By Chuck Whiting
MCAU Editor
Matt
Strasner is a country
pop singer-songwriter from Slovenia known for his one-of-kind performances in
the tradition of popular American country acts such as Luke Bryan and Jason
Aldean.
Considered
one of the only "true" country artists in his home country (who
writes and performs his own songs in English), he has performed at major clubs
and appeared on the Slovenija National Television Network. He brings a
one-of-a-kind mix of country pop and country rock in a region better known for
Slovenian pop music. This makes the artist stand out -- drawing national
exposure and introducing American-style country music to thousands of
appreciative fans.
"Songwriting
and singing to me is a chance to help other people go through life
easier," says Matt, who recently recorded his first country album, "Fly", in Nashville, Tenn. "It's a
chance to tell people that how they feel is okay, and that they're not the only
ones. We are together in this, and we have to do the best we can with what
we've got. For me, it's a way out of the ordinary routine... a chance to relax
and just enjoy the moment."
Although
he's only in his early 20s, Matt's view of life (reflected in his songs) has
been impacted by personal relationships and unforgettable experiences. He wrote
the title track of his new album while walking to the final test before
graduating high school. He had meticulously studied five major subjects for two
weeks, knowing that missing the smallest details might derail his future.
"I
just felt like I wanted to fly away and not think about it any longer,"
notes the artist, whose album was produced by music industry veteran Kim
Copeland. "Most of
my songs come from just seeing people rush and worry, cry and smile."
For
Matt, writing country-pop songs represented a major transition. He began his
musical journey in his teens as a punk rock artist, performing at a host of
major clubs in front of hundreds of concertgoers. The change in his artistry is
a reflection of his life-changing experiences and a growing appreciation of the
U.S. country acts who deeply inspire him. He now dreams of performing across
Europe and eventually in front of American audiences.
The
singer-songwriter is beginning to land significant exposure in his home country.
He has appeared twice on the Slovenija National Television Network's morning
show and at popular Slovenian venues such as Orto Bar, the Pekarna nightclub,
and the Taverna concert hall. He has received standing ovations (and new fans)
in major cities such as Koper, Ljubljana and Maribor.
While
visiting Nashville to record "Fly", he had the opportunity to perform
at a popular songwriting venue called the Commodore Grille. He says he loved
sharing the stage with professional and emerging tunesmiths. He also was
thrilled to work in the studio with some of Music Row's most accomplished
session players.
The
artist's onstage experience as a former punk rock artist gives him a confident
and passionate persona that appeals to fans of all ages. He brings crowds to
their feet with rousing renditions of hits by Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, then
captures their hearts with expertly sung original ballads about love and loss.
His shows, which
range from one to four hours, offer depth with a wide range of originals and
classics made famous by America's country stars. Matt's vocals and guitar licks
are accented with piano, bass guitar and drums.
Matt's
playlist includes original songs from his new album ("Fly",
"Afraid", Stay A Little Longer" and "Still Around"),
as well as popular country covers ("Drunk On You"/Luke Bryan,
"Tattoos On This Town"/Jason Aldean, "Let Me Down
Easy"/Billy Currington, "Wagon Wheel"/Darius Rucker, "Stupid
Boy"/Keith Urban, "Folsom Prison Blues"/Johnny Cash, and
"Desperado"/The Eagles).
The
artist is receiving praise from music professionals and the news media.
"What
can you say about a boy born and raised in Slovenia who grows up to be a writer
of country songs and a Nashville recording artist?" asks Nashville
producer Kim Copeland.
"A lot of good things if you are talking about Matt Strasner. His talent
transcends language and borders. Matt writes about love and loss, and his
smooth vocal texture makes you a believer. His humble attitude and warm smile
are infectious, and both come through in his music. He is a new voice in
country music, but one that is destined to be around a long time."
"Every
week there's two or three songs that stick with me," writes Bill Hughes, host of the "Rising Stars"
show for radio stations Y 99.5-FM, 101.7 WJSQ-FM and WYGO-AM in Tennessee.
"[The tune 'Still Around"] is one of them."
"[Matt's]
four-song EPK is amazing," raves Digital Rodeo reviewer Pam Stadel. "His style is pop-country, his
vocals are smooth and strong, and the lyrics are clear and well written. As he
sings, he draws you in with the emotion and has you hanging on every note. It
is amazing that from halfway around the world, a great artist can emerge onto
the country music scene."
Matt
is available to perform at concert venues, fairs, nightclubs, hotels, casinos
and festivals. He plans to launch a European tour in 2014 with stops in
Germany, Austria, Italy and the United Kingdom. He also plans to visit
Nashville to write and record new songs, attend music industry events, and
perform at legendary songwriting venues.
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