Singer-songwriter Matthew Andrae had just experienced the incredible power of You Tube.Imagine waking up to 15,000 new emails with 1000 new ones coming in every hour. The emails are from people you don't know who want to congratulate you, share their most personal emotions about your music and meet you in person. Among these thousands of emails are others who want to sign you to their record label, manage your career, schedule interviews, and book your act. The first thing you might think is that you are still dreaming. "I remember smiling in disbelief" says Matthew Andrae, "Nobody gets that many emails except maybe Russell Crowe".Since Andrae posted a video on You Tube last December of himself singing "Sweet Celine" and accompanying himself on the Guitalele (a cross between a classical guitar and a tenor ukulele), the song has racked up 603,102 views and touched many listeners. "I posted a song I wrote ("Sweet Celine") for my new daughter on You Tube. I had been hearing all about You Tube for a long time from my fans (Andrae plays music at a lounge in Santa Fe New Mexico) but I never really understood the global reach of the site. I bought an $18 webcam and posted my most recent song, just to see what would happen".What happened was an overnight leap from lounge singer to international recording artist. "Sweet Celine" garnered over half a million views in five days. Mathew's other videos have given him over 800,000 combined views. Matthew has signed a recording contract and is now set to launch a new album on the world stage. "In the past six months, I have been able to work with some of my musical heroes and make the album of my dreams. I am extraordinarily fortunate"Matthew's music combines the groove of a Stevie Wonder with the emotional charge of a Tracy Chapman. Produced by Dominique Fillon and recorded by Helik Hadar in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Paris and Australia, Matthew's new album "Born" boasts an all-star line-up of truly great musicians and technical staff with fourteen Grammy awards between them. Members include Steve Rodby from the Pat Metheny Group who supplies the bass foundation along with Stephane Huchard on drums and Mark Punch for the guitars. This fantastic acoustic pop album which reveals Matthew's incredible melodies and deep lyrics were mixed by Helik Hadar who's recent work includes not only Tracy Chapman, Walter Becker and Madeleine Peyroux, but also was responsible for recording the 2008 Album of the year Grammy award winning album from Herbie Hancock.Background image Copyright Jamey Stillings 2008 - Main thumbnail image Copyright Alan Ackoff 2007
I have been lucky enough to be granted a slot at MIDEM http://www.midem.com this Jan. 20, 2009. Look up MIDEM on You Tube and see some of the great acts that have showcased there to launch their careers!
Well, it's been 10 months of hard but cool work. Here is a taste of some of the mixes from the album "BORN". Mastering next and then off to Cannes to showcase at MIDEM. I have a concert coming up in Paris as well. Jan 17th or so. Check out my channel for more updates. Thanks! Matthew
