Matt's headed back to his favorite local bar in Flamingo Heights California, The Giant Rock Meeting Room, on Sat July 16. Full band sets kick off at 7 pm and entry is free.
GRMR now has a full bar, so settle in for a full night of music, incredible Pizza, and a few cocktails of your choice. The GRMR is located at 1141 Old Woman Springs Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284. Get directions here.
The Red Dog Saloon, Sat June 18
Matt will be presiding over a Summer porch party at The Red Dog Saloon on Sat June 18. He’ll be playing 3 sets and sipping Margaritas from 5-8 pm with the full band. This is all ages, free, and the place to be as the sun sets over P-Town folks. Hope to see you there!
The Red Dog Saloon is located at 53539 Mane Street Pioneertown, CA 92268. Get directions here.
Songs For Ukraine, SUN APRIL 17
A gang of Hi-Desert musicians are getting together to help raise a little cash for the innocent victims in Ukraine.
Please stop by The Giant Rock Meeting Room on Sunday, April 17 from 4-8 pm for a slice, a drink, and song. $5 ticket sales and 10% of food and beverage from the day will be donated to Unicef USA.
The line-up for this event is all-star and not to be missed. Backed by “Los Poncho Tones”, the Greasy Tumbleweed trio made up of Josh Sonntag (Guitar), Jon Ossman (Bass), and Denny Weston (Drums), singers will perform several original tunes before joining together on some well known anti-war anthems.
Click below to learn more about each guest artist, and we hope to see you on the day!
PEARL CHARLES & MICHAEL RAULT
REUBEN AND THE DARK
MIRANDA LEE RICHARDS
ROSA PULLMAN
MATT ELLIS
RYAN TRASTER
C’EST CLAIRE
PAT KEARNS
BRAD BYRD
KARMA
LINUS XAVIOR
BILLY MITCHELL
The Giant Rock Meeting Room is located at 1141 Old Woman Springs Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284.
You can get directions here.
The Red Dog Saloon, Sat April 16
Matt will be presiding over a Springtime porch party at The Red Dog Saloon on Sat April 16. He’ll be playing 3 sets and sipping Margaritas from 5-8 pm with the full band. This is all ages, free, and the place to be as the sun sets over P-Town folks. Hope to see you there!
The Red Dog Saloon is located at 53539 Mane Street Pioneertown, CA 92268. Get directions here.
Matt Ellis on KVCR FM
Matt jumped on a call recently with David Fleming from KVC-Arts to discuss his 20-year career and the big show coming up at Furstwurld in Joshua Tree on Sat December 4th.
Tickets are pre-sale and selling fast via the link below.
The Red Dog Saloon, Sat Nov 13
We’re back on the porch of The Red Dog Saloon Saturday, Nov 13th. Catch three full-band sets from 5:30 till 8:30 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, and about as Covid safe as you’re going to get, but dress warm. We’re headed into some chilly Desert evenings.
Furstwurld, Sat Dec 04
We’re closing out the year with an epic gig at Furstwurld in Joshua Tree. Andy Clockwise is back from Oz and joining Paul Chesne and Matt’s full band for a tripleheader on Sat Dec 4. This is a limited capacity show with only 60 tix available. This is going to be a fun one guys! Hope to see you there.
The Red Dog Saloon, Sat Aug 28
We’re helping our friends at The Red Dog Saloon in Pioneertown celebrate their first year of slinging the best cocktails and tacos in the Hi-Dez. We’ll be getting the party going from 5:30-8:30 pm Saturday, Aug 28 on the front steps of the Saloon with the band in tow.
Multiple sets over 3 hours, this event is free, all ages, dog friendly, and outside. We feel super thankful that this place has been here for us all during these crazy times, keeping a safe place for the community to gather. Come show thanks!
Happy Birthday, Red Dog!!!
The Penmar, Venice, Wed Aug 18
We’re headed back to the hood on Wed Aug 18 for an Acoustic Duo show at The Penmar. This show is kid friendly, dog friendly and social distancing friendly folks! Enjoy dinner, beer, wine and the show from an open-air patio or bring a blanket and join us on the grass.
