BIO
A troubadour, a poet with a guitar, a stage banter-conversationalist - all are terms that describe Matt Wheeler's music & performance style well. Matt’s songwriting paints pictures with words, often drawing inspiration from classic works of literature or simply spinning new original stories in song. Lyrics & dynamics play a key role, as each song really means something, and each one is delivered with an honesty that is compelling.
When playing solo, Matt draws audiences in with engaging stories and interaction, while shining the spotlight on the lyrical strength of his songs. When joined by his band Vintage Heart, the poignant lyrics meet expressive strings and driving percussion to make orchestral folk songs that reward repeated listens. The result is a pleasing sound that recalls wordsmiths like Denison Witmer, Iron & Wine, and James Taylor.
“Warm sound & heartfelt lyrics. If you are a fan of Josh Ritter give a listen to Matt!”
- Helen Leicht, WXPN Philadelphia
"Matt really has a way with words. He puts poetry to music really rather than simply writing songs. Very beautiful writing."
- Red Line Roots, Boston
Matt Wheeler - Guitar & Vocals
Joined by:
Shawn Vago - Percussion
Caleb Brown - Violin & Backing Vocals
Andrew Berg - Cello
Discography
Wonder of It All (releasing in 2021)
Harbor (single) (2020)
Fix You (single) (2019)
Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart (2017)
Indigo EP (2013)
Strings & Wires (2013)
Strings EP (2012)
Wires EP (2012)
Live on Up Close & Acoustic (2011)
Ash EP (2010)
Veritas, Volume 2 (2010)
Veritas, Volume 1 (2009)
When playing solo, Matt draws audiences in with engaging stories and interaction, while shining the spotlight on the lyrical strength of his songs. When joined by his band Vintage Heart, the poignant lyrics meet expressive strings and driving percussion to make orchestral folk songs that reward repeated listens. The result is a pleasing sound that recalls wordsmiths like Denison Witmer, Iron & Wine, and James Taylor.
“Warm sound & heartfelt lyrics. If you are a fan of Josh Ritter give a listen to Matt!”
- Helen Leicht, WXPN Philadelphia
"Matt really has a way with words. He puts poetry to music really rather than simply writing songs. Very beautiful writing."
- Red Line Roots, Boston
Matt Wheeler - Guitar & Vocals
Joined by:
Shawn Vago - Percussion
Caleb Brown - Violin & Backing Vocals
Andrew Berg - Cello
Discography
Wonder of It All (releasing in 2021)
Harbor (single) (2020)
Fix You (single) (2019)
Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart (2017)
Indigo EP (2013)
Strings & Wires (2013)
Strings EP (2012)
Wires EP (2012)
Live on Up Close & Acoustic (2011)
Ash EP (2010)
Veritas, Volume 2 (2010)
Veritas, Volume 1 (2009)
PHOTOS
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT MATT WHEELER & VINTAGE HEART
4/18/16 - The Key Blog, WXPN Philadelphia
"Matt Wheeler often performs with a backing band, but on his new EP Matt Wheeler On the Hill, the Lancaster singer-songwriter experiments with a solo acoustic sound.The record features a mix of old and new — while it begins with some reworked acoustic versions of songs that Wheeler has already recorded, the EP’s second half includes the two new tracks “Cedars” and “Lexington.”Wheeler’s previous arrangements with his band Vintage Heart made use of violin and cello, but the solo versions on Matt Wheeler On the Hill are more compelling. On “Indigo,” Wheeler’s deft guitar work is crisp and moving, and the track has a somber energy that the full-band version lacks.
