River Matthews Releases ‘Sunshine’ EP
May 31, 2017 BY Nettwerk
“Our New Favourite Thing…” – Jo Whiley, BBC Radio 2
“Uniquely Theraputic” – Clash Music
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 heart 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. “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.
Track Listing
1.Sunshine
2. Undo Ordinary
3. Light The Way
4. It Must Have Been Love
On Tour With Coasts
May
18th The Great Escape Festival, Brighton
23rd Servant Jazz Quarters, London
29th The Bongo Club, Edinburgh
30th Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds
31st O2 Institute 3, Birmingham
June
1st Sound Control, Manchester
3rd Thekla, Bristol
5th O2 Forum, London
14th The Courtyard Theatre, London
July
27th – 30th Cambridge Folk Festival, Cambridge
13th St Pancras Old Church, London (Headline Show)
August
9th Boardmasters Festival, Cornwall
