Matt Nathanson
Matt Nathanson (born March 28, 1973) is an American singer-songwriter based in California, renowned for his introspective adult alternative music that blends folk and rock influences.[1][2] Nathanson began his career in the early 1990s, independently releasing his debut album Please in 1993, followed by several more records that built a dedicated following through grassroots touring and word-of-mouth.[3] His breakthrough came with the 2007 album Some Mad Hope, which featured the platinum-certified single "Come On Get Higher," co-written with Mark Weinberg and peaking at number 59 on the Billboard Hot 100.[4] Over nearly three decades, he has released thirteen studio albums, including the critically acclaimed Modern Love (2011), which debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200 and topped iTunes' Alternative Albums chart, as well as more recent works like Sings His Sad Heart (2018), Boston Accent (2022), and King of (Un)Simple (2025).[5][6][7] Known for his charismatic live performances, Nathanson has toured extensively as both a headliner and opener for major acts, including multiple runs with Matchbox Twenty on their Slow Dream Tour.[8] His songs, characterized by earnest lyrics and acoustic-driven melodies, have appeared in television soundtracks and earned him appearances on programs such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show and NPR's Mountain Stage.[9][10]Early life and education
Matt Nathanson was born on March 28, 1973, in Lexington, Massachusetts.[2] He was raised in Lexington, with a Jewish father and Catholic mother.[11] He has a brother named Neal. Nathanson attended the Fessenden School, a pre-K through grade 9 boys' school in West Newton, Massachusetts, graduating in 1988.[12] He then attended Proctor Academy, a boarding school in Andover, New Hampshire, graduating in 1991.[13] In the early 1990s, Nathanson moved to California to attend Pitzer College in Claremont, where he majored in English and world literature, graduating in 1995.[14][15]Career
Early independent releases (1993–2006)
Nathanson released his debut album, Please, in 1993 through the independent label Acrobat Records.[16] Recorded in a studio in the Van Nuys neighborhood of Los Angeles, the album primarily consisted of songs Nathanson had composed during his high school and college years, reflecting his early folk-rock influences rooted in acoustic performances.[17] As a largely solo artist at the outset, he began building a grassroots fanbase by touring California coffeehouses and small venues, often playing intimate acoustic sets that emphasized personal storytelling and humor to connect with audiences.[18] The independent nature of his early work presented challenges, including self-production on limited budgets and reliance on word-of-mouth promotion rather than major marketing support.[17] Nathanson signed with Acrobat Records for broader distribution of his initial releases, allowing modest regional reach while he continued relentless touring across the U.S. in vans and small clubs to sustain momentum.[19] This DIY approach fostered a dedicated following but restricted commercial exposure, with albums often recorded in informal settings like friends' apartments to cut costs. Subsequent releases built on this foundation. In 1997, Ernst followed on Acrobat Records, an entirely acoustic effort recorded in a San Francisco apartment that showcased Nathanson's evolving songwriting with introspective lyrics and minimal instrumentation.[17] The 1998 compilation Not Colored Too Perfect, also via Acrobat, drew from unreleased material spanning 1995–1997, highlighting outtakes and B-sides that captured his experimental phase.[17] [20] By 1999, Still Waiting for Spring marked a slight shift toward polished production while remaining independent, featuring the track "Loud," an early single that gained minor traction through licensing for television shows like Dawson's Creek.[17] Nathanson's 2002 EP When Everything Meant Everything, rushed into release on Acrobat amid impending label changes, included fuller band arrangements for the first time, signaling his transition from solo work.[17] In 2003, he briefly signed with a major label, releasing his fifth studio album Beneath These Fireworks on October 14 through Universal Records. This major label debut featured more produced rock elements and collaborations, but the deal did not lead to sustained success, prompting a return to independent releases.[21] These efforts culminated in the 2006 live album At the Point, recorded during performances at small venues and capturing the energy of his grassroots tours with initial live recordings of fan favorites.[17] Throughout this era, Nathanson's persistence in self-managing production and promotion solidified his reputation as a resilient independent artist.[22]Breakthrough and major label success (2007–2014)
In 2007, Matt Nathanson transitioned from independent releases to partnering with Vanguard Records, an independent label known for its support of singer-songwriters, for the distribution and promotion of his sixth studio album, Some Mad Hope. Released on August 14, 2007, the album marked a significant step in broadening his audience beyond niche acoustic circuits, blending introspective lyrics with polished pop-rock production. The lead single, "Come On Get Higher," co-written with Mark Weinberg, became Nathanson's breakthrough hit, achieving platinum certification from the RIAA for over one million units sold in the United States and peaking at No. 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 while reaching No. 3 on both the Adult Contemporary and Adult Alternative Songs charts. This radio success on adult-oriented formats helped propel Some Mad Hope to a peak of No. 60 on the Billboard 200, where it spent 34 weeks, establishing Nathanson's commercial viability.