The master of feel-good music, Mat Kearney, originally intended to play at The Majestic this Saturday evening. However, due to the high demand for tickets, his venue was switched to the larger Capitol Theater at the Overture Center. If that doesn't speak for itself, I'll tell you straight up that you want to be at this show.
Kearney grew up in Eugene, Ore. The eccentric community, where anything on the fringe of pop culture was celebrated, had an influence on Kearney.
"Everyone's parents listened to Bob Marley and The Grateful Dead," Kearney said. "In my high school, underground hip-hop was more popular than boy bands. I grew up getting taken to painting and pottery lessons in my parents' VW bus," said Kearney.
He never had the life-altering moment where he realized music was his calling. It was a gradual process, following his studio-owning friend across the country recording music and writing songs. Slowly, he began making an actual profit through playing shows and selling albums. Finally, Kearney hit the jackpot when he signed with Columbia.
Since entering the music business, Kearney has undergone major life changes. He recently got married.
"It affected my writing a lot," Kearney said. "Falling in love with someone seems to wreck your world in the best ways."
Kearney is a musician who is passionate about his music. He loves about pursuing a career he's excited about. "It felt like a glove that fit. In many ways, it still doesn't feel like a career. It feels more like an obsession. Sometimes it's a job, but mostly I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do what I do" said Kearney.
Kearney is known as a Christian artist, but his music is not dominated by his religion. He is positive, uplifting, and fun to listen to. He draws big crowds of all religious backgrounds. Although his music may not be in-your-face religious, he wants his fans to know he is a Christian.
"[My faith] affects the way I live my life so I hope it bleeds into everything I do," Kearney said. "Loving God and loving people is a goal in everything."
His latest album, Young Love, was released this past August. Inspired by Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and a bit of A Tribe Called Quest, it features songs that are a mix of pop, folk and white-boy rap. Surprisingly, Kearney makes it work. You may have heard the chart-topper "Hey Mama" on the radio. This song, which happens to be about the first time he met his wife, is catchy, fun and easy to dance to.
Kearney's excited to be back in Madison. He's played here a couple of times before and absolutely loved the experience.
"I love it there. I've hung out with the students on campus down by the water. I'm still waiting for someone to take me on a boat ride," Kearney said.
If you love Mat Kearney's album, you will love him even more live in concert. His performance atmosphere is down to earth, intimate and simple. He is engaging and fun to listen to.
Tickets are $18.50 in advance and $22.50 at the door. If you don't find this show enjoyable, feel free to contact me and I'll openly insult your taste in music. Don't miss this one, folks.