While most of the EP is rather upbeat by singer-songwriter standards (on “Avalanche,” you could be fooled into thinking the track is an acoustic pop-punk cover), the highlight of the record is the dark final track, the heartbreak ballad “Lexington.” As Wheeler reflects on his failed relationship (“I wrote you this letter / that I may never send / Tears and ink were spilled / my bones in time will mend”), his slowly gathers energy, his guitar strumming filled with chaotic anguish." - David Murrell
While most of the EP is rather upbeat by singer-songwriter standards (on “Avalanche,” you could be fooled into thinking the track is an acoustic pop-punk cover), the highlight of the record is the dark final track, the heartbreak ballad “Lexington.” As Wheeler reflects on his failed relationship (“I wrote you this letter / that I may never send / Tears and ink were spilled / my bones in time will mend”), his slowly gathers energy, his guitar strumming filled with chaotic anguish." - David Murrell
7/10/15 - All the Day Sounds Blog - Top Five Fridays (Click here to see blog post)
"After hearing nothing but good things for quite some time, I finally decided the best way to catch Matt Wheeler live would be to book a show with him on a bill with my band Seasons. Though Matt often plays with a full group, this show was acoustic. I could not have asked for a better introduction. It takes guts to do the whole “just man with a guitar” thing; your songs are laid bare, no gimmicks, no distractions. Matt’s work more than holds up in this light. There is a thought out, literary quality to the lyrical work that I really appreciate. Heck, I’ll sign off on anyone who writes songs that reference “The Old Man Man and The Sea.” Matt’s latest release, the 2013 EP “Indigo,” features some of my favorite work of his, including “River (A Dark Chase)” and the title track." - Peter Winter
4/24/15 - Fly Magazine - LAUNCH: Local Talent to Look for at the Festival
"Another hard-worker, singer-songwriter Matt Wheeler has been active in the Lancaster music scene for a few years now. In that time, he’s grown from a solo/acoustic performer to add his band, Vintage Heart, complete with cello and violin. Pay attention to the lyrics as best you can – there’s some good stuff going on in there." - Mike McMonagle
1/20/15 - The Candy Factory Blog
"Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart visited Warehouse D during our Lunch Concert Series!
“Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart was the platform for my solo songwriting — it started as a side project,” started Matt Wheeler, the band’s front man. “I began playing in 2010 and found my sound when I opened a Lancaster show in 2012 at The Community Room on Prince St. I was joined by my friends Andrew Berg on cello and Celeb Brown on violin. This show was a watershed moment for me — it really cemented by love for string accompaniment.”
After years spent shuffling band members, Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart’s current line-up includes: Matt Wheeler, vocals/guitar; Caleb Brown, violin; Andrew Berg, cello; Ben Young, bass and Shawn Vago on percussion.
The Candy Factory and Warehouse D hosted Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart for their NPR Tiny Desk Contest entry submission. Tiny Desk has supported artists like T-Pain, Wilco, Adele and John Legend. If selected, Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart will perform at the Tiny Desk Concert in NPR in Washington, DC and Couchtrippin’ to Austin show in March.
“I have always been a fan of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series and set a goal for myself to have Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart perform on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert some day. Just a few weeks ago, my father-in-law shared a link to NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest with me. Artists were invited to ‘pay a concert in our office’. The Candy Factory made for a great, visually interesting setting for our submission video and it all came together beautifully,” said Matt." - Tyler Naples
“Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart was the platform for my solo songwriting — it started as a side project,” started Matt Wheeler, the band’s front man. “I began playing in 2010 and found my sound when I opened a Lancaster show in 2012 at The Community Room on Prince St. I was joined by my friends Andrew Berg on cello and Celeb Brown on violin. This show was a watershed moment for me — it really cemented by love for string accompaniment.”
After years spent shuffling band members, Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart’s current line-up includes: Matt Wheeler, vocals/guitar; Caleb Brown, violin; Andrew Berg, cello; Ben Young, bass and Shawn Vago on percussion.
The Candy Factory and Warehouse D hosted Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart for their NPR Tiny Desk Contest entry submission. Tiny Desk has supported artists like T-Pain, Wilco, Adele and John Legend. If selected, Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart will perform at the Tiny Desk Concert in NPR in Washington, DC and Couchtrippin’ to Austin show in March.
