ABOUT
Matthew Larsen’s wry, introspective songwriting is a mainstay of the vibrant indie-folk scene of Western Massachusetts. Reflecting on technology, media, relationships, empathy, grief, and serious health issues (Matthew underwent a stem cell transplant in 2005), “Holding Pattern” (2016) and “Apheresis,” (2011) are full of multi-part harmonies, guitars, bass, bells, and quiet percussion.
INFLUENCES
mortality, cancer, journalism, the digital age, post-industrial cities, photographs, broken bones, shingles, appendectomies, ancestry, ex-loves, new loves, jealousy, grief, empathy, politics, horizons, oceans, mountains, small towns, hope
HOUSE CONCERTS
Matthew coordinates a house concert series called Dark Dining Room, Acts Matthew has featured and/or performed with include The Low Anthem, David Berkeley, Darlingside, Bird Streets, Will Stratton, Heather Maloney, Winterpills, Native Run, Stephen Kellogg, Eef Barzelay, and others.
HEALTH AND ADVOCACY
Matthew is grateful for his continued good health and regularly participates in and supports organizations important to the cancer community. He received The Andrea Coller Memorial Award in 2009, presented to Matthew by Andrea Coller’s family members and The SAMFund, an organization that assists cancer survivors with the transition to post-treatment life. Andrea Coller was a fellow Massachusetts musician and comrade who left us in 2008.
In 2018, Matthew was lucky enough to participate in a week-long whitewater kayaking retreat in Hood River, Oregon with fellow cancer survivors through First Descents.
MUSIC FOR FILMS/DOCS/COMMERCIALS
Sometimes you need some melodramatic piano music for your video.