By: Megan McNair

Matt Kennon knows a good song and he knows he has a good one in his single, “The Call.”

“Songs need to get people’s attention in country music. You need to make people laugh, make people cry or scare the shit out of them. I think ‘The Call’ does the latter two.”

It certainly does. The heavy song’s vignettes demand the listener’s attention and addresses tough subjects from suicide to abortion. Even despite the emotional material, Kennon had faith in the track. Penned alongside friends Noah Gordon and Jeremy Campbell, “The Call” was a quick write that Matt Kennon knew would be a hit.

“With this song, I just visualized things happening and a nice mix of faith, luck, perseverance, and drive helps.”

Matt’s “The Call’s” subject matter is particularly important because of “the call” – not on the telephone but a call regarding a medical procedure his birth mother’s doctor made. Matt Kennon is very open about the fact that his birth mother made a decision to abort him while pregnant but her doctor informed her she was too far along in her pregnancy. Then, fate and God led Kennon to his adoptive family and he is so thankful for that.

Having such a supportive adoptive family, (“They supported me from day 1”) made his commitment to adoption awareness and advocacy a no-brainer. He’s supported a wealth of foundations and charities and will likely lend his name to the Dave Thomas Foundation in the future.

“The Call” is his official introduction to country radio and the past year has been a intense blur for the thirty-something. Hailing from Georgia, Kennon knew from an early age that music was his passion. Growing up, Kennon participated in sports and music but “music is the only thing I’ve ‘stuck’ with and been consistent with.” He began his music education with the drums and played for more than fourteen years before realizing the role of lead singer was what he was aching to play. Now, he still loves the drums but has not played for five years and has taken up guitar.

In today’s Nashville, a well-rounded artist is desired and Kennon is just that. In addition to his chops as a drummer and stage performer, Kennon is a songwriter. In a town where the number of “hats” one wears is sure to be important, Kennon’s debut album (set for release May 11th – his three song EP is available on digital outlets on March 9^th) features six of his own co-writes. Also, Kennon is especially proud of one of his early cuts, “Turn It Around,” by Randy Travis, a living country legend.

Moving to Nashville, Kennon partnered up with some major industry players and takes special pride in his record label, Bamajam Record, headed by James Stroud. He joins Blackberry Smoke, a Southern group who was the first label signee. He’s also quick to thank who is really responsible for his success – the fans.

“Country fans are the greatest out there – no question. They are the most loyal and not fairweather fans. I was talking to Jake Owen and he agrees that we are all in this together,[this music-making.] And country is really demanding to be noticed. I couldn’t be happier.”

Now Kennon’s crossing the big milestones off his list. He was able to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage last year, recorded his “The Call” video with legendary music video director Trey Fanjoy, and will be releasing his first full-length album, self-titled, on May 11^th.

There’s no doubt country fans nationwide will get used to hearing the name Matt Kennon on the tips of tongues and he’ll take his show to a town near you. Be sure to check him out – his conviction and talent are immeasurable.

For more information on Matt Kennon, visit: http://mattkennon.com/

Tags: Matt Kennon

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010 at 7:13 pm and is filed under Features, Up and Coming. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.