A consummate performer with a high-energy stage presence, Matt Pless travels the road entertaining and astounding his audiences. With guitar and harmonica as his tools of choice and words as his main characters, he has shared the stage with the likes of Maroon 5, Rilo Kiley, Ani DiFranco, Alkaline Trio, Arlo Guthrie, Bad Brains, Fallout Boy, All Time Low, and many others.
During the fall of 2011, Matt found himself at the outdoor protest in New York City that would become known as “Occupy Wall Street”. His live performances in Zuccotti Park garnered the attention of a producer who included his song “Something’s Got to Give” as the opening track to the Occupy Wall Street benefit compilation titled, Occupy This Album that was distributed by Sony Music. This collection of songs also included tracks from Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Anti-Flag, David Crosby, Blondie, Jackson Brown, Yoko Ono, and many other high-profile artists.
Matt’s extensive touring schedule has taken him to Europe and across the U.S. multiple times playing venues from bars to boxcars and basements and everything in between…wherever there are people to hear his music.
His multiple album releases include Requiems for Wishing Wells, Seeds, and Stems, Volumes 1 & 2, Tumbleweed, Call It Art, Catch Me If You Can, Nero, Dirty Needles EP, and a 7” vinyl titled, Songs in the Key of Blue. His newest album, Cheap Shots on the Rocks, is soon to be released through Say-10 Records.
In 2019, Matt was featured in an independent film, “Renegade Dreamers” which documented folk music in New York City. Directed by filmmaker, Karen Kramer, it included footage of Matt performing in NYC coffee houses and open mics during his busking days, along with several interview clips addressing his thoughts on songwriting and life.
Almost anyone can relate to a Matt Pless song. His unique gift for writing lyrics and melodies that appeal to the core of the human condition is, like Matt himself, an experience.