Matthew Brookshire is a songwriter and performer based in Brooklyn, NY. His new release \"Best Friend\" features 10 original songs—most of which were developed during Matthew’s many live performances at NYC venues, including the Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall and Caffe Vivaldi. The album includes tracks produced by Matthew’s frequent collaborator Curtis Moore, and features guest vocals by singer-songwriter Kelli Rae Powell and Dilia Jelen. Matthew’s onstage partner, violinist Erika Kapin, can also be heard on two tracks. In 2007, Matthew’s song “Best Friend” was chosen as a finalist in the New York Songwriters Circle’s annual songwriting contest, which culminated in a live performance at the legendary Bitter End. Also in 2007, Matthew was chosen to attend the Northeast conference for campus activities bookers, which lead to college performances at the University of Connecticut, Rider University, and Southern Vermont College. Matthew’s music can be heard in the Todd Solondz film Palindromes, starring Ellen Barkin and Jennifer Jason Leigh, which played in the New York, Telluride, Venice and Toronto film festivals. Matthew has co-written (with Curtis Moore) songs for other artists, including #1 Billboard dance artist Kevin Aviance and R&B singer Ari Gold. In 2006, Matthew\'s \"Wedding Song\" was named an Honorable Mention in the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest. \"Wedding Song\" and \"I Reveal My Heart\" (both from the album 8 Songs) were added to Sirius OutQ radio and appeared in the Top 20. Matthew has performed showcases for EMI Records, Jezebel Music, the BMI Songwriter in Residence series and the International Pop Overthrow Festival. In June of 2006, Matthew was featured on the cover of Indie Sounds NY.