Fireworks and fame for a budding star

GINA PERACCHIA PERSPECTTVESEDITOR GMP722@CABRTNJ.EDU

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When you sit and talk to San Franciscan singer/songwriter Matt Nathanson, you feel like you are talking to a friend you have known since you were five years old. Jeans and a t-shirt, messy/spiky hair, and a nose ring are Nathanson's signature style that has made him stand out from the rest.

This newcomer to the mainstream music scene has been making music and touring the country for years with the likes of Howie Day, John Mayer, and O.A.R., and was just recently signed to Universal Music.

Originally from Massachusetts, Nathanson started playing guitar at a very young age and knew this was what he wanted to do with his life. Every time a person hears a song penned by Nathanson, they experience his memories, regrets, and love lost.

"I feel like my entire output of songs is always me searching and trying to figure out stuff. I find that the baggage I write from is always the same baggage from years ago," Nathanson said.

This new trend of male singer/songwriters is what drew record labels to Nathanson, but his talent is really what hit them on the head and told them he soon would be a huge success.

"Labels started to come to the shows and show interest. It was really validating to have that sort of thing. You kind of want to be a staunch, independent person, but it was really nice," Nathanson said.

The difference between Nathanson and the popular young men with their guitars that are seen on MTV is that this guitar guy has a style all his own that screams unique.

"I think my stuff is a little more angry and aggressive. I wish I was in a rock band, and I'm not and I can't be, and that's why I play a 12-string guitar because I feel I can get the aggression out better through that," Nathanson said.

Nathanson's fifth CD and first major-label debut, "Beneath These Fireworks," hit stories on Tuesday, Oct. 14, and according to Nathanson, was one of the best experiences of his life.

" It was rad sitting in these rooms and not worrying about the time and when we needed to get out of there. We were able to take our time and let things cook," Nathanson said.

"Beneath These Fireworks" features the catchy and singleworthy songs "Suspended", "Sad Songs", and "Bare." It also includes acoustic ballads such as "Angel", and songs from some of his previous recording like "Lucky Boy" and "Little

Victories."

Nathanson's live performance presence is comedic and infectious. He is all about his fans and pleasing them with the most entertaining and emotional songs. He steers clear of playing song after song without interacting with the audience, and instead has five-minute conversations on stage with them to keep these die-hard, and sometimes crazy, fans involved with the show.

"There's always people who are really excited. People get kind of over the top, and some of them are just really crazy. I say bring on the craziness," Nathanson said.

Nathanson at one time played in the smallest, dingiest places imaginable, and has now moved up to venues like the Bowery in New York City. His fan base has grown rapidly, due to word-ofmouth and the internet, within the past year, and the majority of his shows on this current tour have been sold out.

Nathanson will be finishing up this part of his tour within the next few weeks, and will be touring with Howie Day starting in December. Expect to hear songs off of "Beneath These Fireworks" on the radio this coming February.

For more information about Matt Nathanson visit • mattnathanson.com or universal-records.com