[23][4][24] Building on this momentum, Nathanson's fanbase expanded through increased radio airplay and strategic tour openings for established acts, including select dates on Kelly Clarkson's Stronger Tour in 2012, which exposed him to larger pop audiences. His seventh studio album, Modern Love, released on June 21, 2011, via Vanguard, further solidified his major-label trajectory, debuting at No. 17 on the Billboard 200 and featuring the single "Faster," which reached No. 74 on the Hot 100. The album's promotion emphasized Nathanson's evolving sound, incorporating electronic elements and guest vocals, notably on the track "Run," a collaboration with country duo Sugarland (Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush), who co-wrote the song and contributed harmonies; this partnership bridged Nathanson's indie roots with mainstream country crossover appeal. Modern Love received positive reviews for its thematic exploration of relationships and vulnerability, contributing to sustained growth in streaming and live attendance.[4][25][26] By 2013, Nathanson had cemented his status as a consistent chart performer with Last of the Great Pretenders, his eighth studio album, released on July 16 via Vanguard and produced in collaboration with Mike Viola and Jake Sinclair. Debuting at No. 16 on the Billboard 200, the record showcased a more upbeat, power-pop direction while retaining Nathanson's signature wit and emotional depth. Key singles included "Mission Bells," offered as a free download to fans in March 2013 to build pre-release buzz, and "Kill the Lights," which gained traction on adult alternative radio. The album's success, driven by strong digital sales and tour support, underscored Nathanson's rising popularity, with opening slots for acts like Train enhancing his visibility to broader rock and pop crowds during this period.[4][27]Later career and evolution (2015–present)
In 2015, Nathanson released his ninth studio album, Show Me Your Fangs, through Vanguard Records, marking a shift toward more playful yet vulnerable songwriting amid his ongoing major-label phase. The album featured the track "Gold Parentheses," which highlighted his signature blend of witty introspection and melodic hooks, produced by Dennis Herring and others to emphasize live-band energy.[28][29] Following a period of personal reflection, Nathanson's tenth studio album, Sings His Sad Heart, arrived on October 5, 2018, via Acrobat Records, delving deeper into themes of loss and emotional resilience with a raw, confessional tone. Produced by collaborators including Butch Walker and Stacey Jones, the record's single "Used To Be" achieved commercial success, peaking in the top 20 on the Adult Top 40 chart and underscoring Nathanson's enduring radio appeal.[30][31][32] By 2022, Nathanson embraced greater independence with Boston Accent, self-released on July 29 through his Acrobat label, reflecting a matured production style that incorporated acoustic intimacy and folk-infused pop-rock. The album's release coincided with 15th-anniversary celebrations for his breakthrough Some Mad Hope, including special tour performances that revisited early hits while showcasing newer material, fostering a sense of career continuity for longtime fans.[33][34] Nathanson's evolution post-2015 has trended toward increasingly introspective lyrics exploring vulnerability, nostalgia, and human connection, often recorded in collaborative, low-pressure settings with trusted producers to prioritize authenticity over polished commercialism. This shift aligns with his transition to indie releases, allowing creative freedom while sustaining a dedicated audience.[35][36] In 2025, Nathanson continued this trajectory with the EP Impossible People, released January 10 via Acrobat Records, featuring four tracks that further emphasize personal storytelling through stripped-down arrangements. His twelfth studio album, King of (Un)Simple, followed on February 7, produced over the prior 18 months in San Francisco studios, blending humor and heartfelt reflection in its nine songs.[37][38][39] Throughout the 2020s, Nathanson has adapted to the streaming era by leveraging platforms like Spotify and Apple Music for direct distribution, while enhancing fan engagement through social media livestreams—such as quarantine concerts on Facebook and Instagram in 2020—and interactive posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, building a community around live performances and behind-the-scenes insights. This approach has sustained his career longevity, with over 100,000 Instagram followers and consistent tour sellouts.[40][41][42]Musical style and influences
Matt Nathanson's music blends folk and rock elements, often classified as introspective adult alternative pop. His songwriting features earnest, personal lyrics paired with acoustic-driven melodies and accessible pop hooks, evolving over time to incorporate broader influences while maintaining a singer-songwriter core.[1][43] Nathanson draws from neo-folk artists such as Tracy Chapman and the Indigo Girls for his storytelling approach. Additional influences include rock acts like INXS, as well as R&B, hip-hop, and modern pop in his later work, contributing to a dynamic range across albums.[44][45][46]Covers and collaborations
Cover projects
