A Very Red Dog Christmas Charity Show

We’re closing out the year with another special charity show raising money for Find Food Bank at The Red Dog Saloon on Sat Dec 21st. An incredible group of Hi-Dez musicians are coming together to sing their Holiday favs backed by Los Poncho Tones. We kick off at 5 pm, and our special guest MC “Bad Santa” will be bringing Christmas cheer and collecting donations. This one is not to be missed folks! I hope to see you there!

Follow the artists below:

@losponchotones
@jesikavonrabbit
@bradbyrd
@sonofthevelvetrat
@mattellismusic
@jessiepayo
@rtraster
@thejillkinsey
@racheldeanmusic

The Red Dog Saloon is located at 53539 Mane St, Pioneertown, CA 92268. Get Directions here.

“Broken Mind” Single and Book Collab - OUT NOW

Matt Ellis has released a new single, “Broken Mind”, inspired by Stewart Burton’s novel, “Number 4”. The song and book are launching in tandem today, Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

Joshua Tree, CA - September 24, 2024 - Acclaimed singer-songwriter Matt Ellis releases his latest single, “Broken Mind,” today. The track launches in tandem with “Number 4,” a powerful new novel by Stewart Burton, which serves as the inspiration behind the song.

“Number 4” is a gripping true story that follows Burton’s harrowing journey through heroin addiction and survival within the Chinese prison system of 1990s Hong Kong. Ellis and Burton, old friends from their high school days in Hong Kong, reconnected after many years when Burton reached out with an early draft of his book. Inspired by Burton’s raw and triumphant narrative, Ellis composed and produced “Broken Mind” as a musical companion to the story.

“It was a unique experience growing up in Hong Kong, and one I don’t take for granted,” said Ellis. “The book brought back a flood of memories that I was able to access and express through Stewart’s perspective. ‘Number 4’ is a classic underdog story, and I was there to witness some of these events firsthand, navigating my own teenage years while beginning to write and perform with my first band. It didn’t take much to step back into that time and into Stewart’s shoes for those 4 minutes and 45 seconds.”

Musically, “Broken Mind” is a throwback to the late ‘80s, evoking the sounds of bands that defined the era—The Clash, early U2, The Cult, and The Cure. Ellis captures the rebellious spirit of Hong Kong’s expat teenagers, who frequented iconic underage bars like “In-Place” in Tsim Sha Tsui and “Thingummys” in Lan Kwai Fong. The song’s raw, urgent sound is reminiscent of tracks spun by DJs or on jukeboxes in those legendary venues—a blend of defiance and vulnerability that resonates with the story it supports.

The track was recorded at Ellis’s home studio near Joshua Tree, California, with contributions from his backing band and guest musicians. To complete the project, Ellis collaborated with celebrated mix engineer and producer Adrian Hall (Tori Amos, Depeche Mode, Anna Calvi), who was also the drummer in Ellis’s high school band. “I’d been looking for a reason to work with Adrian for years, and this was the perfect opportunity to reunite and bring it full circle,” Ellis added.

Adding another layer of nostalgia, the single and book cover art were created by Martin Lever, an award-winning artist and fellow Island School alumnus who called Hong Kong home for over 40 years before relocating to the UK.

“Broken Mind” is now available on all major streaming platforms. “Number 4” is out now in Hard Cover and Kindle, available from Amazon and www.number04story.com.

A portion of the proceeds from purchases made through www.number04story.com will be donated to Scottish Autism, supporting a cause close to the heart of this powerful collaboration.

Credits:

“Broken Mind”

Written and Produced by Matt Ellis
Mixed by Adrian Hall
Mastered by J.J. Golden

Vocals & Electric and Acoustic Guitars - Matt Ellis
Lead Guitars & Backing Vocals - Joshua Norton
Guzheng - David Sait
Bass - Dustin Bookatz
Drums & Percussion - Denny Weston Jr

 




"Coming Back" Turns One

Happy first birthday to my single “Coming Back”!

Huge thanks to all the DJs worldwide who have played the track and everyone who’s streamed and downloaded it so far. There’s a lot of new music brewing in the background that I can’t wait to share with you, but until then, please give this tune another spin and continue your invaluable support for independent music.

📸 @jdnarro

SUMMER SHOWS 2024

Matt’s gearing up for a fun run of shows this summer in California and Seattle! Catch him solo acoustic in the Hi-Desert and Seattle before he plays with his full band, back in his old stomping ground of Venice, Ca. We hope to see you at a show.

