Matt Rivers, The Matt Rivers Band, Matt Rivers and Guests…Whatever blend, Matt and the band tend to like grabbing an audience by the emotional proverbials and giving them a bit of a shake. The songs bounce from upbeat & funky to downright moody, with a smattering of foot-stomping and tantrum in between. Tunes pour out of Matt’s head in a weather-beaten type style, earthy, wind-bashed and raw, as Francesco Bonini (lead guitar) and James W Griffiths (bass) wend their wily magic, mixing all the ingredients into a big indie-folk rock cake. Motivated by a need to increase the depth and range of his songs, Matt brought in Francesco in 2006 after being awarded a place on an exclusive professional music development course at prestigious live venue - ‘The Stables’ in Wavendon. Funded by the Arts Council and Leverhulme Trust, the course involved working with artists such as David Knopfler (Dire Straights), Boo Hewerdine (Eddie Reader) and Cara Dillon (Transatlantic Sessions). The course also funded his debut EP. James was recruited in 2007 to record the bass lines and they have continued to add a dynamic feel to the sound ever since. In the same year, the band got into the regional finals of South Coast Idol and Matt was awarded ‘Best Male Act’ by the judges. Over the last two years, the band has played extensively in the South East and London at established venues, clubs, acoustic showcases and festivals. They are currently focusing on developing their sound and repertoire whilst clocking up tons of gigs and plenty of exposure. Matt has been creative since he was a nipper. Initially trained as an actor, after numerous stage productions and the odd TV appearance, Matt decided to channel his energies into singing and song-writing. A self-taught musician, he was playing solo for 6 years before forming the current line-up. Matt was weaned on a diet of Beatles, Stones and Roses, whilst gleaning all he could from Acid Jazz, Indie, Rock, Classical and Pop. He cites major influences as Bowie, Blur, Cat Stevens, Lennon, Marvin Gaye, Iron and Wine, Kate Bush, Weller, Wonder, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Pachabel, Elton John, Jamiroquai, Rod, Jane and Freddy and Bruce Forsyth. Some Elsewhere is their first EP and came out in July 2007. These are songs shaped by the elements – the sound of weather-beaten soul.