Matt Hires
The Vic Theatre
Chicago, IL
August 2, 2009
Having never before heard the songs of Matt Hires, I showed up at his show last night in Chicago with an open mind and ready for anything. I honestly had not heard of Matt Hires before discovering he was the opening act for Paolo Nutini (along with Erin McCarley). Let me tell you though, I liked what I heard. I mean, I REALLY liked what I heard. Not only did this 22-year-old from Tampa, Florida win me over with his music, but he also appears to be a truly humble and genuinely good person. He plays barefoot for crying out loud! How laid back is that? The only other artist I have ever seen perform shoeless on stage in front of thousands of people is Kelly Clarkson. I found myself comparing Matt Hires to lead singer Michael Stipe from R.E.M. throughout the evening, which I believe to be a good thing. I like Michael Stipe and think his voice stands out from the hundreds of other male singers out there. The fact that Hires has a voice so unique that it reminds me of an amazing artist like Stipe only makes me more of a fan for life.
Of course, what makes an artist truly succeed or not in the music business is their talent and songs. However, having a voice that doesn’t sound like any of the other millions of singer/songwriters in the world definitely helps. In my opinion, Matt Hires has what it takes to make it: talent, good songs, and a distinct voice. If you want to decide for yourself, check out Matt Hires when he plays a city near you. Or you can pick up his debut album Take Us To The Start, available now! No matter what, at least take a few minutes to listen to my personal favorite Matt Hires song, “Honey, Let Me Sing You A Song.”
Set List / Chicago
You Are My Sunshine / I Walk The Line (Johnny Cash cover/medley)
Honey, Let Me Sing You A Song
Pick Me Up
You In The End
A Perfect Day
You Are The One
Maggie’s Farm (Bob Dylan cover)
Listen To Me Now
Turn The Page
State Lines
More photos of singer/songwriter Matt Hires after the jump…
Click on thumbnails to enlarge images:
I may need you to take pictures when I have my own talk show.
i just listened to a few of his songs. he’s very good. excellent pictures!
I’m listening to his music right now, really liking it! I have a feeling I would really enjoy hearing him live someday.
He’s cute! I’ll have to check him out… musically that is! lol Great review/ pics as always!
I think I loved his bare feet just as much as his unique voice!
Amazing pictures! You have this incredible talent to photograph performers in a way that highlights the live show. For those that were there its a great moment captured that they can look back on and for those that weren’t it let’s us see what we missed out on.
I hadn’t heard of him before looking at these, but having since listened to some of his music I wish I had known about this show before hand. Great music!
Thanks.
I’ve never heard of him either, but after this great review I will definitely check him out! ;)
i noticed the similarity of his voice and michael stipe’s, too! great show.