http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjeYov3m_9o

It’s that time of year again…time to wax up the skis and hit the slopes for a little spring skiing! At least, that’s what I’ll be doing this weekend at Mammoth Mountain in beautiful California. Here is a sneak peek on a little of what you can expect:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_a4mCRIPRY

I will be performing a solo acoustic set at the Auld Dubliner at Mammoth Mountain this Friday from 9-12pm. It would be fun to see you!

My new album is now available on ITUNES! There are lots of new tracks that I think you’re going to LOVE. The first half of the album was mixed by Danny Wilde (Rembrandts) and the second half by Jamie Wolfork. There are two distinctly different flavors all prepared by the same chef, me! Yummy! You can pick it up by following this very large link….

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=307648411&s=143441


Or….you can just search for my name in the itunes music store and all my albums will miraculously appear before your eyes!

If you’re old school and want to pick up a hard copy on cd, please visit my cd baby page here:

http://cdbaby.com/cd/matthew7

…if you would like to preview the entire album with every song in it’s entirety (no annoying clips), I just uploaded it to my Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/matthewmoon

…the songs are in random order (Facebook is still working out many of the kinks with their music profiles), and songs may still be processing, so be patient!

For any of you using Twitter, you can follow me if you want. My user name is Californiamoon. Please say hello!

That’s all for now….

Upcoming Shows:

3/27- Auld Dubliner- Mammoth Lakes, CA- 9pm

Upcoming Tours:

July- (Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona). Dates are starting to roll in….

October- (NYC, DC, Philly, Boston). Dates TBA…

More news coming soon!

http://www.myspace.com/matthewmoon
http://www.matthewmoon.com
http://www.habitat.org
http://www.facebook.com/matthewmoon


To be removed from this list simply click here:
http://www.matthewmoon.com/mailinglist/removeemail.php

Another Thanksgiving has past, and they just seem to keep getting better. Maybe it's because as we all get a little older, we cherish life's moments that much more. We squeeze every ounce of love out of every stubborn bone in our bodies. We forgive and forget. We learn from our mistakes. We understand that things never turn out the way we thought they would, but that's ok. We listen intently. We search long and hard for the most thoughtful words. We enjoy the company of family and friends with heartfelt passion. We give our dogs treats under the table when no one's looking. We whistle like a bird thus establishing a solid path of language between humans and animals. We sometimes do and say things that make other people think we are crazy. We laugh at ourselves aloud while no one else is in the room. We reprogram the bad habits we have formed with other bad habits. We turn sugar cells into fat, and fat cells into muscle. We go shopping for vintage concert t-shirts at second hand stores. We dress up as something different three days in a row during Halloween. We see a Broadway play. We play beer pong in a sweaty, germ infested frat house at Temple University in the heart of South Philly. We get lost in a torrential downpour somewhere in upstate New York. We sit in a comfy chair at the Harvard Bookstore and read self help books. We walk around in flip- flops, shorts and a T. We drink Erdinger beer with people we've never met on the Venice Boardwalk. We go to a masquerade ball at someone's castle in the Hollywood Hills. We get engaged to a stuffed animal named Bonnie Bare. We piss a few people off. We send flowers to our mother on Mother's Day. We lunch with our 90 year old granny and her two 90-something friends. We swim in the ocean with a total stranger under a moonlit sky and then never see them again. We slip of our shoes in the back of a town car headed to Napa. We get a small crush on the receptionist. We sit between two French doors on the balcony of our suite, sipping chardonnay and writing a blog with the sound of football coming from the TV. These are a few of the moments that make life worth living. In the words of that one BIG RED bubblegum that makes your breath really fresh, "kiss a little longer, hold tight a little longer, stay close a little longer, say goodbye a little longer, and make it last a little longer"…because tomorrow you will blink and it will be gone, only then will you recognize your own face in others and wish you had said something when you had the chance.

Best,
Matthew

Upcoming Shows:

*11/29- Private Party- Napa, CA

December- Mixing new album!

