Artist/Band Spotlight #3: THE MATCHES

Friends -

This week's spotlight shines on an amazing theatrical rock band called THE MATCHES!
http://www.myspce.com/thematches
http://www.thematches.com


MEET THE GUYS:
Shawn Harris - Vox, Guitar
Matt Whalen - Drums
Justin San Souci - Bass, Vox
Jon Devoto - Guitar, Vox


SO WHO ARE THE MATCHES?
This band out of Oakland, CA started as a threesome in high school in 1997; back then they were called The Locals. They brought on guitarist Jon Devoto and became The Matches after a Chicago band called them up and claimed the name. The guys started marketing themselves aggressively from the beginning, setting up guerrilla marketing campaigns and play impromptu concerts anywhere they were allowed: parking lots, restaurants, high school hallways, etc. They really made their mark with their energy and antics on stage. All in all, they put on a great show.

The Matches have been compared to Yellowcard and Fall Out Boy. While they opened for Lit at one time, I would say that The Matches are less radio-friendly and more artistic rock; sort of like the Scissor Sisters. I think that Shawn has the vocal theatrics of Daryl Palumbo of Head Automatica and the anguish of Matt Aveiro, singer of Cold War Kids.

Their third album "A Band in Hope" was released March 18 on Epitaph Records.

FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE:
"Papercut Skin" Official Video:


Award Winning Video for "Salty Eyes":


WHY YOU SHOULD LOVE THE MATCHES, TOO:
***They put on one Hell of a good show and they play about 200 gigs a year, so they are always around.
***You never know what they will wear next.
***Each of their songs tells a story and takes you on a journey.

UPCOMING SHOWS: These boys are going the distance with the AP Magazine Tour (also starring The Rocket Summer, Sonny, All Time Low, & Forever the Sickest Kids)
Apr 15 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Tremont Music Hall Charlotte, North Carolina
Apr 16 2008 6:30P AP Tour-Headliners Music Hall Louisville, Kentucky
Apr 17 2008 6:30P AP Tour-The Masquerade Atlanta, Georgia
Apr 18 2008 6:00P AP Tour-House Of Blues Orlando, Florida
Apr 19 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Revolution Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Apr 20 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Jannus Landing St. Petersburg, Florida
Apr 22 2008 7:00P AP Tour-Juanitas Little Rock, Arkansas
Apr 23 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Pops Sauget, Illinois
Apr 24 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Forest Hills Lodge Love's Park, Illinois
Apr 25 2008 6:00P AP Tour-The Rave Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Apr 26 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Newport Music Hall Columbus, Ohio
Apr 27 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Club Infinity Buffalo, New York
Apr 29 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Toad's Place New Haven, Connecticut
Apr 30 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Crocodile Rock Cafe Allentown, Pennsylvania
May 1 2008 6:00P AP Tour-Diesel Nightclub Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
May 2 2008 6:00P AP Tour-House Of Blues Cleveland, Ohio

Thanks!
Julia