Matt on the Rise:
One of my most favorite musicians, Matt Nathanson, was on the KFOG Morning show this morning, playing a few songs from his new E.P. and announcing that he has just signed a deal with Universal Records, the biggest and badest label in the world. While on the one hand, I’m super happy for him and only wish the best for him and his career, I’m a little sad. I’ve seen Matt in concert at least 6 times since moving to San Francisco, have encouraged friends to check out his music, have hugged him after shows. Suzan and I had our first real date at one of his shows and many of his songs make up the soundtrack to our relationship. I even had a fantasy of finding Matt after a show and asking him to play at my 30th birthday. I was willing to pay whatever it takes.
Soon he’ll me too big for that–touring with other superstars, hanging out on VH1, his songs heard nationwide. While I think recognition of his amazing talent is long overdue, I’m sad that his music won’t be mine to evangelize about anymore. Everyone will now. Doesn’t mean I’ll like it any less. It just means that being a Matt Nathanson fan won’t seem as warm and cozy.
Check out Matt’s music here. You won’t be disapointed. Then tell me if this has ever happened to you.
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OK, so you have me (slightly) interested. Tell me Kev, what song would you suggest I listen to introduce me to the world of Matt Nathanson?
OK, so you have me (slightly) interested. Tell me Kev, what song would you suggest I listen to introduce me to the world of Matt Nathanson?
Paul,
His best stuff is on the album “Still Waiting for Spring” so anything you can listen to at his site from that album is prime.
Paul,
His best stuff is on the album “Still Waiting for Spring” so anything you can listen to at his site from that album is prime.
It’s that wave of mixed feeling again. Felt it when the Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five, & 311, suddenly lept to larger attention. In 311’s case, their music went south and they quickly reverted to opening for punk bands in suburban shopping centers. The other two had mixed success. Without a doubt, Matt’s music will change. But that happens naturally with or without the big record label (unless you’re AC/DC). Hopefully the execs will leave him to make great music.
More likely, he’ll have to put a token ‘hit’ on his next album. Millions of radio listeners will judge him on that. Maybe they’ll become instant fans, rediscover his past work, and integrate seamlessly into the fan club. Or maybe they’ll be disappointed that the rest of his work doesn’t sound as familiar– a la people who discovered Green Day through “Time Of Your Life” (aka ‘That Seinfeld Song’) were disappointed by the rest of their smartass catalog. I’m hoping for the former.
It’s that wave of mixed feeling again. Felt it when the Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five, & 311, suddenly lept to larger attention. In 311’s case, their music went south and they quickly reverted to opening for punk bands in suburban shopping centers. The other two had mixed success. Without a doubt, Matt’s music will change. But that happens naturally with or without the big record label (unless you’re AC/DC). Hopefully the execs will leave him to make great music.
More likely, he’ll have to put a token ‘hit’ on his next album. Millions of radio listeners will judge him on that. Maybe they’ll become instant fans, rediscover his past work, and integrate seamlessly into the fan club. Or maybe they’ll be disappointed that the rest of his work doesn’t sound as familiar– a la people who discovered Green Day through “Time Of Your Life” (aka ‘That Seinfeld Song’) were disappointed by the rest of their smartass catalog. I’m hoping for the former.
One word from me: Spoon.
One word from me: Spoon.
James,
You’ll have to brief me on the Spoon story. I only know of them through you.
James,
You’ll have to brief me on the Spoon story. I only know of them through you.