@joshuatreervcampground - Tue July 02, 6 pm for a @derekmarshallca fundraiser 🙌🏻
59700 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252

@reddogpioneertown - Thur July 04, 3 pm with @losponchotones
53539 Mane St, Pioneertown, CA 92268

@timstavernseattle - Sun July 21, 5 pm with @randyweeksmusic
9655 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
BUY TICKETS

@thepenmar - Fri Aug 2, 6 pm - Full band show
1233 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291
BUY TICKETS

📸 @jdnarro

Recording at Rare Book Room - Sand To Snow

Counting down the days before I head back into @rarebookroom_sandtosnow with the band and, Mr. Nicolas Vernhes at the helm. I’m excited to share this new batch of songs, where I’ve swapped the acoustic for electric on most tunes. Tracking live again with these guys in this incredible, newly renovated, modular studio in the Hi-Dez is pure joy. We’re spoiled with world-class studios out near Joshua Tree, but if you’re looking for a remote location for your next project, look no further than https://rarebookroom.squarespace.com/

Photos by @sashayegorova

Abbot Kinney Festival - Sun Sept 24

The Abbot Kinney Festival is back with an awesome afternoon of music on the Andalusia Stage featuring Pearl Charles, Michael Rault, Matt Ellis, Paul Chesne, and Chloe Kat.

The Abbot Kinney Festival returns on Sunday, September 24 after a four-year hiatus. One of Los Angeles' largest one-day events with over 150,000 attendees, the AK Fest stretches along 3/4 mile of Abbot Kinney Boulevard where guests indulge in food, art, music, cocktails, and community while soaking up this iconic strip in Venice Beach.

The Festival is free, all-ages and runs from 10 am - 6 pm on Sunday, Sept 24.

The Abbot Kinney Festival is located on Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, between N.Venice and Main Streets. Get Directions here.

“Coming Back” - Out Now!

Thrilled to announce my new single, “Coming Back”, is out today!
Listen where ever you get your music fix and turn it up.

CREDITS

Matt Ellis • Vocals & Electric Guitar
Joshua Norton • Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar & Piano
Tim Walker • Pedal Steel
Dusty Bookatz • Bass
Andy Kelly • Drums
Denny Weston Jr • Percussion

Mixed by Craig Schumacher
Mastered by J.J. Golden

Produced by Matt Ellis

Many thanks to all the players, J.D. Narro for the shots, J.J. Golden and Craig Schumacher, and his students; Joshua Luna, Camden Burgess, Jen Ben, Aspen Acuña, Wayne Napoleone, and Ron Marschall at Mesa Community College.

Recorded remotely at the tail end of Covid, “Coming Back” is a celebration song, kicking off America’s Summer in true, classic rock spirit. It’s an uplifting track that kicks you in the gut before Ellis leans in with his distinctive low croon, congratulating the listener for “making it”. It has all the drive and swagger of “Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers” with the pop sensibility of “Big Star” that begs the listener to hit play again and again.

The idea for the song came in 2020 when Ellis was searching for some light in the world.

““I THOUGHT, WE’RE GOING TO GET OUT OF THIS SOON ENOUGH, SO LET’S FOCUS ON THAT AND WRITE SOMETHING POSITIVE, FOR THE FUTURE”. ”
— MATT ELLIS

The next few years would see Matt chipping away at the track, along with a swag of other tunes that hope to be released later this year and next. Ellis recorded an arrangement to a rough drum sample at his home studio in the Mojave Desert, before sending the song down under to his mate, Andy Clockwise, who tracked Drums at his studio in Sydney. Dusty Bookatz and Joshua Norton picked up the song back in L.A., adding bass, lead guitars, and piano. Percussion was added by Denny Weston Jr at his home studio in 29 Palms, Ca before Ellis completed his vocals and guitar work back in the Hi-Dez. The finishing touches came with Tim Walker’s pedal steel, tracked at his home in Santa Clarita, Ca.

Matt reconnected with longtime collaborator Craig Schumacher at WaveLab Studios in Tucson, Az for mixing. Craig is not only a celebrated Producer/Engineer (Neko Case, Calexico, Giant Sand), but he’s also teaching his skills to a small class of young engineers at The Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona. The track became a class project for the students, looking over Craig’s shoulder as he mixed the track in several remote sessions. 

Ellis recalls; “I’ve been “solo” for 23 years, but none of it would’ve been possible without constant collaboration with my longtime band and surrounding musicians and engineers. This track is proof of that, and having the students involved added even more of that synergetic energy, something I’m always seeking and encouraging.”

