Matt The Electrician plus Fred Gillen, Jr. w/Catherine Miles

Presented by River Spirit Music (http://riverspiritmusic.blogspot.com)

Once upon a time, there was a young man named Matt Sever. He lived in Austin, TX, and he worked as a journeyman electrician. Every morning, when it was still dark outside, he would go to work, and wire houses all day long in the blistering Texas heat. When he would come home, again, it was dark outside. And then, sometimes, with no time to shower or change his clothes, he would go straight to the bars and nightclubs of Austin to play his songs for whomever would listen. And he would apologize for his appearance, and explain to the audience that he was an electrician, and he found a certain nobility in this, even if no one wanted to sit too close to the stage. So, they called him Matt The Electrician, and he did not mind this, for he was proud of himself, for there is no shame in a hard day's work.

But, eventually, he quit his job as an electrician, to spend more time writing and playing songs, and the name stuck with him, because everyone needs an electrician sometimes. And, there are some who say, that when the moon is full, and Jupiter is aligned with Mars, you can often hear Matt The Electrician in the distance, wiring a house, and whistling softly to himself. Matt continues to tour all over the world. His 6th and latest self-released studio album, is titled "Animal Boy".

Fred Gillen Jr. is his work. As a songwriter, singer, musician, producer, engineer, and poet, he creates art with purity of intent, an open heart, honesty, and tireless dedication to craft. Part folk singer, part indie rocker, and part poet, he writes and sings songs about the human experience, honestly and fearlessly addressing pain, injustice, and isolation in his work, but also acknowledging and celebrating the hope in everyday existence. His work often tells the unglamorous yet compelling stories of the lost and forgotten, the marginalized and ignored. Veterans, drug addicts, and sick and lonely souls populate his songs and tell their stories in their own voices, yet the overwhelming tone of Gillen's songs and stories is one of hope. Gillen involves his audience and encourages participation, and his live performances are reckless celebrations of being alive.
His latest CD is "Match Against A New Moon," and it features collaborations with percussionist Eric Puente and singer Catherine Miles, and his friends from the band Red Molly.

Catherine Miles is one-third of the Westchester based folk-pop trio, The YaYas.  Catherine's expressive voice is intimate and honest and can be heard on the Ya-Yas newest album, Paper Boats.