Matthew Shadley Band drop their Stoner/SoCal infused track “So Far Behind”
From the crucible of Cincinnati’s vibrant music landscape emerged the Matthew Shadley Band in 2003, a sonic tapestry woven by the multifaceted artistry of Matthew Shadley Brauer. A true musical polymath, Brauer, a seasoned multi-instrumentalist with deep roots in the local scene, ignited this new venture by joining forces with his former college bandmate, the gifted guitarist Jason Scherrer. Their initial spark, a makeshift acoustic set at the 5th Annual Harvest Moon Festival within the hallowed walls of Newport, Kentucky’s historic Southgate House, belied the formidable alt-rock presence they would soon become.
What began as a fleeting collaboration quickly solidified into a potent five-piece force. With Brauer commanding lead guitar and vocals, his voice a compelling instrument in its own right, Scherrer’s rhythm guitar provided the perfect harmonic counterpoint. The rhythmic backbone was forged by the steady pulse of Chuck Morgan on drums, the atmospheric textures added by Jason Peter’s evocative keyboards, and the grounding low-end provided by Tom Legg on bass. This permanent lineup marked a pivotal shift, the band shedding its folk-rock skin to embrace a more dynamic, electrifying soundscape. Their creative wellspring drew from a rich and diverse palette, the melodic genius of The Beatles intertwining with the rootsy authenticity of The Jayhawks, all charged with the raw, untamed energy reminiscent of The Black Crowes. This eclectic fusion birthed a distinct identity, a sonic signature that resonated deeply with both discerning critics and an ever-growing legion of devoted fans.
The 2004 release of ‘Five Easy Pieces’ served as the opening salvo, igniting an intense period of creative ferment and relentless live performances. The Matthew Shadley Band swiftly carved out a reputation as “Cincinnati’s live show specialists,” a testament to their electrifying stage presence, a title bestowed upon them by the astute Jan Perry of The Cincinnati Post. Their captivating live energy was immortalized in the 2005 recording of ‘Underneath the Red Light’, a visceral live album captured within the hallowed halls of the House of Blues Madison Theatre. Their burgeoning popularity propelled them onto the stages of prominent regional festivals, including the esteemed Midpoint Music Festival and the earthy Roots and Rock Festival, further solidifying their place in the regional consciousness.
However, the ever-evolving nature of bands saw a shift in personnel, with Steve Tertel stepping in to replace Legg on bass. Following Tertel’s departure, the resourceful Brauer himself took up bass duties, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the band’s sonic integrity. Undeterred by these changes, the Matthew Shadley Band continued their sonic exploration, pushing the boundaries of their sound and culminating in the 2008 release of ‘Summer Stone’. This album marked a significant chapter before the band entered a period of hiatus, with Brauer continuing to enrich the Cincinnati music scene through his contributions as a sought-after session musician and guitarist, his musical spirit remaining a vital force.
The unforeseen circumstances of the 2020 COVID-19 quarantine unexpectedly heralded a vibrant resurgence for the Matthew Shadley Band. Amidst the uncertainty and introspection of those times, Brauer found himself channeling these emotions into new musical expressions, leading to the poignant 2021 single “Oh, Karen”. This release served as a powerful harbinger for the 2022 album ‘Emerald’, a project that marked the band’s triumphant return to form, featuring contributions from esteemed session musicians and cherished former bandmates, breathing new life into their signature sound.
The creative floodgates well and truly opened in the subsequent years. 2023 witnessed the arrival of the critically acclaimed ‘1970 Something’, followed swiftly in 2024 by the equally lauded ‘Shaka’. Both albums garnered widespread praise across the indie music blogosphere and within respected music publications, reaffirming the band’s enduring relevance and artistic vitality. Their latest single, the compelling “The Dawn Patrol,” continues to captivate listeners, showcasing the band’s timeless appeal and earning regular rotation on Jamsphere Radio.
Today, the Matthew Shadley Band stands as a powerful testament to the enduring power of musical evolution, the resilience of creative spirit, and the timeless allure of impeccably crafted melodies. With their extensive discography readily available on all major streaming platforms, their influence continues to reverberate through the Cincinnati music scene that birthed them. The Matthew Shadley Band’s journey is far from its final note; each new release adds another compelling chapter to their ever-evolving and captivating story. Currently, their Stoner/SoCal infused track “So Far Behind” is enjoying prominent rotation on Tunedloud Hit Radio, further amplifying their reach and introducing their distinctive sound to a new generation of listeners. The echoes of Cincinnati continue to resonate, carried on the enduring and evolving sound of the Matthew Shadley Band.