“Coming Back” is out now on all streaming platforms.

Hotel Cafe - Sat August 12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Hotel Cafe - Sat August 12th, 9 pm

An acclaimed group of High Desert singer/songwriters are heading to the city to perform on the main stage backed by “Los Poncho Tones”. The group show is a celebration of the thriving High Desert music scene and its songs.

Featured artists:

Parker Ainsworth

Miranda Lee Richards

Rosa Pullman

Jesika Von Rabbit

Matt Ellis

C’est Claire

Pat Kearns

Karma

Sister John Angela

Los Poncho Tones

 —————————————————————————————————

 The end of the decade saw a new wave of musicians migrate to the Mojave Desert to hide out from Covid, start families, build studios, and escape the rising rents of cities. For many of these musicians, their roots are in Los Angeles, with some hailing from as far as Portland, Minneapolis, and Canada.

Matt Ellis left Venice, CA in May of 2019, relocating to Flamingo Heights with his wife and one year old daughter. What he soon discovered was a group of world class musicians and singer/songwriters quietly writing and recording out from under L.A.’s spotlight. Some were old acquaintances, others new friends, all with a sense of community and drive to create something great. This gang of songwriters has been coming together, often performing in group shows, raising money for charities since 2021, all backed by Los Poncho Tones.

Affectionately known as the “High Desert House Band”, Los Poncho Tones formed in Summer, 2021, after a jam in Landers, CA where the three, seasoned musicians instantly clicked. LPT is Josh Sonntag (Guitar), Jon Ossman (Bass, Vocals), and Denny Weston Jr (Drums). They have a sound described as "greasy tumbleweed", merging swampy New Orleans rhythms with dusty desert tones, often adding threads of blues, rock, soul, singer songwriter, psychedelia, electro and Appalachian textures. Performing as both an instrumental trio and backing band to many desert songwriters, Los Poncho Tones went on to win “Outstanding Instrumental Group” in The Joshua Tree Voice, Joshua Awards 2022. Each member has been playing since childhood. Together and separately, they have recorded or toured with Santana, The Kooks, Draco Rosa, Paula Cole, KT Tunstall, Chris Botti, Gustavo Santaolla, Goldfrapp, Robert Palmer, Marc Cohn, Michael Kiwanuka, Alex Syntek and many more.

Matt Ellis is rounding up his friends and driving back to the City of Angles for a huge night of Music at The Hotel Cafe, Sat Aug 12th. The nine High Desert singer/songwriters will perform 3 original songs with Los Poncho Tones spanning Folk, Rock, Americana and Blues genres. Advance tickets are now available for $15 at www.hotelcafe.com and $20 at the door. This will be a night of music not to be missed.

 

New Single "Coming Back" Out 07.07.23

“Coming Back” is the new single from Australian Singer/Songwriter, Matt Ellis. 

Recorded remotely at the tail end of Covid, “Coming Back” is a celebration song, kicking off America’s Summer in true, classic rock spirit. It’s an uplifting track that kicks you in the gut before Ellis leans in with his distinctive low croon, congratulating the listener for “making it”. It has all the drive and swagger of “Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers” with the pop sensibility of “Big Star” that begs the listener to hit play again and again.

The idea for the song came in 2020 when Ellis was searching for some light in the world.

“I thought, we’re going to get out of this soon enough, so let’s focus on that and write something positive,
for the future”. - Matt Ellis

The next few years would see Matt chipping away at the track, along with a swag of other tunes that hope to be released later this year and next. Ellis recorded an arrangement to a rough drum sample at his home studio in the Mojave Desert, before sending the song down under to his mate, Andy Clockwise, who tracked Drums at his studio in Sydney. Dusty Bookatz and Joshua Norton picked up the song back in L.A., adding bass, lead guitars, and piano. Percussion was added by Denny Weston Jr at his home studio in 29 Palms, Ca before Ellis completed his vocals and guitar work back in the Hi-Dez. The finishing touches came with Tim Walker’s pedal steel, tracked at his home in Santa Clarita, Ca.

Matt reconnected with longtime collaborator Craig Schumacher at WaveLab Studios in Tucson, Az for mixing. Craig is not only a celebrated Producer/Engineer (Neko Case, Calexico, Giant Sand), but he’s also teaching his skills to a small class of young engineers at The Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona. The track became a class project for the students, looking over Craig’s shoulder as he mixed the track in several remote sessions. 