We play at 7pm sharp. Entry is $5 and we can't wait to catch up with ya'll after this crazy year!
The Penmar is located at 1233 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291.
Desert Gold - Out Now
Matt Ellis left Los Angeles in May 2019, relocating his family to the Hi-Desert of Southern California, one year before the Pandemic hit. "Desert Gold" is a postcard from his new home to the rest of the world.
Realizing how lucky he was to be out of the big city, he recorded this homage to his new home at home, with band members recording remotely in Australia and L.A. creating a unique sound, for a strange time.
Mixed by fellow Hi-Dez resident, Nicolas Vernhes (War On Drugs, Spoon), “Desert Gold” is out now and available everywhere you stream and download music.
SONG CREDITS
Matt Ellis: Vocals, Acoustic Slide, Rhythm Guitars, Toy Piano, Percussion
Joshua Norton: Lead Guitars, Drum Programming
Dustin Bookatz: Bass
Mixed by: Nicolas Vernhes
Mastered by: JJ Golden
Giant Rock Meeting Room, Fri June 4th
Fully vaxxed and getting back on that horse Friday, June 4th at my favorite local hang, The Giant Rock Meeting Room in Flamingo Heights, Ca.
Playing 2 outdoor sets in a stripped-back duo setting at 7pm & 8:15pm. Beer, wine, and the best pizza in the Hi-Dez. Hope to see you there!
New Single "Desert Gold" Out 05.07.21
Matt Ellis left Los Angeles in May 2019, relocating his family to the Hi-Desert of Southern California, one year before the Pandemic hit. "Desert Gold" is a postcard from his new home to the rest of the world. Realizing how lucky he was to be out of the big city, he recorded this homage to his new home at home, with band members recording remotely in Australia and L.A. creating a unique sound, for a strange time.
Mixed by fellow Hi-Dez resident, Nicolas Vernhes (War On Drugs, Spoon), “Desert Gold” will be available everywhere on 05.07.21. Hit the button below to hear the track first on release day.
Song Credits
Matt Ellis: Vocals, Acoustic Slide, Rhythm Guitars, Toy Piano, Percussion
Joshua Norton: Lead Guitars, Drum Programming
Dustin Bookatz: Bass
Mixed by: Nicolas Vernhes
Mastered by: JJ Golden
Che's Lounge, Tucson, Fri Nov 1st
Matt Ellis returns to Tucson, Az on Friday Nov 1st. Ellis will be joined by his wife, Vavine, and guitarist Josh Sonntag for an intimate acoustic performance of songs from his new album, “Rambler Pacifico” and more. Joining the bill is local favorite, Naim Amor, playing a swag of new tunes backed by a band. The show kicks off at 9pm sharp at “Che’s Lounge”, 350 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705. Entry is free. 21+.
Matt Ellis chats with Spain's "Ruta 66"
Matt recently had the pleasure of chatting with the Spanish Music Publication, Ruta 66, about “Rambler Pacifico” and the years leading up to the release. The in-depth interview by Eduardo Izquierdo is out now and online at www.ruta66.es.
Hotel Cafe Album Launch Aug 2
Matt Ellis returns to the Hotel Cafe Main Stage to launch his new album, "Rambler Pacifico" on Friday, August 2nd. Matt and his 6-piece band hit the stage at 9pm sharp for a set full of these celebrated new songs. Advance tickets are $10 and available now at www.hotelcafe.com.
PRESS QUOTES:
“RAMBLER PACIFICO IS AN AMERICANA TREASURE”
David McPherson - (Daily Ripple)
“ARTICULATE LYRICS AND TASTEFUL ROCK BACKING”
George Graham - (WVIA-FM)
“A DANDY WILD RIDE”
Chris Spector - (Midwest Record)
ABOUT THE ALBUM:
“Rambler Pacifico” is a stream of folk-rock consciousness. A ramble of plain truths in a time of fake news. A collection of songs that speak to these times yet feel timeless. Recorded primarily in Ellis’ garage, these 11 songs kick and caress in equal parts. There’s enough twang to remain in the Americana club, yet there’s also a pop sensibility calling to a wider audience.
