about matthew
Refusing to be labeled, or pigeon-holed into indie folk stereotypes Matthew Morgan joins the ranks of similar progressive singer songwriters such as Aimee Mann, Crys Matthews, and Orville Peck. With a warm tenor voice floating above delicate arrangements his songs feel less like stories than paintings. Matthew's latest release “Two-Sided Town” fearlessly explores a world fragmented by opposition in a constant struggle between telling the truth and lies and pitting love against hate. Guided by the hand of elite producer, Brian Skeel the new single also demonstrates Matthew's flexibility in blending different genres to achieve a larger, more cinematic sound showcasing his vocal skills.
An openly queer artist, Matthew understands the importance of writing songs that allow everyone to be seen, especially giving a voice to the outliers and members of marginalized communities. Roots Magazine writes, “The significance of artists like Matthew Morgan in today's musical and societal landscape should not be understated. With a mission to demonstrate that alternative folk music can resonate deeply with the LGBTQIA+ community while tackling social issues, Morgan challenges the conventional narratives that have long dominated the (roots) and folk genres.”
Matthew's previous full-length album, “Timepiece” was released independently in October of 2023 receiving very positive reviews and charting at #24 in the FAI Folk Radio charts. Written and recorded in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic the album stands as an honest and heartfelt testament to the highs and lows of living through one of the most challenging and significant periods in modern history. Natalie Patrick of Earmilk states, “Each track in 'Timepiece' is a carefully crafted story, a musical narrative that invites you to explore the world through Matthew Morgan's lens. From the opening notes to the final chord, this album is a powerful statement of our shared human experience, a reflection of the times we live in, and a call to stand together for a better future.”
Matthew released his debut CD with Chicago’s acoustic indie label, CAUDog Records in 2012 immediately going on tour around the Midwest and Southern US states in cohort with his band, The Lost Brigade. The touring resulted in sold out shows headlining at Chicago's famous Double Door nightclub and House of Blues and opportunities to share the stage with more notorious acts at music festivals including opening for Dave Davies (The Kinks) and Company of Thieves at Taste of Lincoln Ave (Chicago) and SXSW (Austin) in 2013.
Seeking a more introspective sound Morgan parted ways with The Lost Brigade in 2014 and recorded a new solo EP that was released independently the following year titled, ‘Empathy For Inanimate Objects’. Empathy as a whole was very well received and Morgan garnered his first published reviews and the inclusion in the "Best of 2015" by the Nashville Music Guide while drawing comparisons to artists like Elliott Smith and Tom Brosseau.
Currently, Matthew resides in Columbus, OH with his husband, Russell Goodwin Jr.