Fresh Talk: Mat Kearney

By Patrick S. Lee • Jun 9th, 2009 • Category: Editor's Faves, Juicy Story, Trends   

One listen is all it takes to realize that Mat Kearney clearly has a lot on his mind: uncertainty, heartbreak, and coping with life-shattering news. Yet one listen is all it takes to realize his songs also convey a potent sense of hope; that at the end of the day, our trials will eventually sort themselves out. This genuine sense of humanity and overall uplifting quality sets Kearney apart from the rest of his indie-rock genre. On his latest album, City of Black & White, the Nashville-based singer/songwriter draws even deeper from the reservoir of life experiences for a remarkable record of soul searching.

For this album, Kearney has smoothed out all the rough edges resulting in a more polished, coherent sound. Gone are the spoken word verses from his previous album. Instead Kearney’s melodic voice and airy falsettos carry the album. The production arrangements lean on the side of restraint, creating soft, catchy melodies that drive Kearney’s poignant words to home-plate. From start to finish, the twelve track follow-up album runs at a nice mid-tempo groove, perfect for long drives and long conversations over coffee.

The past three years, Kearney has been traversing the entire country, winning audiences over one show at a time. All the while, Kearney’s once relatively unknown singles blazed a 45-week trail through a VH1 Countdown and eventually made their way over to regular features on a slew of prime time shows, most notably, Grey’s Anatomy. But more than just a tear-jerking soundtrack to McDreamy’s make-out sessions, Kearney’s music taps well into the emotions of his listeners. “You’re watching everything you ever held on to/Slip away from you,” sings Kearney, off the introspective track, “Lifeline.” With lyrics touching upon narratives that anyone can relate to on a personal level, the entire album becomes an intimate, even spiritual, experience. Naturally, there is a comforting feeling knowing that someone has not only dealt with similar hardships, but also has the capacity to earnestly reflect upon them. If anything, Kearney is the kind of star the industry needs right now, a talented performer who has a humble presence behind his words.

Giveaway!! Show Mat some love in the comment boxes below (make sure you enter a valid e-mail address) for a chance to win one of four free copies of City of Black & White and an autographed poster! Winners will be selected at random. Entries will be accepted until Friday, June 20, 2009 at 5:00PM (PST).


TSM: Let’s rewind the clock back to square one for a moment. What has cultivated and sustained your passion for music?

Mat Kearney: For music…I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t passionate about music. I remember listening to Bobby Brown every night before I fell asleep in the 4th grade. My dad would blast Thriller and I remember being so moved it almost scared me. I listened to music blasting every night as I fell asleep for years.

Before committing yourself as a full-fledged musician, what sort of work did you pursue and how did that contribute to your abilities as a musician?

I was a high school soccer coach and hung out with some of the band kids at a high school in Tennessee. We would get together at a local coffee shop and talk about life, girls, faith, and a lot about music. It was a very rewarding time of my life. Devoting a portion of my week to listening to someone else — telling kids who have trouble with life that God loves them was a good thing. I ended up writing the song “Undeniable” about one of the kids that hung out with me.

Your songs have appeared on a zillion TV shows, everything from The Hills to Friday Night Lights, and Grey’s Anatomy. What was your initial reaction after finding out your songs featured on all these shows?

I had mixed emotions…you work so hard at the creation of a song and you hold them very dear like children and you don’t want anyone to mess with what they are or how they can be interpreted. But I am also in love with the relationship between songs and visual images. Sometimes they can work together and create something together that is uniquely interesting…sometimes.

Creatively, what steps did you take to differentiate the sound driving this album, City of Black & White, from your first two efforts?

For one thing, I have played almost 500 shows since I recorded Nothing Left to Lose, which has opened up a bigger, more intense side to this record. I feel like Nothing Left to Lose was more of a Jack Kerouac stream of consciousness effort and City of Black & White is much more concise and attempting to touch on something classic and proven.

What’s your ideal environment for making music?

