EightWest (Wood TV 8) was right on when they described Matt Plessner’s music as “alternative with a surprising twist.” Influenced by bands such as The Counting Crows, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp, Matt’s music is engaging and yet tears at the fabric of your soul. His lyrics can be lighthearted or moody, soothing and calm, or make you want to get up and dance. No matter what kind of mood you’re in, he’s got the perfect song to listen to.
His fifth studio album, “Forest Blue,” was released in the summer of 2016, which led to guest appearances on 88.1 WYCE and Local Spins (hosted by John Sinkevics). “My big goal with everything is to outdo whatever I did last… I try and do that with my albums, too, to try and outdo the last one. Because if I haven’t grown or improved, there’s no point in putting anything else out.”
Matt was also nominated for several 2017 WYCE Jammie Awards (88.1 FM).
Though he now calls Grand Rapids home, Matt grew up in Illinois playing the violin, cello, and trumpet. It wasn’t until he was 10 years old that he first picked up a guitar, but the way he plays you’d swear he was born with one in his hand. He also totally rocks any mandolin within reach. He attended Principia College in St. Louis and did radio work in Texas, later moving to Grand Rapids to start his own DJ company (Solid Sound Music). He regularly performs at various venues around the Grand Rapids area. He is also one-half of acoustic folk-rock duo, Lighting Matches, with Rachel White.
His fifth studio album, “Forest Blue,” was released in the summer of 2016, which led to guest appearances on 88.1 WYCE and Local Spins (hosted by John Sinkevics). “My big goal with everything is to outdo whatever I did last… I try and do that with my albums, too, to try and outdo the last one. Because if I haven’t grown or improved, there’s no point in putting anything else out.”
Matt was also nominated for several 2017 WYCE Jammie Awards (88.1 FM).
Though he now calls Grand Rapids home, Matt grew up in Illinois playing the violin, cello, and trumpet. It wasn’t until he was 10 years old that he first picked up a guitar, but the way he plays you’d swear he was born with one in his hand. He also totally rocks any mandolin within reach. He attended Principia College in St. Louis and did radio work in Texas, later moving to Grand Rapids to start his own DJ company (Solid Sound Music). He regularly performs at various venues around the Grand Rapids area. He is also one-half of acoustic folk-rock duo, Lighting Matches, with Rachel White.