“I have always been a fan of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series and set a goal for myself to have Matt Wheeler & Vintage Heart perform on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert some day. Just a few weeks ago, my father-in-law shared a link to NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest with me. Artists were invited to ‘pay a concert in our office’. The Candy Factory made for a great, visually interesting setting for our submission video and it all came together beautifully,” said Matt." - Tyler Naples
Issue Number Thirty-Two (November 2014) of Fine Living Lancaster magazine
"The regional indie music scene is brimming with deeply thoughtful lyricists and highly talented musicians. Sometimes they're even one in the same kind of person. Matt Wheeler's charmingly humble demeanor, sense of humor, and deep level of poetic introspection ensure that his songs are accessible, soothing and even gently challenging." - Chris Ruch
9.4.14 - WhatBreeSees.com (Click to see blog post)
"Matt’s songs are mostly narrative in nature, with strong nods to literature and history. One song, “Lexington” describes a young man longing both to join the revolution against Britain and to see his love; another song “River (A Dark Chase)” is based on a chapter in Les Miserables. I walked in as Matt was covering Josh Ritter’s tune “Idaho,” and there are many similarities between Matt’s songwriting and Ritter’s approach. You can imagine these lyrics (from Matt’s song “Gold”) on a Josh Ritter album: “Sometimes bitter roots / Give rise to sweeter fruits / And all your sticks and stones, they turn to gold.” Matt and Josh use similarly playful rhyme schemes and opposition of emotions. Matt’s guitar playing is rhythmic and crisp, both while strumming and finger-picking, and he engages the audience nicely by asking for sing-alongs with songs like “Indigo.” He ended the show with a beautiful version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” - Ken Templeton
8/28/14 - Tri State Indie (Click link to see blog post)
"It was a night of all around fantastic musical performances at Tellus 360 last Saturday. The show kicked off with a set from local musician Matt Wheeler who was accompanied by violinist, Caleb Brown. I have seen Matt play a few times now and every time I’m amazed by the emotion Matt is able to convey through his performance. When you watch Matt Wheeler play his music, it feels as though you are having a conversation with him and really getting a glimpse into his life." - David Gerz
August 2014 Issue of The Burg Magazine (Click link to see issue; article on page 45)
Lancaster County's Matt Wheeler is a folk songwriter in the truest sense of the word. His songs are morose and thoughtful, designed to tell stories that are deeply persona yet instantly relatable. Channeling a long and rich tradition, his music invites comparisons to James Taylor, Josh Ritter and Iron & Wine. His backing band, Vintage Heart, only complements Wheeler's tendency towards introspection, with laid back folk-rock percussion and moody string arrangements elevating the impact of tales of searching and heartbreak.
8/1/14 - PennLive.com - Harrisburg, PA (Click link to see blog post)
"Wheeler is a Lancaster treasure. The folk-rock songwriter incorporates violin, harmonica and cello into his songs, giving the genre a classical feel that never fails to captivate." - Julia Hatmaker
5/6/14 - Red Line Roots Blog - Boston (Click link to see blog post)
First Listen Single “Indigo” by Matt Wheeler
The track begins with a distant and cavernous feeling violin crying out and a slow picked acoustic. Then a pattering along drum line gets things moving a lot a little bit more. There are very well defined and established parts contained here, separated but working in unison. I think it’s the simplicity of the components of this track that make it all work well together.
Wheeler has a soft and gentle voice. There are a few gritty parts when he sings out with some emotion and I can dig that. I think he knows where his range is, uses it to his full advantage and he makes no apologies for it. That’s something I respect in a singer- songwriter.
Matt really has a way with words. He puts poetry to music really rather than simply writing songs. Very beautiful writing throughout this one track and the greater record.
How I long to share those sunsets with you again, my love
O, indigo
But now I’ll ply these oars through this moonlit dark
O, indigo
Over all I think the track is a rather interesting listen. The parts standing on their own don’t really seem to work together, but somehow they create a sort of harmony. It has a rise and fall effect with the verses interplaying with the chorus that makes for an attention drawing kind of arrangement. It also happens to be the type of song that you can sing along to after one listen due to the repeating “ooo, oooo, oooo indigo” line. Something that I think bodes well for the songwriter.
The track begins with a distant and cavernous feeling violin crying out and a slow picked acoustic. Then a pattering along drum line gets things moving a lot a little bit more. There are very well defined and established parts contained here, separated but working in unison. I think it’s the simplicity of the components of this track that make it all work well together.
Wheeler has a soft and gentle voice. There are a few gritty parts when he sings out with some emotion and I can dig that. I think he knows where his range is, uses it to his full advantage and he makes no apologies for it. That’s something I respect in a singer- songwriter.
Matt really has a way with words. He puts poetry to music really rather than simply writing songs. Very beautiful writing throughout this one track and the greater record.