Friends, wooden rooms, old gear, windows that can be covered or not, reverb, maybe in the middle of nowhere or maybe next to my house, people that challenge you in a kind way, focused people, anything Rupert Neve made a long time ago, good lunches… stuff like that.

You’re about to embark on what appears to be a jam-packed tour alongside Keane and The Helio Sequence. What’s a typical day of being on the road like?

So far the tour has been amazing. Tom [Chaplin, lead singer of Keane] is an avid golfer so we are trying to find a date to hit the links… skinny jeans and country clubs are always an amazing mix.

What sort of advice can you share with aspiring musicians waiting tables at the local diner by day and crashing on their friend’s couch at night?

If your vibe outweighs your content, you’re destined to be a novelty. My Uncle Mike told me that; he’s an amazing painter. Also I think you should stay out of debt; it gives you freedom - unless the debt helps you create.

What gets you loose and helps you unwind after a long day in the studio?

Nothing. After a long day in the studio I am spent and just want to sleep. I think the hard part is leaving and going to sleep. I love being in the studio. Creating something from nothing is like creative crack.

Closer To Love from Mat Kearney on Vimeo.

Your new single, “Closer To Love,” speaks of carrying hope through unexpected hardships. How did this song come together?

It started with the line, “I guess we’re all one phone call from our knees.” I thought this was an interesting idea to explore. Who hasn’t gotten one of those calls?

Let’s pop open your suitcase for a second. What’s your outfit of choice onstage and are there any interesting mementos stowed away inside?

I have been keeping it classic for this tour. Black, grey, white, maybe a tie or a black fedora. Classic. In my suitcase I carry around stationery and a typewriter so I can send letters to people I miss. Email is ok, but something you hold in your hand is better.

When was your “A-ha” moment when you thought, “Wow, I am really getting to do what I love and people are responding to my music?”

It happens everyday. I feel incredibly blessed to do what I do and I try not to take a day of it for granted. I remember the first tour 2 years ago when all the rooms started selling out–places like the Fillmore and the Crystal Ballroom where I had always dreamed of playing. I found myself in tears hugging my bandmates after many shows.

You call Nashville home. How does the musical southern city affect your songwriting and inspiration?

In Nashville, the song is king. Fashion comes in a very distant second. The town doesn’t tolerate fluff and seems to appreciate humility. The history of the city leaves you feeling like you are walking around in the shadows of giants.

Girls across the world find solace in your soulful, intimate lyrics about love. We will either give the green light to or break the hearts of your female fans when we ask this question, but are you currently in a relationship?

I think my lyrics hold weight whether I am in a relationship or not… that said, are you in a relationship? And can you please post your girlfriend’s email? :)

For more on Mat Kearney, check out his official website and MySpace.

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88 Comments

  1. I’m a big fan of Mat Kearney! So excited for the new album.

    June 9th, 2009 at 12:09 pm

  2. Amazing album.

    June 9th, 2009 at 2:24 pm

  3. mat is one of my favorite artists and I can’t wait to see him on this tour.

    June 9th, 2009 at 2:33 pm

  4. Mat’s sound is unique and caught my attention from the first time I heard it. Each song has it’s own individual story but somehow he manages to pull it all together to create a “metanarrative-esque” album. His faith is subtly in each song and that sense of hope can reach both Christians and nonChristians. He truly is the real deal!

    June 9th, 2009 at 2:35 pm

  5. I don’t remember the last day i didn’t listen to either Nothing Left to Lose or City of Black & White. Keep up the great work.

    June 9th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

  6. City of Black and White is awesome, I’ve been waiting a long time for it. It has a great message

    June 9th, 2009 at 2:42 pm

  7. Mat Kearney’s “Nothing Left to Lose” and “City of Black and White” are both albums that I would take with me if I were abandoned on a desert island. They are two albums that I recommend to all lovers of music. They are albums that would be included in the soundtrack of my life.