Recorded with Matt’s longtime backing band and guests from The Suffers, Calexico, Iron & Wine and Devotchka, “Rambler Pacifico” is out now and available everywhere you buy and stream music online.
RTL/Warner "West Coast Sound, California" 4 CD Box Set
Matt’s track, “Thank You Los Angeles”, is featured on the RTL/French Warner CD Box Set, “West Coast Sound, California”, out May 17, 2019.
Curated by RTL’s celebrated DJ, Georges Lang, the compilation is packed with classic artists from California, celebrating the City of Angeles. Matt is proud to join The Doors, Jackson Brown, Warren Zevon, Gram Parsons, Grateful Dead, Brian Wilson and many more across 4 CDs.
“West Coast Sound, California” is available now via Amazon France.
"Rambler Pacifico" OUT NOW!
ABOUT THE ALBUM
“Rambler Pacifico” is a stream of folk-rock consciousness. A ramble of plain truths in a time of fake news. A collection of songs that speak to these times yet feel timeless. Recorded primarily in Ellis’ garage, these 11 songs kick and caress in equal parts. There’s enough twang to remain in the Americana club, yet there’s also a pop sensibility calling to a wider audience.
Recording began with Ellis and longtime drummer, Fernando Sanchez, at Fern’s home studio in
Los Angeles, Ca. The pair began sorting through a swag of riffs Matt had been collecting since they wrapped the “The Greatest Escape” shows in 2016. After a series of afternoon sessions,
the sketches of Matt’s 6th album were ready for color.
Matt’s core band members began building on the drum tracks at Ellis‘ home studio, a converted garage in Mar Vista, Ca. Australian engineer, Lewis Fordham, stepped in to record as Matt layered acoustics before Dustin Bookatz added Bass, followed by Guitarist, Josh Norton. Sessions moved fast with Ellis keeping things fluid, opting for the right feel over the right note. Tim Walker peppered in his pedal steel, while guests stopped by to improvise. Nick Luca (Calexico, Devotchka) was heavily involved, adding Farfisa, Rhodes, Moog, Guitars and more, both as a musician and additional engineer. Matt reached out to friends as they traveled through town, Craig Schumacher (Harmonica) and Joe Novelli (Lap Steel) from Tucson and Pete Okie Weiss (Accordion & Mandolin) came in from Austin. Matt knew his longtime Australian friend and Guitarist, Douglas Clarke was the perfect player for “Guns & Drugs”, who recorded his pickin’ licks both in L.A. and remotely, back home in Sydney. Friends dropped by to listen and drink and would inevitably end up singing harmony on a chorus or tracking hand-claps. The sessions were adventurous, loose and open to experimentation, qualities that define this new album.
Ellis wrote candidly of the world around him as it happened and a lot was happening. Halfway through recording, Matt and his wife, Vavine, discovered they were expecting a baby girl, Magnolia. That untitled, mid-tempo, acoustic lead shuffle that was hanging around soon became, “Oh My Magnolia”. The duet is a message to the couples unborn daughter, welcoming her into this world, and that’s exactly what it did. Magnolia, now 9 months old, was actually born to a rough mix of the song. And that gorgeous vocal by Vavine was recorded when she was 39 weeks pregnant. Other standout songs on the album are “Some People”, the first single, which has already received an Honorable Mention in the Americana Category of the ISC. The Sociopolitical opener, “Isolationist Blues”, a personal favorite of Matt’s, and “The Kids Of America”, a thumping, rock anthem, written in support of the teenagers behind the #NeverAgain movement.