How I long to share those sunsets with you again, my love
O, indigo
But now I’ll ply these oars through this moonlit dark
O, indigo
Over all I think the track is a rather interesting listen. The parts standing on their own don’t really seem to work together, but somehow they create a sort of harmony. It has a rise and fall effect with the verses interplaying with the chorus that makes for an attention drawing kind of arrangement. It also happens to be the type of song that you can sing along to after one listen due to the repeating “ooo, oooo, oooo indigo” line. Something that I think bodes well for the songwriter.
1/21/14 - Ink in Stereo Podcast
Matt Wheeler was in the studio playing his new E.P. “Indigo” from front to back live for us. I think this E.P. sounds amazing and the solo versions in the show are great too! On this episode we talk about his literary influences, his many, many releases, and a bonus song called “Lexington”. This is just a fun episode and we had a wonderful time. Enjoy inklings!
1/10/14 - Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era - Entertainment Section Feature
By KATHLEEN DAMINGER
Staff Writer
kdaminger@lnpnews.com
Matt Wheeler is a poet — who happened to pick up a guitar.
Now people call him a musician, a description that fits him well, but that he still seems a bit uncomfortable wearing.
"I don't consider myself a fanciful guitarist," says Wheeler, who nevertheless will be strumming the instrument during a couple of performances this weekend: Saturday at the Emmaus Road Cafe, 1916 Lincoln Highway East, from 7 to 10 p.m., and Sunday at the Chestnut Hill Cafe, 532 W. Chestnut St., from 3 to 5 p.m.
"I hang my hat on the actual songwriting, painting pictures.
"Most of the time lyrics come easy for me. I carry around a notebook and jot down phrases and words that catch my attention."
On those vintage days of June
The sky was worn and bruised
Like sleepless eyes
And gently spilled the rain
We were lush and bright
Like moths to a light
Our house of cards
Would never see the ground
Wheeler, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., has always been inclined to writing. For him it was a way of chronicling the stuff of life.
An avid reader, he also finds inspiration from authors like Steinbeck and Hemingway.
But it wasn't until he was in college, and he went to a Phil Keaggy concert, that he considered using music as a way to give life to the words.
He picked up a cheap guitar and began to teach himself to play. That was nearly 14 years ago, and he never looked back.
His teaching degree led him to a job in Maryland, which led him to his wife-to-be, (Charity McNaughton) which in turn led him to Lancaster County, where her family lived.
He currently works as a tutor and a test center adminstrator, and serves as the worship leader at Veritas in downtown Lancaster.
And he plays his music.
"For a long time, I wrote things that I thought maybe nobody else would hear," he says.
"But I found Lancaster to be a really fertile place for putting your music out there, and there are a lot of like-minded artists here."
Now his schedule is lively. Often he is accompanied by one or more members of Vintage Heart, a rotating roster of musician friends.
Coffeehouses, bars, churches... He plays them all. And he plays a lot of the same songs in all the venues.
Covering over the scar
I try to hide
Try so hard to hide
Failed more times than I can count
But I have tried
Lord knows I've tried
Sure could use someone to walk beside me now
So pull up a stool and help me talk this out
"Some of my songs are psalm-like," Wheeler says. "David was giving direct complaints to God (in the Psalms).
"It's part of the human struggle. I try to make an honest piece of art. It's not all happy, happy, joy, joy. It's a complicated thing life, and I try to portray it as such.
"I don't shy away from my faith, but I'm also not trying to just preach to the choir. I'm trying to put good songs out there about all aspects of life."
Differentiating "Christian" music from "regular" music makes no sense to Wheeler.
"Michelangelo was a believer, but people aren't looking at the Sistine Chapel and saying 'Oh, that's nice Christian art,"' he says.
As Wheeler's schedule continues to fill, perhaps nobody is as surprised and pleased as himself.
The father of a 4-year-old son, Wheeler has no plans to embark on a full-time music career, but he's immensely enjoying the journey close to home.
"At this time I just want to make better songs and better music," he says.
"It's something I love to do; I want to use what I've been given.
"Creative expression is an integral part of who I am. I love the interaction with other people and the connection. I'm finding more and more that I'm built for it."
