MATT HARLAN

If there’s a performer today that embodies the oft-applied moniker of “songwriter’s songwriter” it’s Houston favorite, Matt Harlan. A troubadour of the first degree, Matt has been bringing his songs of bus-stops, coffee-shops and lives overlooked to stages across his home-state of Texas, the USA and Europe.

With three studio albums to his name, Harlan exposes a range of influences, to interpret a generation steeped in plastic and filtered through the Hill Country limestone. His expressive vocals recall Chris Smither and Chris Knight, shading his poignant songs with soaring heart and aching grit.

His first two studio albums were well received by national and international Americana radio, both earning the #1 spot on the Euro Americana Chart. “Raven Hotel” his third – and possibly best – record also hit the top spot on the Euro charts after its release in 2014. As with each collection, the newest one features a musical roux that showcases Harlan’s literary grit with a variety of moods to fit the many themes on the record.

Matt's second album, "Bow and Be Simple," was recorded in Denmark with backing band The Sentimentals. The collection features tunes in a variety of moods, unified by a cozy, almost vintage vibe and is being well received by national and international Americana radio, earning the #1 spot on the Euro Americana Charts (as did his debut, “Tips & Compliments”).

Harlan is a winner of multiple songwriting accolades, from outfits like American Songwriter and Billboard. Most recently he was named Singer-Songwriter of the Year in the 2013 Texas Music Awards and was featured alongside a stellar cast of characters (Lyle Lovett, Guy Clark) in the documentary, “For the Sake of the Song.”

Matt has been out on the road this year in the US and abroad and has shared stages with Americana greats such as Guy Clark and James McMurtry and John Fullbright.