    June 9th, 2009 at 2:44 pm

  8. I have been a fan of Mats for a couple years now and FINALLY got to see him on tour with Keane a few weeks ago. I was so excited for the new album and it is truly amazing, then a couple days later I got to watch him perform. All around amazing artist! I hope he’s here to stay!:)

    June 9th, 2009 at 2:46 pm

  9. love love love mat.

    June 9th, 2009 at 2:49 pm

  10. I LOVE your music! I’ve been going through some rough things these past few years and every time I listen to your music, I just feel like things will get better. And I like that no matter how many times I listen, the songs never get old. So thank you, so very very much!

    June 9th, 2009 at 3:18 pm

  11. Very good review. Although I think his first album is much more than just spoken words. I like both albums a lot and am still undecided as to which one is my favorite. Closer to Love has got to be one of my favorite songs ever and I am very excited to see Mat when he comes to St. Louis (already got my tickets!). I am also glad Mat is a very humble man unlike many of the other artists and musicians in the world today.

    God bless you Mat!

    *Steve

    June 9th, 2009 at 3:31 pm

  12. I got to see you for the first time live today here in Austin…absolutely amazing. Nothing Left to Loose is my album of choice to listen to when I run which is my favorite thing to do. Your voice left me with chills because it was like listening to you at my happiest times but a million times better because you were present. Thanks for the great show and being a good sport and playing for about 30 people and looking like you were having a good time.

    June 9th, 2009 at 3:50 pm

  13. I love how Mat turns the last question around! I love this album, content content content totally outweighs the awesome vibe. Thats some good advice.

    June 9th, 2009 at 4:08 pm

  14. I was pleasantly surprised when I first listened to City of Black and White. It sounds very much like Mat Kearney but very different at the same time. The album showcases his immense growth as a songwriter.

    June 9th, 2009 at 4:12 pm

  15. Thank you for being such an amazing artist-your songs move me-I’ve loved your music since your first album. Never stop. =]

    June 9th, 2009 at 4:20 pm

  16. I have been in love with his music since he first broke on the scene. The depth of the lyrics, the smoothness of the sound make great listening and heartful meanderings

    June 9th, 2009 at 4:22 pm

  17. This interview was a great read! I was lucky enough to see Mat opening for Keane in D.C. a few weeks ago, and it was absolutely brilliant. There is just something so unique, fresh, and unpretentious about him and his music. I can’t seem to stop listening to City of Black and White… what a fabulous album. Keep on making amazing music, Mat!

    June 9th, 2009 at 4:40 pm

  18. He hit the Nashville vibe right on the head in this interview. Makes me smile as a Tennessee girl who has been a follower of Mat’s music now for a couple of years. Looking forward to his show at the Bijou on June 19!

    June 9th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

  19. Missed Mat in Toronto the other week, so I’ll be heading on down to either the Charlotte or Charleston gig. Or maybe both.

    June 9th, 2009 at 5:52 pm

  20. bring it to tallahassee!

    June 9th, 2009 at 6:16 pm

  21. Mat,

    I’ve been a big fan of you, and love all of the music you’ve made. I have all of your albums, including Bullet (managed to find it somehow on Amazon). I love the new cd, and can listen to it all the way through over and over again, just like the others. I look forward to your show in St. Louis this summer, and hope to run into you after the show, last time you played at Webster University I got the whole band to sign my set-list, but you. So hopefully I can get a setlist signed at the pageant or something. Look forward to the show! Keep up the good work!

    -Chris

    June 9th, 2009 at 6:21 pm

  22. Can’t wait to see Mat in Charlotte in a few weeks. Great interview.

    June 9th, 2009 at 6:37 pm

  23. I lovelovelove Mat! i think his style is more of what we need; very organic and straight to the heart. I wore out my Nothing Left To lose cd by playing it too much! i am really excited to get the new record. You should come to florida or tenn in the fall. :) thanks for sharing your music…don’t stop

    brilliant interview…really i love the skinny jeans bit :)

    June 9th, 2009 at 7:02 pm

  24. Mat! Great songs/lyrics…always picks me up on a rough day! :)

    June 9th, 2009 at 7:54 pm

  25. excited to see Mat play at the SD house of blues June 27th!

