With his genuine combination of American soul and upbeat rock & roll, Matt MacKelcan has emerged as one of the most prominent indie front men out of the southeastern U.S. He first broke into the music scene in the Orlando Florida area while earning a degree in vocals, composition and guitar at Rollins College—and made his name there before more recently relocating to Charleston along the South Carolina coast. Matt is best known for a big voice, authentic songwriting and engaging personality. As his popularity spreads far beyond his roots, Matt’s sophomore CD No Turning Back (produced by 2-time Dove Award nominee Randall Shreve) continues to meet embracing live audiences around the country—from Boston to Austin, from Park City to New York City. He’s no stranger to crowds of thousands either, headlining with his band at sizeable events like the Florida Music Festival and college football’s famed Capital One Citrus Bowl game. While building his reputation as one of the hardest working musicians around, Matt received recognition by Singer Songwriter of America as 2005 “Male Vocalist of the Year”. His touring in the time since then has given him the opportunity to share the stage with some of his own professional inspirations including Matt Nathanson, Edwin McCain, Gavin DeGraw, Martin Sexton, Brett Dennen, Jon McLaughlin, Howie Day, Rusted Root, Third Eye Blind and Virginia Coalition.
After a year that brought career highlights like Sundance Film Festival as well as House of Blues and Hard Rock Live performances in 2008, Matt is now playing urban and collegiate music venues all over the country. With new songs and rising popularity, he had a successful appearance at the South by Southwest Music Festival in March and just recently made his west coast debut at the LA Film Festival.
Matt is sponsored by Martin Guitars, MemoryKick and Topo Ranch apparel.
Recent Performing Highlights:
ARTSCAPE, Baltimore MD (Jul 09)
LA FILM FESTIVAL, Los Angeles CA (Jun 09)
With RUSTED ROOT @ HOUSE OF BLUES, Myrtle Beach SC (Jun 09)
SXSW/LIVE.CREATE LOUNGE, Austin TX (Mar 09)
With HALL & OATES @ SEAWORLD, Orlando FL (Feb 09)
CAPITAL ONE CITRUS BOWL, Orlando FL (Jan 09)
With MARTIN SEXTON @ THE SOCIAL, Orlando FL (Jan 09)
With MATT WHITE ‘GAP’ TOUR, Southern US + Boston MA (Oct 08)
With EDWIN MCCAIN @ HOUSE OF BLUES, Orlando FL (Jun 08)
With BODEANS @ HOUSE OF BLUES, Orlando FL (May 08)
SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST MUSIC FESTIVAL, Austin TX (Mar 08)
SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL @ BMI Showcase, Park City UT (Jan 08)
With RICK SPRINGFIELD @ HARD ROCK LIVE, Orlando FL (Dec 07)
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Promotional Support:
MEMORY KICK INC, signed distribution deal
WWW.MYCOKE.COM, featured Pop Artist on Coca Cola website
WWW.DOMINOS.COM, summer spotlight on Dominos Pizza website
WWW.ZONEPERFECT.COM/creativity/sxsw, brand promotional tour
RADIO PLAY & LIVE STUDIO PERFORMANCES, various SE stations
MARTIN GUITARS & TOPO RANCH CLOTHING, endorsements
Press Coverage:
CHARLESTON CITY PAPER
Behind his cheerful, laid-back manner, Matt MacKelcan is a serious guy, most concerned about writing solid rock songs, performing well on stage and getting out there—way out there…(with his) melodic modern folk-pop style.”
METROMIX.COM INTERVIEW http://greenville.metromix.com/music/article/dta-band-of-the/1062746/content
VILLAGE VOICE NEW YORK
“Show to Watch”
AXIS MAGAZINE
“…the good natured Matt MacKelcan spills his soul in four minute intervals. His infectious personality and hook-laden storytelling have garnered him a following and a string of dates.”
ORLANDO CITY BEAT
“Tell you what I did see that moved my soul…because there was plenty that didn’t…Matt MacKelcan. He grabs a guitar and jams like Dave Matthews…it’s acoustic pop with soulful vocals and a happy vibe.”
