Album Notes

Born in San Angelo, Texas and raised in San Antonio, Matt Nolen began playing piano and writing songs at a very early age. He has always believed that his songs would make an impact in the music industry. Nolen's passion for making music has grown throughout his life. Characterizing himself as a "slave to the creative process," he is always willing to explore new styles, instruments and arrangements in order to create his own unique sound. "Musicians feel a pressure to do what's expected rather than what comes from the heart. I always want there to be a distinct passion behind my lyrics, instrumentation and arrangements. If a song I'm working on doesn't move me, or makes me feel tired, I'm done with it. I want there to be a life in my songs that will last and stick in people's lives." His music is different, yet believable. While very piano based, it incorporates interesting chord progressions and rhythmic motion with catchy musical hooks, memorable lyrics and melodies. His ability to play other instruments and produce, allows his songs to be unique and fluid. After high school Matt enrolled in the Music Business program at Belmont University in Nashville, TN where he studied recording and engineering, as well as many other aspects of the music industry. Upon graduation, Nolen began producing demos for songwriters in Nashville, as well as performing at local clubs. In the summer of 2002, Matt moved to New York city to further pursuit his music and see a little more of the world. He has released three independent record projects, and has produced and recorded projects for TV, independent films and other aspiring artists. He recently returned back to Texas where he is living on his fathers ranch and recording a new album due to be released in early 2004. "I think Nashville and New York have been a boot camp for my life. I've truly been humbled by the process of becoming an artist. Still, I'm stronger now and I know there's a market for what I'm doing. I believe that people are going to want to buy my music when they hear it on the radio." Matt Nolen's style is not easily categorized. Rock, country, jazz, gospel and blues are just some of the genres that come to mind while listening to his music. "I see myself being an Adult Contemporary artist who is also able to get airplay on mainstream Pop/Rock and Americana/Country formats while not having to necessarily adapt to either." Matt strives to be an artist whose songs survive the decade from which they came. "I want to always be ahead of myself with sounds and ideas. I am paranoid of becoming trendy or faddish. I don't want to regret wearing those pants, or having that hairdo, or having that shredding guitar solo in my power ballad, or using some car commercial drum loop. I've already experienced what that feels like and it's not cool! I just want to make good music that my kids one day might actually listen to." Armed with dreams and ideas, Matt heads in to the future with hopes of connecting with as many people as possible. Not only does he wish to make an impact in the music industry, he is also determined to be a good influence on his culture. "I don't think you have to be overtly weird, negative and sexual to be a successful artist. I believe one can actually achieve more success by appealing to the higher nature of people."