    June 9th, 2009 at 8:39 pm

  26. Mat is amazing and super nice. I saw him on tour with Keane 4 times and he just got better with each performance. Definitely worth the money and a long drive. Can’t wait to see him on his headlining tour :)

    June 9th, 2009 at 9:31 pm

  27. I started listening to Mat a few years ago, I really like his sound and how he stands out among all the music out there.

    June 9th, 2009 at 10:30 pm

  28. Well, I was reading this interview or review, and now I understand why you are so special…Beautiful life, simple life with friends, family, love, and good people, and I love that you’re writing about that, you have values and faith, you’re a very good man, humble and kind. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to attend Keane concert in Toronto (May 23/2009) , I think your show was unique…I’ll remember that day for ever.

    Thanks…I’m listening your beautiful music all the time…

    Carolina

    June 9th, 2009 at 10:42 pm

  29. “Lifeline” is my favorite!

    June 10th, 2009 at 12:56 am

  30. I’m currently stationed in Korea serving in the Air Force and it’s often hard to be away from friends and family but listening to Mat makes me think of driving across Texas to go see his concert in Dallas the summer of ‘07 and it just makes things feel easier. His music is inspirational and moving and it helps me realize that there is hope in this crazy whirlwind of a world. Thank you, Mat.

    June 10th, 2009 at 1:13 am

  31. I love your new album Mat. It brings me hope, that after all this hard time I am going through right now, eventually things will work out somehow. That there is so much to live for.. I know there is so many things to come.. and when I listen to your music.. I know one day, they will come to me, and all my wait for love, happiness will be rewarded… You are my love Mat. Thank you for everything you did for me and for many other people in the whole world.
    Love form your number one fan from Poland.

    June 10th, 2009 at 2:10 am

  32. Mat, I have been listening since Bullet came out. I love COBW! Knowing that hope exists is critical in a world in which many have given up on it. Thank you for your honesty, musical integrity, and the hope that you give. God bless.

    June 10th, 2009 at 6:23 am

  33. Mat, your music is captivating. You were right about the ‘epicness’ of City of Black & White ~ thank you. See you at the Basilica in July.

    June 10th, 2009 at 8:33 am

  34. Mat, I love your music and the new cd! Both of the cd’s are amazing yet each offer a different type of sound. Look forward to seeing you in concert again!

    June 10th, 2009 at 8:51 am

  35. Excellent article and interview! Mat’s music is great ^_^

    June 10th, 2009 at 9:00 am

  36. This is the best interview with Mat that I’ve read/seen.

    Really enjoy City of Black and White. Favorite track is “Fire and Rain”. Please, Mat, come back home to Oregon for at least one show!

    June 10th, 2009 at 9:38 am

  37. This album is quite amazing and really connects with people. You never cease to astound me Mat

    June 10th, 2009 at 9:51 am

  38. I love Mat’s music; thank you for the interview. :)

    June 10th, 2009 at 10:59 am

  39. I absolutely love the album, Mat! I’ve already bought three copies (1 iTunes, 1 preorder with the autographed picture, and 1 Best Buy Exclusive version)! Please come to Georgia to play a show!

    June 10th, 2009 at 11:11 am

  40. I consumed COBW after receiving it in the mail. The first couple of nights I had trouble sleeping, because his music was in my head and kept waking me up. Talk about a first for me. Oh, and about that Superman outfit of white shirt, black pants, black tie, and hat- please lose the hat. You have a great hairline.

    June 10th, 2009 at 11:28 am

  41. New to the fan bandwagon, but enjoying catching up. Keep up the amazing work!

    June 10th, 2009 at 1:01 pm

  42. Mat’s work is so amazing and inpsiring! I LOVE him! It’s so refreshing to hear talented artists with lyrics that actually mean something! Way to go Mat!