For more information on Wheeler, visit mattwheeleronline.com.
Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/941150_Matt-Wheeler--Singer-songwriter-is-a-poet-at-heart.html#.Usxdc429i3A.facebook#ixzz2qKaVeRda
Staff Writer
kdaminger@lnpnews.com
Matt Wheeler is a poet — who happened to pick up a guitar.
Now people call him a musician, a description that fits him well, but that he still seems a bit uncomfortable wearing.
"I don't consider myself a fanciful guitarist," says Wheeler, who nevertheless will be strumming the instrument during a couple of performances this weekend: Saturday at the Emmaus Road Cafe, 1916 Lincoln Highway East, from 7 to 10 p.m., and Sunday at the Chestnut Hill Cafe, 532 W. Chestnut St., from 3 to 5 p.m.
"I hang my hat on the actual songwriting, painting pictures.
"Most of the time lyrics come easy for me. I carry around a notebook and jot down phrases and words that catch my attention."
On those vintage days of June
The sky was worn and bruised
Like sleepless eyes
And gently spilled the rain
We were lush and bright
Like moths to a light
Our house of cards
Would never see the ground
Wheeler, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., has always been inclined to writing. For him it was a way of chronicling the stuff of life.
An avid reader, he also finds inspiration from authors like Steinbeck and Hemingway.
But it wasn't until he was in college, and he went to a Phil Keaggy concert, that he considered using music as a way to give life to the words.
He picked up a cheap guitar and began to teach himself to play. That was nearly 14 years ago, and he never looked back.
His teaching degree led him to a job in Maryland, which led him to his wife-to-be, (Charity McNaughton) which in turn led him to Lancaster County, where her family lived.
He currently works as a tutor and a test center adminstrator, and serves as the worship leader at Veritas in downtown Lancaster.
And he plays his music.
"For a long time, I wrote things that I thought maybe nobody else would hear," he says.
"But I found Lancaster to be a really fertile place for putting your music out there, and there are a lot of like-minded artists here."
Now his schedule is lively. Often he is accompanied by one or more members of Vintage Heart, a rotating roster of musician friends.
Coffeehouses, bars, churches... He plays them all. And he plays a lot of the same songs in all the venues.
Covering over the scar
I try to hide
Try so hard to hide
Failed more times than I can count
But I have tried
Lord knows I've tried
Sure could use someone to walk beside me now
So pull up a stool and help me talk this out
"Some of my songs are psalm-like," Wheeler says. "David was giving direct complaints to God (in the Psalms).
"It's part of the human struggle. I try to make an honest piece of art. It's not all happy, happy, joy, joy. It's a complicated thing life, and I try to portray it as such.
"I don't shy away from my faith, but I'm also not trying to just preach to the choir. I'm trying to put good songs out there about all aspects of life."
Differentiating "Christian" music from "regular" music makes no sense to Wheeler.
"Michelangelo was a believer, but people aren't looking at the Sistine Chapel and saying 'Oh, that's nice Christian art,"' he says.
As Wheeler's schedule continues to fill, perhaps nobody is as surprised and pleased as himself.
The father of a 4-year-old son, Wheeler has no plans to embark on a full-time music career, but he's immensely enjoying the journey close to home.
"At this time I just want to make better songs and better music," he says.
"It's something I love to do; I want to use what I've been given.
"Creative expression is an integral part of who I am. I love the interaction with other people and the connection. I'm finding more and more that I'm built for it."
For more information on Wheeler, visit mattwheeleronline.com.
Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/941150_Matt-Wheeler--Singer-songwriter-is-a-poet-at-heart.html#.Usxdc429i3A.facebook#ixzz2qKaVeRda
From Summer 2013 Edition of Fig Magazine, Lancaster, PA, Voices Feature Article
“Matt’s Strings EP caught my attention, especially the violin and cello on the song “Avalanche”. Now with the help of
his fans he has released his debut album showcasing his warm sound and heartfelt lyrics. If you are a fan of Josh Ritter give a listen to Matt!” - Helen Leicht, WXPN Philadelphia
his fans he has released his debut album showcasing his warm sound and heartfelt lyrics. If you are a fan of Josh Ritter give a listen to Matt!” - Helen Leicht, WXPN Philadelphia
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