music fans from a wide variety of backgrounds everywhere they go.

With an ear for original hooks and fresh, interesting progressions, Waking Matthew join memorable melodies with interweaving guitar lines to produce sonic landscapes that will captivate audiences. Aaron Shafer's thought provoking--and often haunting--lyrics bring the songs together, adding depth and insight that inspire the listener by giving them more than just something to sing along to. They make music that matters and is meaningful, yet still retains a level of accessibility so often lost in today's assembly line-produced rock records.

The band formed in 2002 and quickly created a buzz in the market with the release of the debut Negative Spaces, which led them to an offer from indie label Goldwish Records. The following year, the second full-length record, Auto Pilot On, was released under Goldwish to critical acclaim, but band member changes held them back from broader success. In 2004 with two new members and a clearer, unified focus on the future, the band began work on demos for a new recording project. Their latest self-titled EP is the fruit of those sessions: an honest, stripped down representation of their live shows, known for their raw edge and energy. Produced, recorded, and even mastered entirely by the band, the new EP is receiving airplay nationwide on major radio stations and independent programs alike.

In the late spring of 2006, the band added drummer Jason Levis (Ryan's brother and former Cherry Monroe drummer) and bassist Rich Condon (formerly of Hang the Radio)to finally complete their sound with the right musicians for the job. Since then, Waking Matthew have played across the East Coast and in festivals and showcases, including the Dewey Beach Pop Fest and Millennium Music Conference 10, as well as opening for national acts like Flickerstick. And currently, the band has returned to their studio to record a brand new CD due-out in early 2007 with all of the new members.

Now the music is clicking more than ever for the band that stuck to its guns, with some of their best work yet to be recorded. And despite an already successful past and three strong releases, for Waking Matthew it's only the beginning.