Another song that deserves attention is track 8, “If I Had A Hammer”, a Pete Seeger/Lee Hayes cover featuring Kam Franklin of The Suffers. Fordham had worked on The Suffers debut Album in Austin back in 2014 and as a live engineer, touring with the band in 2015. Matt had the pleasure of performing with the group on several occasions too, putting Kam at the top of their wish list. Luck would have it, Kam was in L.A. putting the finishing touches on her recent solo EP at the time of recording, and she accepted the invitation to sing. The 1949 protest song has been reimagined, with a laid-back, Laurel Canyon feel, but the message is still clear and more compelling than ever.
Additional sessions took place at Steve McCormick’s studio down the street from Matt, where Nick Luca played the Piano part for “Oh My Magnolia”. Horns and one last Guitar part where recorded at Tucson’s Wavelab studio by Chris Schultz. Jacob Valenzuela, Tony Rosano, and Marco Rosano added brass to “Isolationist Blues” and “The Lucky Ones”, while Naim Amor laid down the Electric 12 string lead you hear on “Heading Home”.
The album was mixed by Nathan Sabatino (Dr.Dog, The Flaming Lips) at his Hi-Dez Recording studio in Joshua Tree, Ca. Ellis and Sabatino had known each other for several years when Matt enlisted Nathan to mix a one-off single in 2016. Delighted with the result, Ellis knew he wanted Nathan to take care of his next full length. The album was mastered by J.J. Golden and Produced by Matt.
“Rambler Pacifico” is out now through Matt’s Krow Pie label and is available online for streaming and download at all major outlets.
CREDITS
Recorded by Lewis Fordham, Fernando Sanchez, Nick Luca & Matt Ellis.
Additional Engineering by Chris Shultz & Steve McCormick.
Mixed by Nathan Sabatino. Mastered by J.J. Golden. Produced by Matt Ellis.
Matt Ellis: Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Rhythm Guitars
Josh Norton: Electric Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals
Fernando Sanchez: Drums & Percussion
Tim Walker: Pedal Steel
Dustin Bookatz: Bass
Nick Luca: Farfisa (1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11), Fender Rhodes (4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11),
Acoustic Slide (11), Electric Guitar (11), Moog Concertmate Mg-1 (4, 11) Piano (5),
Pete Okie Weiss:Accordion (2, 5, 6) Mandolin (2, 5)
Joe Novelli: Lap Steel (11)
Craig Schumacher: Harmonica (6, 11)
Jacob Valenzuela: Trumpet (1, 4),
Tony Rosano: trombone (1, 4)
Marco Rosano: Saxophone (1, 4)
Adeline Wilkins: Viola (4, 5)
Nathan Sabatino: Cello (4, 5)
Vavine Tahapehi: Vocals (5, 8)
Kam Franklin: Vocals (8)
Douglas Clarke: Electric Lead Guitar (3)
Naim Amor: Electric Lead Guitar (6),
Lacey Kay Cowden: Backing Vocals (4, 5, 8, 11)
Scott Passaglia: Backing Vocals (4, 5) Hand Claps (4)
Steve Taschler: Backing Vocals (4, 5)
Andy Clockwise: Backing Vocals: (2)
Paul Chesne: Backing Vocals (3)
Hilary Craven: Hand Claps (4)
Paddy Wilkins: Hand Claps (4)
All songs: Matt Ellis (Except 8 By Seeger/Hays)
Cover Art: Carga Máxima. Photography: J.D. Narro.
Art Direction: Matt Ellis
Pre-order "Rambler Pacifico" now!
ABOUT THE ALBUM
“Rambler Pacifico” is a stream of folk-rock consciousness. A ramble of plain truths in a time of fake news. A collection of songs that speak to these times yet feel timeless. Recorded primarily in Ellis’ garage, these 11 songs kick and caress in equal parts. There’s enough twang to remain in the Americana club, yet there’s also a pop sensibility calling to a wider audience.
Recording began with Ellis and longtime drummer, Fernando Sanchez, at Fern’s home studio in
Los Angeles, Ca. The pair began sorting through a swag of riffs Matt had been collecting since they wrapped the “The Greatest Escape” shows in 2016. After a series of afternoon sessions,
the sketches of Matt’s 6th album were ready for color.
