Matt Nathanson, the introspective songwriter who’s been described as a cross between Dave Matthews, John Mayer and Howie Day, appears tonight at the 9:30 Club.
If you haven’t heard of Nathanson yet, you’re not the only one. But the fans Nathanson has are loyal, traveling countless miles to catch him live. His website regularly logs more than one million hits per month.
After independently releasing five albums, Nathanson made his major-label debut in 2003 with Beneath These Fireworks, an album filled with songs exploring loss, longing and self-destruction. Fireworks is Nathanson’s first album featuring a full band. His previous five albums were acoustic efforts with celloist friend Matt Fish.
A 12-string guitar, confessional lyrics and Fish have aided in Nathanson’s search for success as an independent artist. His relentless touring schedule appears to have helped him out a bit, too. Nathanson has been touring for the past 10 years and has played more than 250 live shows in the past two years.
Nathanson’s fan base of mostly college students relates to his songs about heartbreak and defeat, but honestly, who wouldn’t? The WB recognized Nathanson’s potential to be the voice of teen drama everywhere and featured his song “Loud” on Dawson’s Creek back in 2001.
The fans seem to approve of the brooding quality in his lyrics and flock to his many live performances. Nathanson regularly engages in humorous banter with the audience and sometimes brings fans onstage to sing with him. A major draw for fans is that Nathanson sticks around after shows to hang out and chat.
Matt Nathanson performs tonight at the 9:30 Club, 815 V St. N.W. Tickets are $15 and doors open at 6 p.m. Call (202) 393-0930 for more information.