1/9- Mattie's House of Mirrors- Denver, CO- 10pm
1/14- TBA- Las Vegas, NV.
1/15- Brewski's- Ogden, UT- 9pm
1/16- The Spur @ Sundance Film Festival- Park City, UT- 7pm
1/17- The Spur @ Sundance Film Festival- Park City, UT- 7pm
1/18- Sundance Film Festival- TBA
1/21- TBA- Salt Lake City, UT
1/22- The Whit Owl- Logan, UT- 9:30pm
1/23- TBA- Grand Junction, CO
1/24- The Winter Xgames- Sunlight Ski Resort- Glenwood Springs, CO- 10pm
1/26- TBA- Vail, CO
1/27- TBA- Denver, CO
1/28- TBA- Colorado Springs, CO
1/29- TBA- Taos, NM
1/30- Phoenix Open- Phoenix, AZ
1/31- Phoenix Open- Phoenix, AZ
2/5- TBA- Los Angeles, CA
3/7- Fireman's Ball- Sherman St. Event Center- Denver, CO. 8pm

More Tour Dates Coming Soon!

Hola mis amigos!

I have a SUPER SECRET SHOW tonight in LA @ an amazing venue called Temple Bar and would love to see you if you are in town. I will be joined by the funky Chevdawg slappin' the bass strings and hittin' the high harms, as well as the extraordinary Dave Noble crunching out some quite tasty yet screaming solos on lead guitar, and finally the backseat, dub funk beats of the very talented Mr. Seth Murphy on the tubs. Also, look for my song, "Don't Change 4 Me", recently featured in a 2008 Summer Olympics promo, which will be in the new summer blockbuster, "Soccer Mom" starring Emily Osment of Hannah Montana fame, as well as actress Missi Pyle (Anchorman, Dodgeball). Jesse Valenzuela (Gin Blossoms), Danny Wilde (Rembrandts), and I are thrilled that our song is receiving so much good press and attention. Thanks to Larry Richter, Mike Zildjian, Doug Merrick, Nina Kane, and Anna Strong for making that possible. The release date is September 30th!! Lastly, I am absolutely floored by the amazing support I have been receiving from Hyundai Automotive USA. Yesterday, I was presented with a brand new Limited Edition Hyundai Veracruz. I think it's the most BEAUTIFUL car I have ever seen. To view pictures of me w/ my new car, please visit my myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/matthewmoon). Much love and thanks to Heather Russell, Fred Coleman, and Kim Vargas for putting everything together! East coast tour in October w/ Nina Storey & more to come!

Love and Light,
Matthew

Ps. Much thanks to my good friend and rock solid bass player, Mr. Rich Ross, for recently filling some killer dates with the band and I in Denver during the DNC. Thanks Rich! Also, thanks to Craig and Drew for being a huge support with merchandising. I could not have done it without you guys! Seeya soon…


Upcoming Shows:

9/5- Temple Bar- Los Angeles, CA- 9:30pm
9/20- Soccer Mom Movie Premier! Hollywood, CA.
9/25- Barrack Obama Fundraiser hosted by Caroline Kennedy- Beverly Hills- Invitation only.
10/5- Oakville Sessions- Gargiulo Vineyards in Oakville, CA- 2pm
10/12- Madam's Organ- Washington DC- W/ Nina Storey. 8pm
10/15- Wonder Bar- Boston, MA- W/ Nina Storey. 8pm
10/17- Boston, MA- House Concert w/ Nina Story (details to follow)
10/18- Always By Design- Philadelphia, PA- W/ Nina Storey. 8pm
10/22- CMJ Music Marathon- New York City, NY- TBA
11/2- Rochester, NY- House Concert w/ Nina Story (details to follow)
11/3- The Blender Theater @ Gramercy- New York City, NY- W/ Nina Storey. 8pm
11/4- Election Day! Don't forget to vote!!

More Tour Dates Coming Soon!

