After losing his father at the age of 11, Matthew relentlessly pursued the only thing that brought him peace, the electric guitar. It wasn't until he heard Dave Matthews and Paul Simon that he realized songwriting was a discipline that could help him take the weight off his heavy heart. In 2004, while 'attending' San Jose State University, he realized what he wanted to accomplish musically; link the sweat on the strings with the craft of songwriting. Bent and determined to put the two together, Matthew left for his hometown of Berkeley to assemble a band and put his vision in motion.
Now propelling *his* sound through the constructs of a power trio, Hansen is an electric showman. Comparisons have been drawn to those he admires most; Buddy Guy, B.B. King, and Jimi Hendrix. Palpable, vibrant energy fills his performances, spilling from the stage out into the audience. A member of the San Francisco Songwriters Coalition, Matthew has shared the stage with Bay Area favorites: Marc Ford (Black Crowes, Ben Harper), Dan Vickrey (Counting Crows), Dave Rude (Tesla), Elliot Randall Band, Jesse Brewster Band, Pine & Battery, and Mike Gibbons.
This up-and-coming guitarist/singer/songwriter blends his love of playing the blues with his natural pop sensibilities, making him easily accessible to a widespread audience. With a distinctive style influenced by many, including Stevie Ray Vaughn, Paul Simon, and John Mayer, Matthew's musical goal is to integrate the licks, lyrics, and tone of blues music into a more mainstream sound.
Venues
12 Galaxies – San Francisco, Boom Boom Room (2 month residency) – San Francisco, The Starry Plough – Berkeley, Hotel Utah – San Francisco, The Sweetwater – Mill Valley, Blakes – Berkeley. Biscuits & Blues (down beat lounge) – San Francisco, Pop Scene @ 330 Ritch St. – San Francisco, The Sweetwater Station – Larkspur, Ashkenaz - berkeley, Red House – Concord, Peri's – Fairfax,4th Street Tavern – San Rafael, Ace in the Hole - Sebastapol, Canvas Gallery – San Francisco, Eli's Mile High - Oakland, Ireland's 32 – San Francisco, Cue Production – Concord, House Concerts hosted by Drew Piece, Jeff Weinstein (art gallery) Private Party Benefit – San Francisco, Panama Bay Co. Coffee – Concord, Todos Santos Park (National Night out) – Concorda
