Releases Sunshine and announces Irish tour dates

“Our New Favourite Thing..” – Jo Whiley, BBC Radio 2

“Uniquely Theraputic” – Clashmusic

“This lads vocal performance is on another level altogether” – Headliner Magazine

“One of those moments.. When you hear and artist and immediately know that something special is going on.” – Billboard Magazine

River Matthews, is an artist for whom the stars seem to have aligned since the days of playing cover songs in local pubs. A career as a musical therapy teacher, and no small amount of heartbreak.. Has led to working with world renowned songwriter Jamie Scott and more recently, supporting Rag ‘N’ Bone Man on his sold-out ‘Human’ tour. Now, the Surrey-born songwriter is stepping out on his own with his new EP “Sunshine”. Already receiving critical appreciation from plaudits and a notable feature on Spotify’s New Music Friday, it’s a release set to cement River Matthews in the nation’s hearts this summer.

River’s first forays into music came at the age of 7 learning classical guitar. Then, as with most young lads, he lost interest in his teenage years as he embarked on an informal education of The Beach Boys, Cat Stevens, the Beatles and The Rolling Stones, from the school of Mum and Dad. After fanning the musical flames, River soon found himself performing 60’s & 70’s hits at local pubs & venues, alongside some more crowd-friendly tracks from Oasis & Radiohead. Still, it was a long time before he ever put pen to paper.

River’s next step was to put his musical ability to altruistic use, spending years working with special needs children, using music to help build confidence and self-esteem in the students. “The energy and care all the staff put into the lives of the students is quite incredible. I can honestly say I owe a huge amount to that place, for so many different reasons”.

It was this path that eventually led River to songwriter, Jamie Scott, and since then the pieces have all fallen into place. After breaking into the public consciousness with the tantalizingly brilliant ‘Stars’, River soon followed that up with the one of the years most feel-good releases.. The Sunshine EP was supported by Spotify on their New Music Friday playlist on the day of release as well as breaking their UK Viral top 50. This amongst critical acclaim, led to a sold-out first London headline show at St Pancras Old Church.

The new single ‘Sunshine’ is an unapologetically feel-good slice of summer, singer-songwriter pop. Hook-driven, high quality production provides the backdrop for River’s distinctive vocal, which oozes soul and charm in equal measure. Perfect for the festival season, it’s a track that has the same energy performed with a full band as with just River and his guitar on stage. It’s ice-creams, cider, pub gardens and suntans in three minutes of British summer bliss.

‘Feels Like Morning’ Tour comes to Ireland:

Wed 15^th November  – Fred Zepplin’s, Cork

Thurs 16^th November Roisin Dubh, Galway

Friday 17^th November – Upstairs at Whelans, Dublin

http://www.rivermatthews.com

https://www.facebook.com/mrrivermatthews