Dublin!! I’m playing a wee show of my own in the very iconic Little Whelan’s on 30th April.
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Super excited to do this one!
It’s best to think of this gig as an evening of storytelling through music. I can’t play these songs without telling you a lot of the stories from moments in my life too.
So expect bar-room romances, tour stories, tales of friendship, loss and attempts at escapism in dark times. Come meet the characters I see so clearly when I sing about them.
I’ll tell the story of each song is about and where it came from before I sing it. All in a kind of Tom Waits/ Randy Newman style. The set is about an hour long.
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Doors are 8.30. Book online on the Whelan’s website (link in thingy)
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I’ll be workin hard myself between now and then to make this a special gig so please spread the word and DM this to any Dublin folk you may know who love a good story and are into their music.
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The support for my wee debut single ‘Sit Back Down Again’ has been insane so far and another one to be released very shortly.
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#dublin folk, please spread the word 😎
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Hope to see some of you there on the 30th April.
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Keep on going everyone.
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Matt
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Matt Benson's life has been a tapestry of diverse experiences and personal challenges, all of which have significantly influenced his music. His early life was marked by the tail-end of The Troubles in Ireland, a period of conflict that left a lasting impact on him. His father, a musician, survived a bombing, which led to Matt's introduction to the trombone. This instrument became a central thread in his life, weaving through his various musical endeavors.

Matt's musical career began with a scholarship to study music in London, but he found performing more inspiring than formal education. He played with various bands, including Brassroots, Sam and The Womp, and The Ikos, gaining invaluable experience and exposure. However, it was his time touring with George Ezra that marked a significant turning point in his career. This opportunity not only improved his finances but also provided the stability he needed to focus on his solo album.

Creating his solo album, however, was not without its challenges. It wasn't until the lockdown that the project began to take shape, with the help of producer Cian Boylan. 

The album features contributions from accomplished musicians, including members from George Ezra's band and other notable artists. The first single, "Sit Back Down Again," is a poignant reflection on the loss of his older sister Catherine, a significant and sorrowful event in Matt's life.

The album explores themes of loss, family, moving on, and personal experiences, blending autobiographical elements with fictional stories. It serves as a cathartic release for Matt and offers listeners an immersive and relatable experience.

Matt Benson's life has been a tapestry of diverse experiences and personal challenges, all of which have significantly influenced his music. His early life was marked by the tail-end of The Troubles in Ireland, a period of conflict that left a lasting impact on him. His father, a musician, survived a bombing, which led to Matt's introduction to the trombone. This instrument became a central thread in his life, weaving through his various musical endeavors.

Matt's musical career began with a scholarship to study music in London, but he found performing more inspiring than formal education. He played with various bands, including Brassroots, Sam and The Womp, and The Ikos, gaining invaluable experience and exposure. However, it was his time touring with George Ezra that marked a significant turning point in his career. This opportunity not only improved his finances but also provided the stability he needed to focus on his solo album.

Creating his solo album, however, was not without its challenges. It wasn't until the lockdown that the project began to take shape, with the help of producer Cian Boylan. 

The album features contributions from accomplished musicians, including members from George Ezra's band and other notable artists. The first single, "Sit Back Down Again," is a poignant reflection on the loss of his older sister Catherine, a significant and sorrowful event in Matt's life.

The album explores themes of loss, family, moving on, and personal experiences, blending autobiographical elements with fictional stories. It serves as a cathartic release for Matt and offers listeners an immersive and relatable experience.