kangaroomatt

Australian born, singer/songwriter Matt Burke delivers a direct folk rock sound that satisfies with soulful grooves and drives home powerful lyrics. Energetic, passionate and resonating melodies showcase influences with the likes of Jason Mraz, Sting, U2 & Snow Patrol. Charisma and optimism shine through his deeply personal songs and explosive performances. Matt's writing comes from a place of courage, presence and empowerment. Transformed through a challenging past, he draws upon experience as the foundation to help others. Matt Burke is Melodic Folk Rock with True Soul delivering a message of positive healing and hope. Inspired by eighties Aussie Rock (Midnight Oil, INXS and Paul Kelly etc) as a teenager, Matt travelled across America with his acoustic guitar. Juggling university studies and a professional IT career, his passion for performance prevailed. The 90's were full of discovery and absorbing cultures and sounds of Europe. In 2001, a sudden mid life crisis and diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder devastated Matt's life. During this decade long struggle with and understanding of Manic Depression, music served as the saving grace. This mental illness encompasses the full spectrum of “Rock Star” highs and dire helplessness. With Mozart like intensity, Matt sung, composed and danced non stop for months locked inside a mental institution, wrote hundreds of songs and developed his singing voice. Doctors made it clear that this “ability” was not acceptable nor conducive to being released!  Extensive vocal training with multiple teachers facilitated the production and control of Matt’s true voice and established the technical routines and strength necessary to embark on large and rigorous touring. Many years of solid performances as an entertainer in his home of 12 years, Salzburg, Austria has proven performance convention, professionalism and an ability to win over varied audiences.  Matt reaches out to a new and needing audience. He delivers his music and message of recovery to all those inside mental institutions! An ambitious schedule of acoustic “unplugged” performances will unite the inpatients, provide a necessary distraction to their mental anguishes and plant the seeds of hope for recovery. Each patient can chose to received a free download of Matt’s single “Mud Swim”, which details the personal trials and triumphs in working through deep depression. These new fans are also invited to share their progress of recovery on a dedicated fan web site. The climax of the Australian tour in November culminates with a musical celebration for all. Acoustic Friends have shared the stage with Matt since the debut release of “truth” in Salzburg, Austria in August 2005. Their synergy is also captured on the 2007 CD release of “LIVE at the ROCKHOUSE”. This band of “mates” has progressed with various formations and developed consistently. The core and essence of friendship communicates a unified message. This international array of talented and experienced musicians supports and extends Matt on his journey around Australia, Europe, America and beyond. Matt Burke & Acoustic Friends excite, motivate and prescribe your body and soul to smile, enables awareness to flow and transmits a positive message of recovery.