Matt Gower is a Hard Folk singer-songwriter from Ottawa, Ontario. Over the years, Matt has embodied the folk tradition by blending an array of styles into his music. Elements of alt-country, old-time Appalachian tunes, bluegrass, and roots-rock underscore a powerful voice that’s vulnerable, honest and dynamic. Matt’s wide-ranging and eclectic musical influences include Wilco, Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska album, Adrianne Lenker and Jason Isbell. With lyrics about generational trauma, death, emotional support, fatherhood, LGBTQ2S+ rights, murder, fascism, apathy, and introspection, nothing about Matt Gower’s songwriting is “easy”. The truth, technique and talent he’s come to embrace are all hard-earned. That’s Hard Folk. Matt has performed live on many stages ranging from Southern Ontario to Western Quebec. Here in Ottawa, Matt has graced the legendary stages of Irene’s Pub and The Black Sheep Inn and has played the trifecta of Ottawa Bluesfest, Jazzfest and Cityfolk. Throughout Matt’s musical journeys, a constant thread has held true: nothing carries more weight than connecting with an audience through the power of song. Currently Matt Gower is the host and curator of CKCU Presents Friday Night Folk, a bi-monthly concert series at Art House Cafe which features a diverse range of folk musicians. Matt also hosts the Hard Folk Podcast shining a light on the working artists making an impact on the Ottawa Music Scene.
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