Artist: Matt Kjeldsen
EP: ‘Last Days’
Crafting unique and personal songs is a powerful chance for musicians to fully explore their true emotions and motivations, even if they’re uncertain if anyone else will ever hear the tracks. Veteran singer-songwriter, Matt Kjeldsen, has powerfully embraced the path of following his instincts to finish penning tunes once he begins, in order to completely understand what he’s experiencing in his life. On his newly released, five-entry EP, ‘Last Days,’ the Austin-based musician dynamically expresses his feelings about such diverse subjects as being drawn to settle down in his home state of Texas, to appreciating the freedoms he has been promised as an American.
In addition to being a singer-songwriter who has released more than 20 albums throughout his career, Kjeldsen is also a prolific multi-media composer for television and films. The musician runs Matt’s Music Box, a library of over 1,000 original and diverse musical textures that can be used to enhance visual projects of all kinds. The business provides licensable music for websites, film, radio, television, games, web episodes and more. His experience in licensing and publishing has grippingly influenced his personal approach to writing and singing his own sentimental and passionate music.
Kjeldsen’s latest EP begins with its best entry, ‘Closer to Texas,’ which chronicles his internal struggle of whether he should follow his dream of being on his own and traveling the country, or staying home in the title state with the woman he loves. The song’s thought-provoking lyrics are supported by an acoustic country guitar that’s played by his longtime collaborator, Mac McNabb. The singer’s heartfelt and beautiful lyricism about the woman he loves being with him throughout his entire journey makes the overall track relatable and memorable, as he learns to accept that his dreams have ultimately changed.
‘Closer to Texas’ then delves into the sophomore entry on ‘Last Days,’ which is titled ‘I Should Know Me Better Than That by Now.’ The follow-up is another acoustic country-inspired tune that’s soulful and emotional. The relatable song offers a somber and introspective reflection on a recently departed love. Also vibrantly featuring a pop-rock vibe, the entry features slower, but still genuinely organic vocals and instrumentation, as Kjeldsen croons that he has started trying to fully understand himself and his truth.
The following tune on ‘Last Days’ is the eclectic and acoustic title track, which is clearly inspired by other musicians who Kjeldsen admires, including Elton John, The Beatles, Queen, The Beach Boys and Paul Simon. The vocal harmonies and musical styling on ‘Last Days’ powerfully create an epic portrait of a country in decline, which the singer has compared to Ancient Rome. The entry is one of the most emotionally heartbreaking and passionate songs on the EP. The lyrics create a story that features intricate details and a personal depth that will surely leave a lasting and powerful effect on listeners. Also driven in part by a stunning acoustic guitar, the singer urges his listeners to celebrate every moment of live they have, and appreciate all of the comforts of their home, and do whatever it takes not to watch their freedoms burn.
‘What Once Was’ serves as the penultimate track on ‘Last Days,’ and takes a drastic, but equally enthralling and gripping, turn from Kjeldsen’s previous entries. A stark, haunting steel guitar introduces a brooding and intense darkness to the EP. The organic and poignant lyrics on the song offer a powerful sense of possibility and strength, as the musician strives to fix what’s broken in his life.
The final tune on Kjeldsen’s new EP is the edgy and distorted rock ballad, ‘Ghosts and Shadows,’ which explores the changing music scene in his hometown of Austin. The Americana-inspired entry offers an emotional impact through the musician’s poetic observations. Through gritty rock vocals and guitar strumming, the singer ponders and explores why his city and environment have changed.
Creating unparalleled and personal songs is a compelling chance for musicians to fully explore their true motivations and souls, even if they’re uncertain if anyone else will ever hear the tracks. Kjeldsen has compelling embraced the path of following his instincts to finish penning tunes once he begins, in order to completely comprehend what he’s experiencing in his life. On ‘Last Days,’ the Austin-based musician dynamically expresses his feelings about such diverse subjects as being drawn to settle down in his home state of Texas, to appreciating the freedoms he has been promised as an American.
For more information on Kjeldsen, visit his Bandcamp page.
