AUSTIN BASED PRODUCER/MUSICIAN MATT SMITH TO RELEASE
EIGHT NEW ALBUMS ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2020

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Aug. 11, 2020 – Austin-based artist Matt Smith and 6 String Ranch Records announce the release of 8 new albums, as well as 10 digital re-releases of Smith’s catalog recordings. All the albums will be available everywhere music is streamed or bought. The new albums will be available Austin’s Waterloo Records and at www.6stringranch.com

“Being Human” – the flagship release of the new recordings – has been four years in the making and features songs that reflect issues of the human condition. The song addresses broad themes of love, death and spirituality, along with timely issues such as immigration, narcissism and addiction. Smith is supported on the album by an international cast of 18 all-star musicians. 

“Parlor” is a solo acoustic instrumental album recorded entirely on an 1890’s Thompson and Odell parlor guitar that has been handed down through 4 generations of the Smith family. “One Man - one guitar - one take” was the concept for this album featuring composed and improvised pieces. 

“Chop Shop – Live at Strange Brew” was recorded at the legendary south Austin venue during the band’s weekly Sunday afternoon residency. Chop Shop was Smith’s trio that used song format as a platform for creativity and improvisation, featuring Smith, along with Ed Friedland (bass) and Bryan Austin (drums). 

“Matt Smith’s World – Live at the Saxon Pub” features Smith, along with Austin pros Ernie Durawa (drums), David Webb (keyboards, vocals), Joe Morales (sax, flute, vocals), Aaron Lack (steel pan, percussion, vocals) and Mark Epstein (bass). The album was recorded by Richard Vannoy during the band’s weekly residency at the iconic venue. 

Matt Smith 1988-2020 Vol 1-4 rounds out the eight-album release. The collection is curated from 10 previous albums that have been released since the start of Matt’s solo career.

Vol. 1- Upstate NY :1988-1994
Vol. 2 - NYC: 1994-2005 
Vol. 3 - NYC/Austin: 2005-2011
Vol. 4 - Austin: 2011-2020 

Other Matt Smith albums that have been re-released digitally are: 

Matt Smith Band
Whisper to a Scream
Tanqueray Rocks; Live at The Ritz Delta Radio
Black and White
Big Fun
Free Beer and Chicken
What I Feel for You
Chop Shop
Matt Smith’s World 

Currently, the co-owner of 6-String Ranch studios in Austin, Smith has produced and engineered over 100 commercially-released albums, television commercials, and film soundtracks. As a session musician, he has played multiple instruments for many artists in New York and Austin. He is accomplished on a wide range of stringed instruments including acoustic, electric, and baritone guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, dobro, sitar, Mohan vina, steel guitar, ukulele, saz, cumbus, charango and tiple. 

As a musician, teacher, producer and author, Smith has dedicated himself to the art and craft of making music for over 30 years. He was a senior music instructor for the National Guitar Workshop, leading workshops in Connecticut, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Austin, Nashville, Florida, Seattle, Oakland, the United Kingdom, and Germany. It’s not only difficult to find someone with Smith’s breadth of experience but equally rare to find someone who shares his knowledge so generously with colleagues. 

As a player, Matt has hundreds of songwriting, recording, and live credits and has toured the US and dozens of other countries. Since moving from New York to Austin in 2009, Smith has been a member of The Monstas, Matt Smith’s World, Chop Shop, and the Hot Nut Riveters. 
 

6 String Ranch is a multi-faceted studio catering to songwriters both new and seasoned. Smith mentors songwriters on the creative process and offers instruction on musicianship and playing techniques. The facility has gained renown for its impressive client list and vintage equipment, earning a feature in Vintage Guitar Magazine in 2018. While at 6 String Ranch, Smith has worked on dozens of albums and curated master classes with world-renowned musicians and local talents such as Robben Ford, David Grissom Redd Volkaert, Bill Kirchen and Ed Gerhard. In addition to running the studio, Smith also provides songwriting mentorships and instructional lessons in person, over the internet, and through the 6 String Ranch YouTube channel. 

Since 2011, Smith has also worked with the Austin at-risk youth home, Phoenix Academy, a lock-in drug and alcohol rehab facility for youths 13-17. Smith has helped Phoenix Academy create a program and raise funds through donations. The Academy now has a fully-functional recording studio stocked with instruments and equipment where the residents can compose and record music under Smith’s guidance. Since the program began Smith has recorded hundreds of songs dealing with the issues clients face with addiction. Matt can be reached at: matt@6Stringranch.com or by cell (917-821-4388)