There is a big build-up going on right now in Colorado prior to the Democratic National Convention, which is officially kicking off on Monday, August 25th. I am thrilled to announce that I will be performing at several events, one being the DNC event for a non-profit called Headcount (http://www.headcount.org). Headcount is a bi-partisan, non-profit that focuses all it's energy on getting young people registered to vote at major concert events around the country. The show will be at the Ogden Theater on Monday, August 25th, and the bill will also include Robert Randolf and the Family Band. This is a private show, but I have been given an allotment of tickets to give away. If you live in Colorado or will be in Colorado on Monday, August 25th, you may be eligible to win tickets. Here is how it works; the first 4 people to respond to this email will be awarded tickets to this awesome event! Easy enough eh? But first thing's first, I have a big, big show this Wednesday in Boulder, Colorado at the Fox Theater with two of Colorado's most well-known, up and coming artists, Nina Storey and Rob Drabkin. I take the stage first, so get there early! Doors are at 7:30; I'm on at 8. I will be joined by Rich Ross on bass and Seth Murphy (Yo Flaco!) on drums. Then, on Friday I will be performing for a DNC fundraiser at Herman's Hideaway along with Wendy Woo and a slew of some of Colorado's best performers. My set time is 9pm, so plan ahead! Hope to see you! Thanks to everyone that recently called in or emailed KTCL to request my song, "Don't Change 4 Me". If you want to email or call the request line some more, that would be AWESOME! Here is the 303.631.2933 or you can email Nerf@area93.com. Also, much thanks to Lynne Ryan @ KTNI (Denver's Independent Alternative) for having me on "Clearly Colorado", a socially conscious radio talk show in which we focused on my work with Habitat For Humanity. Thanks Lynne! If you are interested in volunteering for Habitat, you can sign up for their newsletter here: http://www.habitat.org. Hope to see you all soon…

Much Love,
Matthew

Upcoming Shows:

8/20- Fox Theater- Boulder, CO- W/ Nina Storey and Rob Drabkin! 7:30pm doors
8/22- Herman's Hideaway- Democratic National Convention Fundraiser- 7:30pm doors
8/25- Ogden Theater- Denver, CO- W/ Robert Randolf- DMC sponsored event by Headcount (http://www.headcount.org)- Invitation only.
8/29- fourosix- Helena, MT.
8/30- Private- Helena, MT
9/4- Temple Bar- Los Angeles, CA- 9pm
10/5- Oakville Sessions- Garguilo Vineyards in Oakville, CA- 2pm
10/12- Madame Organ's- Washington DC- W/ Nina Storey. 8pm
10/15- Wonder Bar- Boston, MA- W/ Nina Storey. 8pm
10/18- Always By Design- Philadelphia, PA- W/ Nina Storey. 8pm
10/22- CMJ Music Marathon- New York City, NY- TBA
11/3- The Blender Theater @ Gramercy- New York City, NY- W/ Nina Storey. 8pm

and this is how we roll...