    June 10th, 2009 at 2:02 pm

  43. Since the time I heard your song Girl America I loved the sound of your voice, the melody, the emotion in the lyrics as well as the heart you sing with. I look forward to listening to your new album. Although I like your style in your first album I am keenly interested in hearing your new vocal sound.

    June 10th, 2009 at 6:10 pm

  44. Another original album that I love. I play it over and over again. Please come back to Detroit and do another concert at St. Andrews Hall!

    June 10th, 2009 at 6:28 pm

  45. City of Black and White is one of the heart moving albums I have ever heard. I recommend it to everyone.

    June 10th, 2009 at 7:05 pm

  46. When I heard the song Nothing Left To Lose for the first time back in April 2006 not knowing who Mat Kearney was, I instantly knew that he was going to be one of my favorite artists. His music has helped me through all the hard times the last three years. I love both albums so much and I can’t stop listening to City of Black & White over and over again. His faith and humility are something to admire. He is amazing to see live, I was in the front row both times that he came to the Ogden in Denver and I can’t wait to see him live again.

    June 10th, 2009 at 7:23 pm

  47. I have been following Mat and his music ever since three summers ago when he opened for John Mayer near Detroit, MI. I have seen him perform two more times since then and can’t wait to see him in July when he comes back to Detroit! His style and lyrics are so captivating. I feel so calm listening to his music. He gives music a new name. I’m truly blessed to have seen him perform years ago and to have his music in my life. I sleep with his music on and even drive to work (40 minutes one way) with his music on. He gives me hope even when things seem hard to handle. It was his music (hope and inspiration especially) that got me thru my divorce back in 2006. I look forward to being a fan for life and getting to see him at many more concerts!

    Melissa

    June 10th, 2009 at 7:43 pm

  48. I love it when an artist’s music helps me give voice to my feelings and experiences—I always feel that with Mat’s music. Love it!

    June 10th, 2009 at 9:02 pm

  49. I was so excited to see that you interviewed Mat Kearney; I could feel the giddiness glowing throughout my veins! I was awed by him when I first heard “All I Need.” The words were just perfect, and the melody was profoundly gripping. Reading the interview made me even happier — I appreciate his music even more now than I did before. He’s an amazing singer with amazing lyrics. I can’t wait to listen to this new album.

    June 10th, 2009 at 10:21 pm

  50. I actually didn’t know Mat Kearney before this, but after reading the incredibly interesting interview and listening to the music, I have definitely found a new influence for my own music and my life in general. I wish that I had heard about him before!! Now I can’t stop listening to his CD. I’m absolutely going to get the rest of them.

    Thanks a lot, Supermelon!

    June 11th, 2009 at 9:59 am

  51. Thank you Mat for “Closer to Love” - I’m trying to get through the unexpected loss of my Father and this song has been a rather unexpected soothing comfort.

    Come back home to Oregon soon we all miss you!

    June 11th, 2009 at 10:39 am

  52. Mat Kearney is pretty much the greatest.

    June 11th, 2009 at 12:37 pm

  53. He is very talented indeed. Thanks for finding me such a great artist!

    June 11th, 2009 at 1:29 pm

  54. You really have a special gift for writing music. God is definitely doing something special in your life

    June 11th, 2009 at 1:29 pm

  55. a most excellent representation of hope and harmony. keep the music coming matt!

    June 11th, 2009 at 3:57 pm

  56. Mat Kearney was awesome in concert. I can’t wait to get this new album. Come back to South Florida Mat!

    June 11th, 2009 at 8:14 pm

  57. Really love Matt Kearny’s music so pleasant and souful at the same time! keep it up

    June 12th, 2009 at 5:36 pm

  58. Mat Kearney’s music has been a part of my life since I discovered Nothing Left To Lose 2 years ago. The new album is equally great. One small let down, no spoken word song ,hey all good. Can’t wait to see him at the World’s Largest Music Festival - Summerfest! In Two Weeks.