Matt’s core band members began building on the drum tracks at Ellis‘ home studio, a converted garage in Mar Vista, Ca. Australian engineer, Lewis Fordham, stepped in to record as Matt layered acoustics before Dustin Bookatz added Bass, followed by Guitarist, Josh Norton. Sessions moved fast with Ellis keeping things fluid, opting for the right feel over the right note. Tim Walker peppered in his pedal steel, while guests stopped by to improvise. Nick Luca (Calexico, Devotchka) was heavily involved, adding Farfisa, Rhodes, Moog, Guitars and more, both as a musician and additional engineer. Matt reached out to friends as they traveled through town, Craig Schumacher (Harmonica) and Joe Novelli (Lap Steel) from Tucson and Pete Okie Weiss (Accordion & Mandolin) came in from Austin. Matt knew his longtime Australian friend and Guitarist, Douglas Clarke was the perfect player for “Guns & Drugs”, who recorded his pickin’ licks both in L.A. and remotely, back home in Sydney. Friends dropped by to listen and drink and would inevitably end up singing harmony on a chorus or tracking hand-claps. The sessions were adventurous, loose and open to experimentation, qualities that define this new album.
Ellis recalls; “Going in, I didn’t have any finished songs or lyrics, but I didn’t want to lose momentum either. I wanted to get back in the studio and try a different approach to recording. I was confident I could place a bet on a guitar part and melody and I had faith lyrics would present themselves down the line. We were free to experiment and the clock never ran out. It was an indulgence I hadn’t experienced in the studio before, and I took full advantage of it.”
Ellis wrote candidly of the world around him as it happened and a lot was happening. Halfway through recording, Matt and his wife, Vavine, discovered they were expecting a baby girl, Magnolia. That untitled, mid-tempo, acoustic lead shuffle that was hanging around soon became, “Oh My Magnolia”. The duet is a message to the couples unborn daughter, welcoming her into this world, and that’s exactly what it did. Magnolia, now 9 months old, was actually born to a rough mix of the song. And that gorgeous vocal by Vavine was recorded when she was 39 weeks pregnant. Other standout songs on the album are “Some People”, the first single, which has already received an Honorable Mention in the Americana Category of the ISC. The Sociopolitical opener, “Isolationist Blues”, a personal favorite of Matt’s, and “The Kids Of America”, a thumping, rock anthem, written in support of the teenagers behind the #NeverAgain movement.
Another song that deserves attention is track 8, “If I Had A Hammer”, a Pete Seeger/Lee Hayes cover featuring Kam Franklin of The Suffers. Fordham had worked on The Suffers debut Album in Austin back in 2014 and as a live engineer, touring with the band in 2015. Matt had the pleasure of performing with the group on several occasions too, putting Kam at the top of their wish list. Luck would have it, Kam was in L.A. putting the finishing touches on her recent solo EP at the time of recording, and she accepted the invitation to sing. The 1949 protest song has been reimagined, with a laid-back, Laurel Canyon feel, but the message is still clear and more compelling than ever.
Additional sessions took place at Steve McCormick’s studio down the street from Matt, where Nick Luca played the Piano part for “Oh My Magnolia”. Horns and one last Guitar part where recorded at Tucson’s Wavelab studio by Chris Schultz. Jacob Valenzuela, Tony Rosano, and Marco Rosano added brass to “Isolationist Blues” and “The Lucky Ones”, while Naim Amor laid down the Electric 12 string lead you hear on “Heading Home”.
The album was mixed by Nathan Sabatino (Dr.Dog, The Flaming Lips) at his Hi-Dez Recording studio in Joshua Tree, Ca. Ellis and Sabatino had known each other for several years when Matt enlisted Nathan to mix a one-off single in 2016. Delighted with the result, Ellis knew he wanted Nathan to take care of his next full length. The album was mastered by J.J. Golden and Produced by Matt. “Rambler Pacifico” is set for an independent release on March 29th through Matt’s Krow Pie label and will be available online for streaming and download at all major outlets. Visit www.mattellis.com for gig listings, music videos, social media links and more info.