For any fellow songwriters and performers out there, I am sure you have heard of the notorious pile of demos and press kits that sits on the office floor of every A&R scout at a record label or publishing company. You may have even imagined a multi-colored, somewhat organized pile, comprised of press kits made with the same folder that you recently bought at Office Max. This happens to be the same pile that brings to mind a particular key phrase, which is "Don't even bother sending it, because it will get lost in the….pile". I guess that had an effect on me because only once in my life have I ever sent out unsolicited material. I decided to see if what people were saying was true. I called in to follow up and guess what? NOT INTERESTED. Oh well..back to my job at Spinnakers serving sourdough bread in a flower pot! It wasn't even a major label either, just a rinky-dink label based in Podunksville! Even more depressing! Ugh!! I guess I decided early on that there might be a better, more efficient approach…but unfortunately I had no idea what that was. So, when I walked into NBC/Universal in Studio City, California to pitch my song "Don't Change 4 Me", the door opened wide…well at least wide enough at first….it seemed to be caught on something…and then I saw it…….THE PILE! It was so big it was blocking the door! There was no organization to it at all…just a big PILE in the middle of the floor. There were no colorful press kits, just manila packages strewn about, all of them UNOPENED. It was kind of like the LAND OF MISFIT TOYS ala Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer. If this were a pile of leaves, I would have dived right in! I was so blown away by the sight; I asked Mike Ziljdian, the man responsible for opening this particular door, if he wouldn't mind snapping a photo with his amazing new CAMERA PHONE. To view the photo please follows this link: NBC Pile. Strangely, the atmosphere here was very laid back and casual. No one was wearing a suit. Besides myself and Mike, there were five other people in the room, all of them in charge of choosing the music for different shows on NBC such as Heroes, The Office, and Life. They ended up listening to seven of my songs and ultimately chose "Don't Change 4 Me" for a Budweiser sponsored 2008 Summer Olympics Promo! Yippeee! Wahooo! I want to give special thanks to my friends and co-writers Danny Wilde from the Rembrandts and Jesse Valenzuela from the Gin Blossoms.

Airdates for this song are listed below:

Friday 6/20/2008 1:30a-2a Last Call - Carson
Tuesday 6/24/2008 11:30p-12:30a Tonight Show
Thursday 6/26/2008 12:30a-1:30a Late Night - Conan


Much love,
Matthew Moon

Why is it that every time I pass a field full of cows I get this urge to go moooooooo!! The first time I tried it I was on a hike with my mother in Ireland. My mom, sister, and grandmother had gone over there for a family friend's wedding and decided to hike what is called the, Wicklow Way, which is a route that starts just south of Dublin in the suburb of Rathfarnham. Each morning we would wake up at a B & B, have some scones and whatever meat they were serving, and set off on anywhere from a 7 to 15 mile hike through the Irish countryside. On one such morning, with our canteens full and our backpacks fastened securely around our waists, my mother and I began hiking the muddy slopes of a hill just behind where we had stayed the previous night. My sister was not feeling well, and my grandmother was pushing 90, so they opted for the car and driver route. Most of the hikes went along winding paths past fast-flowing mountain streams, forests and farmland. As we passed by a fenced in field, I noticed 15 or more head of cattle lazily eating grass the way cows do. I looked around and realized that my mother and I were completely alone, no one else was within earshot. I don't think my mother saw it coming when I decided to create the full-bodied mooing sound that starts in the bottom of the throat and works into an almost more powerful yelping sound at the top of the head. I also didn't understand that I was creating the mating call of the mail cow, the BULL. All of a sudden, through the throngs of female cattle emerged this angry looking behemoth of an animal with a huge ring through his nostrils. I swear there was smoke coming out of his ears too. Before we knew it, it was too late. The bull had jumped the fence and started chasing us down the dirt road, our backpacks flapping furiously against our butts as we launched ourselves over a ditch, landing in a crouch roll that ended up carrying both of us over the lip of a small hill and down into a shallow rushing stream. We looked up to see the bull peering down at us from the top of the hill, his eyes a picture of absolute rage. My mother and I were in such incredible shock, that we barely realized it when the bull began to sidestep down the hill. I grabbed my mom's hand and lifted her out of the water, her clothes drenched with the icy cold, mountain run-off. Luckily there was a tall tree close by with branches low enough to grab onto and strong enough to hold one person's weight. I told my mother to go first while I kept a close watch on the fiery animal, which was now at the bottom of the hill and closing on us fast. My mother's feet kept slipping so I gave her a heave and up she went. The bull was within 15 feat of me, it's nasty looking horns hungry for flesh, when I grabbed the large branch and pulled myself up. We must have sat in that tree for what seemed like days. The bull paced down below us for a while but eventually gave up and went back to his pasture of green grass and heifers. After all of this, I was not deterred last weekend when I found myself in a similar situation up in Santa Barbara, but this time I decided to moo from the safety of my vehicle.