    June 13th, 2009 at 6:59 am

  59. I love Mat Kearney’s music it is so crazy how often you find yourself listening to Nothing Left To Lose he grabs the soul and the new album is great as well, although,I wish he would have brought the same” freestyle” type in the new album but one things for sure I love the music and he has a fan for life.

    June 13th, 2009 at 6:00 pm

  60. “Creating something from nothing is like creative crack.” Love it.

    I agree that Mat’s unique blend of talent and humility are just what we need right now. Keep up the great work, Mat!

    June 13th, 2009 at 8:07 pm

  61. I am loving Mat’s music! Can’t wait to get my hands on the new album!

    June 13th, 2009 at 10:02 pm

  62. I have loved Mat’s music since his first album came out. He opened for a John Mayer concert as well - went to the concert mainly to see Mat!

    June 14th, 2009 at 10:13 am

  63. Hubby and I heard you on the radio yesterday. He asked “Who IS this?” We’re HOOKED! So glad to have “discovered” you.

    June 14th, 2009 at 1:23 pm

  64. Trainwreck… that was the song that first attracted me to Mat Kearney’s music. His first record, Bullet, almost seems like an antique now. Like others, I also payed for a ridiculously high-priced ticket to see Mat open for John Mayer. Thankfully, I have gotten to see him perform his own show too and will again on July 7th!
    I love the new CD, especially the fact that I no longer have to defend his “spoken word” as not being rap… Your music is amazing - thanks for letting your faith shine through!

    June 15th, 2009 at 7:38 am

  65. I love the new cd–all the lyrics really hit home.
    Hope the tour is going well.
    I’ll be at your concert in Omaha and am counting down the days…

    God Bless

    June 15th, 2009 at 5:23 pm

  66. June 20th is Saturday…. Hard to establish a favorite on the new album—thanks for making it difficult Mat!

    “…but something you hold in your hand IS better.”

    June 15th, 2009 at 6:57 pm

  67. When I heard “Undeniable” the first time on the radio, I thought it was sort of a cool HipHop track, and bought the whole album without listening to it. And you know what, it just blew me away.

    June 16th, 2009 at 1:38 am

  68. Mat is an amazing and insiped songwriter. It is clear where he draws his strength and passion. He moves us. He reminds us. He rocks my world - and is so amazing in concert! I can’t wait to see him again in Charleston!

    June 16th, 2009 at 8:56 am

  69. So fierce. It’s amazing.

    June 16th, 2009 at 5:11 pm

  70. Excited for the new album. too bad you took out the spoken word.

    June 17th, 2009 at 8:58 am

  71. Great album. Have been a fan since the beginning and loving the new stuff. You have been such a great inspiration to me and that speaks volumes. Keep writing and praying for you while on tour. God Bless!

    June 18th, 2009 at 7:18 am

  72. I’m loving the new album and the vocals minus the spoken word. Can’t wait for the live show!

    June 18th, 2009 at 10:44 am

  73. Mat’s music is refreshing in a world full of cookie-cutter singers. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and his songs deal with real life from its joys to its tragedies. I really enjoy Mat’s music, and have since I first heard “Nothing Left to Lose”. Have not bought the new album yet. Waiting for my birthday when I usually get an iTunes gift card.

    June 19th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

  74. I first heard Mat a couple of years ago on MySpace and have fallen in love with his music. His lyrics are quite fitting for anyone, and they definitely reach out to those that have dealt with hardships. It’s rare to find a musician that walks and talks the Christian lifestyle, as well as still focuses on the difficulties of the human life. His music is always on my Ipod, car, or computer…such an outstanding artist! Also have to love that he played soccer in college! :)

    June 19th, 2009 at 7:23 pm

  75. Wow, Lifeline really made me think about how I need God in my life. I sincerely doubt that was the intention for the song but, oh well everybody has a different point-of-view

    June 19th, 2009 at 7:50 pm

  76. Comments for the giveaway are now closed. All four winners will be contacted via e-mail shortly. Thanks for entering and please continue to show Mat the support he deserves!