Ellis recalls; “I’ve been “solo” for 23 years, but none of it would’ve been possible without constant collaboration with my longtime band and surrounding musicians and engineers. This track is proof of that, and having the students involved added even more of that synergetic energy, something I’m always seeking and encouraging.”

“Coming Back” is out 07.07.23 on all streaming platforms.

Credits

Matt Ellis • Vocals & Electric Guitar
Joshua Norton • Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar & Piano
Dusty Bookatz • Bass
Tim Walker • Pedal Steel
Andy Kelly • Drums
Denny Weston Jr • Percussion

Mixed by Craig Schumacher
Mastered by J.J. Golden
Produced by Matt Ellis

A Very Red Dog Christmas Charity Show

We’re closing out the year with another special charity show raising money for Find Food Bank and Mara’s Christmas Wish at The Red Dog Saloon on Sat Dec 17th. An incredible group of Hi-Dez musicians is coming together to sing their Holiday favs backed by Los Poncho Tones. We kick off at 6 pm and our special guest MC “Bad Santa” will be bringing Christmas cheer and collecting a suggested donation of $10 at the door. This one is not to be missed folks! I hope to see you there!

Follow the artists below:

@losponchotones
@reubenandthedark
@jesikavonrabbit
@cestclairemusic
@pktroubadour
@parkerainsworth
@karma28
@carlyfoulkes
@mattellismusic

📸 @kellysegrephoto

The Red Dog Saloon is located at 53539 Mane St, Pioneertown, CA 92268. Get Directions here.

The Red Dog Saloon - Sat Nov 5

Matt's back on the porch of The Red Dog Saloon Saturday, Nov 5th. Catch three full-band sets from 5:00 till 7:00 pm, for free. This place has the best tacos and cocktails in the Hi-Dez, so if you’re out here, add this show to your list. This gig is outside so bring a jacket or rug up. We’re headed into some chilly Desert evenings.

The Red Dog Saloon is located at 53539 Mane St, Pioneertown, CA 92268. Get Directions here.

Landers Elementary Fundraiser, Sun Oct 2

Hi-Desert, musicians are getting together to help raise money for their local school, Landers Elementary.

Stop by The Giant Rock Meeting Room on Sunday, Oct 2nd from 4-8 pm to support with a slice, a drink, and song. $10 ticket sales and 10% of food and beverage from the day will be donated to the School.

This is an all-star line-up and not to be missed. 12 artists will perform, backed by “Los Poncho Tones”, the Greasy Tumbleweed trio, featuring Josh Sonntag (Guitar), Jon Ossman (Bass), and Denny Weston (Drums).

Links are below to learn more about each artist. We hope to see you on the day!

LOS PONCHO TONES
BRAD BYRD
C’EST CLAIRE
ROSA PULLMAN
SMITTY
MATT ELLIS
JESSIE PAYO
PARKER AINSWORTH
KARMA
ROVE BENHAM
CARLY FOULKES
DAVID WILLIAMS
JOHN CURRY

The Giant Rock Meeting Room is located at 1141 Old Woman Springs Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284.

You can get directions here.

The Awe Bar, Yucca Valley, Fri Aug 19

Matt Ellis is teaming up with his old mate, and fellow Aussie, Andy Clockwise out in the Hi-Dez for a return performance. This time, the pair are taking over Yucca Valley’s newest Venue, The Awe Bar, on Friday, August 19th for what’s set to be a great night and Matt’s first indoor gig since 2019. This 21+ show kicks off at 7:30 pm and entry is free.

RSVP to the show to reserve your spot.

Matt’s looking forward to this double Aussie bill and his first AWE Bar show. Ellis and Clockwise have been sharing stages for 20 years from Sydney, Australia to Austin, Texas, Los Angeles, California, and for the very first time, Yucca Valley.

Awe Bar is located at 56193 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA 92284. Get directions here.

The Penmar, Venice, Wed Aug 31

Matt Ellis and his band return to his old stomping ground on Wed August 31st for a special 6 pm end of Summer show at The Penmar Golf Course in Venice, CA. This show is all ages with food and beverages available for purchase. Bring a blanket and grab a spot early on the green. Reservations are highly recommended though, as these nights fill up fast!

The Penmar is located at 1233 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291. Get directions here.

Airplay on ABC Country

We’re extremely grateful for the continued airplay back home in Australia on ABC Country. The National station has supported Matt with weekly spins since early 2019, with no signs of slowing down. For an Artist that’s been 100% independent since he began, National backing at this level is instrumental for exposure and the longevity of Matt’s catalog. So cheers to ABC Country, we can’t thank you enough! Show your support by tuning in online here.

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