Matt Nathanson has released several dedicated cover projects, reinterpreting classic rock and alternative songs through acoustic arrangements that emphasize his vocal delivery and the lyrical content of the originals. These efforts showcase his affinity for stripping down high-energy tracks to reveal emotional nuances, often performed live or in intimate studio settings.[47] One of his prominent cover EPs is Pyromattia, released on June 8, 2018, which features acoustic versions of six Def Leppard songs, including "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Hysteria," and "Bringin' on the Heartbreak." The project received official endorsement from Def Leppard, with the band praising Nathanson's respectful yet innovative takes on their catalog. Tracks like "Stagefright" and "Comin' Under Fire" highlight Nathanson's approach of transforming arena-rock anthems into folk-inflected performances, focusing on guitar-driven simplicity to underscore the songs' hooks and narratives.[48][49][50] In 2019, Nathanson issued Postcards (from Chicago), a live EP recorded during performances in the city, covering works by Chicago-based artists such as Chance the Rapper's "Same Drugs" (featuring Patrick Stump), Liz Phair's "Perfect World," Fall Out Boy's "Hum Hallelujah," Cheap Trick's "Surrender" (featuring Richard Marx), Richard Marx's "Hold on to the Nights," and Uncle Tupelo's "Whiskey Bottle." This collection blends indie, pop, and rock influences, with Nathanson's arrangements accentuating the storytelling in each track through unplugged instrumentation and crowd energy. The EP was released on July 26, 2019, and served as a tribute to the city's musical heritage.[51][52] Nathanson's cover projects have garnered positive reception for their fidelity to the source material while adding personal flair, appealing particularly to fans of the original artists through shared live performance elements. For instance, selections from Pyromattia and Postcards (from Chicago) have been staples in his concerts, fostering audience sing-alongs and extending the projects' reach beyond recordings. In 2021, he expanded this vein with Achtung Matty, a full-song cover of U2's Achtung Baby, where acoustic renditions like "One" and "With or Without You" further demonstrate his method of highlighting thematic depth in iconic albums. These works have been described as "fun experiments" that allow Nathanson to explore influences without the pressures of original composition.[49][47]Notable collaborations
Throughout his career, Matt Nathanson has engaged in several notable collaborations that blend his folk-rock style with diverse artists, often resulting in genre-crossing tracks that broaden his reach to new audiences. One of his earliest high-profile partnerships was with the country duo Sugarland on the song "Run," which he co-wrote with Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush; the track appeared on Nathanson's 2011 album Modern Love and featured Sugarland's vocals, achieving moderate success on adult contemporary charts and exposing Nathanson to country music listeners.[53][54] In 2014, Nathanson teamed up with singer-songwriter Lolo (Lauren Pritchard) for "Headphones," a poignant track about isolation and connection from his album Show Me Your Fangs; Lolo's powerful backing vocals complemented Nathanson's introspective lyrics, and the song's music video highlighted themes of hearing loss awareness, further emphasizing its emotional depth.[55][56] Later collaborations included duets with Richard Marx, such as a 2019 cover of Cheap Trick's "Surrender" on Nathanson's EP Postcards (from Chicago), where Marx provided harmonies, and live performances like their 2014 rendition of Marx's "Hold On to the Nights" at the Greek Theatre, showcasing their shared pop-rock sensibilities.[57][58] Nathanson also collaborated with Fall Out Boy frontman Patrick Stump on a cover of Chance the Rapper's "Same Drugs" for the same 2019 EP, infusing the hip-hop original with acoustic folk elements and Stump's falsetto, which helped bridge indie rock and urban influences.[59] More recently, in 2024, Nathanson released "Whitney Houston's National Anthem," a reimagined cover of Whitney Houston's iconic 1991 Super Bowl performance, featuring harmonies from the Indigo Girls (Amy Ray and Emily Saliers); the single, started in Atlanta with input from Kristian Bush, paid homage to Houston while blending folk and pop, and it garnered attention for its timely patriotic resonance during an election year.[60][61] These partnerships have notably expanded Nathanson's audience by crossing into country, pop, and indie realms, as evidenced by increased streaming and tour cross-promotions with collaborators.[62]Television and media appearances
Nathanson has made numerous appearances on television and radio programs, often performing live. His early late-night TV performances helped promote albums like Some Mad Hope (2007).Late-night and talk shows
- Jimmy Kimmel Live!: Performed in 2007 (suspended stunt), February 15, 2008, and October 21, 2011.[63][64]
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien: Performed "Car Crash" on January 30, 2008.[65]
- The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Performed "Come On Get Higher" on December 22, 2008.[66]
- Late Show with David Letterman: Performed "Come On Get Higher" on February 13, 2009.[67]
- The Ellen DeGeneres Show: Performed "Come On Get Higher" on March 3, 2009.[68]
- The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Performed "Mission Bells" on July 9, 2013.[69]
- The Howard Stern Show: In-studio performance on October 17, 2011; covered Tom Petty's "The Waiting" on August 11, 2022.[70][71]
- Rachael Ray: Appeared on February 2, 2012.[72]
Reality and awards shows
- The Bachelor (Season 16): Serenaded Ben Flajnik and Lindzi Cox with "Faster" in January 2012.)
- Dancing with the Stars (Season 14): Performed "Run" with Sugarland on March 27, 2012.[73]
- CMA Awards: Performed "Run" with Sugarland on November 9, 2011.[74]
- The Bachelor at 20 special: Performed "Bill Murray" at Jade Roper and Tanner Tolbert's wedding on February 14, 2016.[75]
- That Metal Show (Season 13, Episode 5): Guest appearance in 2013.[76]
Other media
- Live from Daryl's House (Episode 17): Performed in March 2009; returned for a full episode in 2023.[77]
- NPR's Mountain Stage: Live performances recorded in December 2007 (aired July 31, 2012), 2008, and May 2019.[9][78]