If his career goes through the roof, Matt Maloof can thank the songwriters who inspired him, including Johnny Cash, and a record-label owner with an "American Idol" connection. In just two years, Maloof, 31, has made major inroads with his band, Matt Maloof and the Contraband, who play heartland music with an alt-country Americana vibe. The biggest step so far: Getting signed to Chenoa Records, aSan Francisco-area label run by Joe Cannizzaro. Cannizzaro has just 10 artists on his roster, including Nikki McKibbin, who placed third in the first "American Idol" season. He also released an "American Christmas" CD that features 20 "Idol" performers. "Just through an acquaintance who knew him, I sent my stuff to him, and he just loved it," said Maloof, who lives in Warren. Cannizzaro receives hundreds of CDs a year and has a million irons in the fire. But he signed Maloof right after hearing "Down the Road," Maloof's 2006 CD, which he recorded as a solo project before forming Contraband. "My time right now isn't very plentiful; I have to be choosy," Cannizzaro said in a phone interview. "When I heard the very first song on Matt's CD, the lights all went off. He's a very Bruce Springsteen / John Cougar Mellencamp, down-home, give-me-a-guitar-and-I'll sing you-a-real-hometown-rock-tune guy. Then I kept going through the songs." He was impressed with those, too, but also respects Maloof's resourcefulness and drive. Maloof founded his own publishing company and also found ways to get tunes played around the country through Internet radio stations, Internet jukebox providers, and by making his debut available for digital downloading. Still, nothing beats word-of-mouth. Matt Maloof and the Contraband played more than 100 shows last year and will likely double that before 2008 is over. They make their Beer Mug debut on Saturday. Maloof grew up in the Findley Lake-Clymer area of New York before moving to Youngsville when he was 12 years old. "I grew up around bluegrass," he said. "My grandparents were huge bluegrass fans, and my grandpa still is, so I went to a lot of festivals. When I started writing, I figured I better learn how to play guitar, so I could start getting these songs out." "These songs" bleed America with their yearning, open-hearted feel. "I'm a big fan of Johnny Cash, Whiskeytown, Ryan Adams, Wilco, Son Volt," Maloof said. "And I like old classic rock and the blues. I kind of blend that in, too." After a couple band experiences -- he played in the Gypsies and North of Dirt -- Maloof formed the Contraband with longtime friend Mike Chapel on bass, guitarist Jeff Atkins, and former Big Leg Emma drummer John McGuire. They hope to record their first CD together this summer. Cannizzaro will soon launch a Web site for Chenoa Records that'll include Maloof. He's pitching one of Maloof's songs to a major artist whom he didn't name. He also is reissuing Maloof's "Down the Road," and will market it to TV and film projects. Maloof also plans to tour outside the Warren and Erie areas. He plays Pittsburgh's Hard Rock Cafe on May 31, has four June dates booked in California, and will play a singer-songwriter showcase in Las Vegas. "One of the reasons I will really go to bat for Matt is he's a hard worker. He's assertive," Cannizzaro said. "The guy is on it."
Matt Maloof, now 29, was originally from the Findley Lake, Clymer, New York area. He lived there for 12 years until his family moved to Youngsville PA, were Matt graduated from Youngsville High.
At a young age, Matt was introduced to country and bluegrass music by his grandparents and his father also played rhythm guitar and sang. At age 5 Matt received his first drum set, a real one given to him by his uncle, who played in local rock bands.
Through elementary and high school, Matt was involved with band were he played the drums for concert and jazz band as well as the marching band. Matt also was involved in theater in school, he was in the all county musical, The Music Man. Matt was also involved with choir were he qualified for both district and regional choir competitions. At the age of 14, Matt picked up a harmonica and began teaching himself to play.
Matt first sang with the Rebel’s End during high school, which performed together for about one year. Rebel’s End performed at the Library Theatre, parties, and the summer Youngsville pool concert series.
By the age of 16 Matt picked up a pen and started writing poetry and song lyrics, which the need to play guitar came about. As his self teachings in guitar improved, Matt began to write more songs. Matt was inspired by such musical legends as The Beatles, The Doors, The Grateful Dead and Johnny Cash.
Matt’s second band association was with the Gypsies. Matt wrote songs, played the harmonica, sang and occasionally played guitar with the Gypsies for about three years. The Gypsies were known for their original and jam band based cover tunes. They performed in countless local establishments, festivals like The Eagles Nest Jam Fest and Gibbstock. They also did parties and were featured performers at the Music in the Park series.
Matt then joined the band North of Dirt, where he wrote songs, played rhythm guitar, played the harmonica and sang. The band was a mixture of musicians with different musical roots writing music together. In and around the music scene, you can find Matt lending his harmonica skills to any band that might ask him to play.
Today, you will find Matt very busy on the final touches of his first CD, to be released on April 15th 2006. Local musical artist, Anthony Brown, collaborated on many aspects of the CD, including the final production. Anthony also lends his amazing piano skills to the album, with Matt playing acoustic guitar and harmonica, while also singing both lead and back-up vocals. Matt’s CD features all original music, with a mix of country, blues, rock and pop.
Matt’s CD release event will be held on April 15th 2006 at 9:00pm at Ralph E’s Pub at 300 Pennsylvania Ave, Warren PA. Rock station 103.1 The Fox and its sister station, 101.9 My Country WHUG, will be there on site for a live remote broadcast to help Matt launch his new CD. You may contact Matt through his website,
www.mattmaloof.com
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