Alternative singer-songwriter Matt Hires will release American Wilderness (Rock Ridge Music), his third, full-length album on October 14th. At 30-years-old, Hires finds himself at a crossroads contemplating life, growth, faith, culture and his own place in the world. In search of a new beginning, Hires takes an artistic and introspective look into his journey thus far and the road ahead, while unveiling a deeply personal, self-revealing set of songs.
Hires recent path began with the crucial decision to move from his home base in Tampa, FL to Nashville, TN. It was there, in Music City, where he quickly linked up with like-minded creatives who inspired him to set aside pre-conceived notions of who he was as an artist and tap into his own instincts and intuition. Setting his writing into overdrive, Hires unexpectedly found himself questioning many of life’s uncertainties, the noise and commotion of modern culture and society, and his upbringing in the church. In the process of self-analysis and looking at all that led him to this point, Hires discovered his new ‘voice’, driven by personal conviction and an unwavering honesty.
On songs such as, “Fighting A Ghost,” Hires asks if everything ‘we’ are fighting for in life is worth it. Dropping personal illusions from his past, he sings “Holy War,” a battle with himself about the foundation of his religious upbringing. Searching for strength, he calls for a revival with “Glory Bound” and continues on to discover more about the universal and individual pursuit of the American dream in “The Wilderness.” Closing out the compelling, 10-song collection, “Don’t Let Your Heart Grow Cold,” is a hopeful message of new beginnings.
American Wilderness was recorded in Nashville and produced by Randall Kent. The album is the follow up to two previous, major label releases including This World Won’t Last Forever, But Tonight We Can Pretend and Take Us To The Start, which hit the Top 10 on iTunes’ overall Top Albums chart. Hires songs have been heard in TV series; Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Cougar Town and more. Look for an upcoming tour announcement to come this fall.