    June 21st, 2009 at 8:17 am

  77. Mat, you write some great music! I just love the over-all sound …all the way from the old stuff to the new stuff!! Its all great…i love the deep lyrics!! Keep doing what you enjoy to do cause God uses that to encourage and impact lives for HIS kingdom!! God bless. (Psalms 34:3; 16:11; 19:14)

    June 22nd, 2009 at 2:44 pm

  78. Your music is so beautiful it wraps the listener in a cocoon on melodic splendor. I became a fan of your music the fist time I hear you sing! Thanks for your beautiful lyrics! Hopefully you will tour the West Coast soon, Eugene Oregon would proud to welcome you!

    June 24th, 2009 at 9:31 am

  79. I Realy enjoy and Love your Music to.I love all 3 Albums though I have none lol.Mat Kearney is both awsome and cool and awsome if I met this guy in real life id be friends with him hes a guy i could see as a bud.I myself write songs maybe give some pointers or think about singing them.

    June 24th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

  80. I love the sound of the new release “City of Black and White”. It’s like a cross between ‘America” and the “Beach Boys”. Keep singing Matt, it just keeps getting better!

    June 27th, 2009 at 7:51 pm

  81. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I really can’t get enough of your music…it makes me happy, gets me excited, helps me relax and enlightens me all at the same time :-)

    See you in NY in September…the show is on my birthday and as I’ve told everyone it’s the best gift I could ask for!!

    July 2nd, 2009 at 8:40 pm

  82. I was on youtube listening to Mat’s new song, to me “Closer to Love”. I decided to find websites talking about Mat’s new album “Black and White.” I cannot wait to buy this album this week by Thursday. Two years ago I was at a Wal-Mart in Ogden, UT and was looking for CD’s when I came across “Nothing Left to Lose” and thought why not. I listened to samples on the player Wal-Mart had. Not knowing I had heard one of the songs on the radio and love it. Then I fell in love with the whole album. I listened to it daily on my PC at work. There is not one song I do not like on “Nothing Left to Lose.” Right now I am listening to his new album while writing this and this album is equally matched if not better. Every artist grows with their music and I will have to say Mat Kearney has. Just two weeks ago I heard “Closer to Love” on the radio and thought “OOh” Mat Kearney has a new album out I cannot wait to go buy it. Mat you are an exceptional artist and not the bubble pop main stream, which is awesome.

    July 6th, 2009 at 10:12 pm

  83. First I heard “closer to love” on the radio I had to youtube it to listen to it again. Totally love Mat Kearney’s songs and am glad we have a brilliant song writer and a gifted singer like him.

    July 8th, 2009 at 2:43 pm

  84. dude!!! give me that fat new cd of his!!!!!!

    July 9th, 2009 at 2:51 pm

  85. I am probably Mat Kearney’s biggest fan in Connecticut. I listened to his last album everyday for a year. Could not get enough and plan on getting to know this album just as well. Wish he was coming CT though.

    July 13th, 2009 at 8:43 am

  86. Mat’s music is smart and strong. I love it.

    July 15th, 2009 at 4:47 pm

  87. Just listened to Mat Kearney’s acoustic version of Closer to Love and it is amazing. I think it’s better than the original one! I found it on billboard.com at http://www.billboard.com/#/features/video-q-a-mat-kearney-plays-it-closer-1003997641 definitely take a listen!!

    July 28th, 2009 at 9:34 am

  88. Mat definitely needs to get back to his hip-hop roots which was what made him unique and creative. Those past songs which included intellectually stimulating rhyme-schemes were true poetry. And true art. Now his music sounds like it’s only there to get airplay on the radio and appease the big-time record companies.

    Mat is an amazing talent, but he needs to hear harsh criticism like this in order to progress in his musical career and not regress.

    August 7th, 2009 at 12:20 pm

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