The end

Two days ago I was performing at a Sundance Film Festival event in Salt Lake City, UT. After my performance at Rose Wagner Theater, I began driving the 25 minutes it takes to get back up to Park City. I checked my voice mail and there was a frantic message from my friend Jenna Lynn. "Mattie Moon, it's Jenna", she said. "Call me back, it's urgent, urgent, urgent, urgent, about tonight", she continued, tension in her otherwise smooth voice, "come play with Velvet Revolver, come sing...we need somebody who can sing..call me..bye." If you are not familiar, Velvet Revolver is a rock band comprised of rock n' roll icons, Slash, Duff McKagan, and Matt Sorum from Guns N' Roses, and Dave Kushner and Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots. I looked at my traveling companion, Kooze, and said...,"dude..I think they want me to sing with Velvet Revolver tonight." My stomach began to turn. I received a text 5 minutes later that said.."Wanna play vocals for Velvet tonight?" I looked at Scott and we both started laughing hysterically. "Hell yeah!", I texted back. Apparently, Velvet front man, Scott Weiland, had missed his flight from LA and would not be able to make the gig. We jetted up the mountain as fast as we could. While we were driving I began downloading lyrics off the Internet from my Blackberry. I had never even heard a Velvet Revolver song before! When we arrived I was escorted backstage to meet the band. I walked in, said hello, and took my guitar out. We began mapping out a game plan. Duff asked me if I knew any Stone's covers and I told him I knew Honkey Tonk Woman. I started jotting the lyrics down on a piece of paper. Soon after, Donovan Leitch, son of legendary singer, "Donovan", arrived and began learning songs. Then came a singer named Cisco (Whitstar). He was accompanied by an actress named E.G Daily, known for her role in the cult-classic movie, "Valley Girl". We ran through the song in an empty stairwell and then made our way to the stage. My song was not until second from last, so I stood and watched as Donovan and Cisco sang "Rock N' Roll" by Led Zeppelin. Right before their song was about to finish, I noticed Paris Hilton making her way to the front row. I actually thought about running! Could there be any more pressure than this? Then Paris jumped on stage and made her way over to where we were standing. I took the mike from Cisco's hand as drummer Matt Sorum started the legendary cowbell count-off that signifies the beginning of one of the best Stone's songs ever. When the time came, I began to sing, "I met a gin soaked, barroom queen in Memphis". The whole crowd was singing along! Everyone was grooving! Then Cisco and E.G joined me on harmonies. It was AWESOME. The band was so friendly and cool. There was something very serendipitous about Sundance this year.

Velvet Revolver @ Harry O's, Park City
- NapkinNights.com - Salt Lake City Nightlife


Velvet Revolver @ Harry O's, Park City
- NapkinNights.com - Salt Lake City Nightlife


Velvet Revolver @ Harry O's, Park City
- NapkinNights.com - Salt Lake City Nightlife

Hey everybody! Thank you to all of the fine folks that came out to support at my label showcase in Hollywood, CA this past Monday! I will keep you posted on what (if anything) comes of that. In the meantime, I am off to Arizona to play a few shows and do some recording. I have been very fortunate recently to work with members of the band the Gin Blossoms (Hey Jealousy). Their drummer Scott Kusmirek has been a friend for many years now and a big support. Thank you Scott. Additionally, I have recently had the good fortune of doing a couple co-writes with their guitar player Jesse Valenzuela. The most recent is a song called, "All At Once". We were also joined in the writing session by an amazing singer/songwriter named Danny Wilde (Rembrandts). You may have heard Danny on the theme song to the hit TV show "Friends". I think we came up with pretty good tune and I hope to put it on my new record. The main reason I am coming to Arizona this weekend is to have Robin Wilson (Gin Blossoms) cut a vocal on one of my new singles, "Hideaway". It is an honor to get to work with such established, inspired musicians. Wish me luck!

Many blessings,
Matthew