New Single "If I Had A Hammer" OUT NOW!
Artwork by: Carga Maxima
“If I Had A Hammer“ is the second single off Matt Ellis’ sixth album, “Rambler Pacifico”, and is a cover of the Pete Seeger/Lee Hayes protest song from 1949. Featuring Kam Franklin on vocals, the song has been reimagined with a laid-back Laurel Canyon feel, but the message is still clear and more compelling than ever. Produced by Ellis, "Hammer..." was mixed by Nathan Sabatino (Dr.Dog/The Flaming Lips) in Joshua Tree, California and is available now on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, and everywhere else you find good music.
Shot during the 3rd Annual Women's March in Los Angeles, on January 19, 2019, the 360 video takes you into the event from the protestors POV. Click and drag your way through the environment and explore the positive energy fighting for ending violence, protection of reproductive rights, LGBTQIA rights, workers’ rights, equal pay for equal work, civil rights, disability rights, immigrant rights, indigenous people’s rights and environmental justice.
Many thanks to J.D. Narro and the participants of the LA Women's March that made this video possible.
"If I Had A Hammer" is out now. "Rambler Pacifico" will be available everywhere on 03.29.19.
Song Credits:
Matt Ellis: Vocals & Acoustic Guitar
Kam Franklin: Vocals
Joshua Norton: Electric Guitar & Backing Vocals
Fernando Sanchez: Drums & Percussion
Tim Walker: Pedal Steel
Dustin Bookatz: Bass
Nick Luca: Farfisa & Fender Rhodes
Vavine Tahapehi: Backing Vocals
Lacey Kay Cowden: Backing Vocals
Engineers: Lewis Fordham & Fernando Sanchez
Mixed by: Nathan Sabatino
Mastered by: JJ Golden
Video Credits:
DP & Direction by J.D. Narro
Edited by Matt Ellis
New single "Some People" OUT NOW!
Artwork by: Carga Maxima
"Some People" is the first single off Matt Ellis’ new album, "Rambler Pacifico". The track is an acoustic stomp, full of country and folk-rock hooks with a lyric that weaves its way through the layers of modern diversity in America.
Written by Ellis and recorded by Lewis Fordham and Fernando Sanchez, the track was mixed by Nathan Sabatino (Dr.Dog/The Flaming Lips/Giant Sand) at his Hi-Dez recording facility in Joshua Tree, California. “Some People” is built around Ellis’ core band with fellow Aussie expat Andy Clockwise adding backing vocals, and Austin’s Pete Okie Weiss on Accordion and Mandolin.
Shot over two days in Los Angeles, the video features a cast of Matt's close friends and his family. Many thanks to J.D. Narro and the crew listed below that made this track and music video possible.
"Some People" is out 02.01.19. "Rambler Pacifico" will be available everywhere on 03.29.19
Song Credits:
Matt Ellis: Vocals & Acoustic Guitar
Joshua Norton: Electric Guitar & Backing Vocals
Fernando Sanchez: Drums & Percussion
Tim Walker: Pedal Steel
Dustin Bookatz: Bass
Pete Okie Weiss: Accordion & Mandolin
Andy Clockwise: Backing Vocals
Engineers: Lewis Fordham & Fernando Sanchez
Mixed by: Nathan Sabatino
Mastered by: JJ Golden
Video Credits:
DP & Direction by J.D. Narro
Edited by Matt Ellis
Starring Matt, Magnolia, Banjo and Buzz Ellis and Vavine Tahapehi. Dave, Christina, Truman, Amelia, and Denali Conway. Boris the turtle. Marc, Lauren, Mazzy, and Esme O'Riley. Lacey Kay Cowden and Bootsie. Lewis and Lexi Fordham and Ralphie. Katie Benz Schwer and Chris Kitahara. Tim, Tara, Akita, and Zoey Williams, and Jillian Shannon, Dan Buran, and Whiskey Moonshine.