MATT KENNON INTRODUCES LATEST ALBUM MAKIN'MUSIC THAT MATTERS

New Album Defining The Man Behind The Music And Music That Makes A Difference

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 15, 2012) – RoaDDawg Records country-rock artist Matt Kennon officially introduces his newest work product and much-anticipated album entitled MAKIN' MUSIC THAT MATTERS (co-produced alongside Chip Martin with various cuts by James Stroud, Garrett Parris and Julian King).** Revealing the reflective and weathered individual behind the lyrics, Kennon’s latest project is painted with contemplative and thought-provoking compositions delving deep into the meaning of life, faith, abuse, turmoil and family ties that bind.

Kennon, who at first glance, is tattooed with the “bad-boy” persona, rivals the mistaken judgment with every stance that he takes and every word that he sings--made evident by his 2010 #1 Billboard Chart’s Heatseekers Album and Top 20 single “The Call” which spotlighted the importance of suicide prevention and was supported with more than 300,000 downloads worldwide.

An artist who has never concealed his history, with what could be a country song in itself--akin to whiskey, women, rock n’ roll and traveling the wrong roads--Kennon reflects upon his own whirlwind of personal experiences that have made him the man he is today and produces an album with “words to live by.”

  

“The CD title really tells it all,” said Kennon. “I want to make music with meaning that listeners will be able to relate to one song at a time. I could write and record songs with no personal meaning, trying to fit into a cookie-cutter mold, but I believe the fans want the truth. These songs are my truth.”

  

With song titles such as “Beautiful Cry,” “ Nobody To Miss,” “Wake Up Dancing” and “Follow Me,” Matt bares pieces of his soul in this entire body of work. From losing a loved one to illness, witnessing the devastation of bullying and, most recently, becoming a new father, the 13 tracks highlight Kennon’s newfound, objectives, passions and priorities.

Prior to the release of MAKIN' MUSIC THAT MATTERS, Kennon introduced his single “You Had To Pick On Me.” The overwhelming response inspired his involvement and the launch of the national anti-bullying campaign “Stop the Bull;” as a spokesperson and performer, Kennon canvassed the country making 25 appearances over the course of four months.

“When I saw first hand the reaction on the faces of each student, parent and teacher, I knew the music was making a difference,” said Kennon. “That was the turning point when I decided it wasn't about radio airplay for me, it was about making a connection and recording music that makes a difference in the world. I hope this album speaks to many and for many.”

The new release, MAKIN' MUSIC THAT MATTERS, is available on all major digital outlets. For more information about Matt Kennon, including tour dates and appearances, please visit his website, www.mattkennon.com.

Artist Interview: "Catching Up with Matt Kennon" - May 4, 2012

Thank you to Matt Kennon for all he does in spreading the importance of today's important issues in his music and for spending some time with us. Please excuse the background noise, this interview was held during a san Jose Giants baseball game and this was the quietest spot available :-) Thanks again to our west coast contributor, Tiffany Sears Benton for doing this interview for us! We appreciate you, Tiffany!




Pick up your copy of Matt's latest cd, "77", on iTunes and Amazon. It includes his hit single, "You Had to
Pick on Me" as well as previously unreleased versions of "The Call" and "You Can Still Wear White".

Connect with Matt Online:

www.mattkennon.com

www.twitter.com/mattkennon

www.facebook.com/mattkennonmusic

MATT KENNON PICKS UP MOMENTUM AND SUPPORT FOR NEW SINGLE

 

Joins Steve Azar On Select Tour Dates

Teams With Ride Records For Radio Promotion

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 11, 2012)—Matt Kennon (RoaDDawg Records) has partnered with Ride Records to formally introduce Kennon’s current single “You Had To Pick On Me”* via the launch of an official national radio promotion campaign.

Moved by a topic that is tragically becoming daily headline news, Kennon’s “You Had To Pick On Me,” addresses the increasing presence of bullying through song. A co-write with Jami Grooms and Garrett Parris, the track is a striking and honest reflection of victim sentiment and it’s struck a chord with many to recognize bullying as a life-threatening issue—a growing problem that can no longer be silenced.

The song features two perspectives, from both a young woman and man, suffering from tragic and troublesome experiences and hushed heartaches as a result of harassment. The frank lyrics express the dark and silent pain of the victims. Kennon’s closing verse is the result and response; he appeals for a change and reminds listeners that some of those who are bullied feel no alternate escape from the turmoil but to take their own life.

“Matt and I were talking about our new tour dates together and he mentioned his new song. Once I heard it, I knew we wanted to be part of helping him work this single,” Steve Azar, owner of Ride Records introduced. “It’s so timely with what’s going on, not only in our children’s lives but across the country--victims are young and old. Matt delivers the message in an artistic and powerful way; it’s truly a great song.”

“It’s an issue that has been a historic problem, yet very little has been done to address it publicly—other than through tragic news stories.” Kennon adds. “This song lays it out there—paints a picture—and it’s my way of drawing more attention to the problem. I’m thrilled Steve and his team at Ride Records see the importance of the message and share my vision to get it out there to speak on behalf of those who cannot.”

Ride Records’ Harry “Bud” Nelson and Dave “Duke” Sholin will head the national radio promotion campaign supported by the stellar promotions team already in place (Al Brock, Ann Chrisman, Regina Raleigh and Ed Gertler of Digital Delivery Services) that has lent their tremendous talents to captivate audiences and generate awareness across the country.

To further support the endearing campaign, Steve Azar and Matt Kennon are working to establish a schedule of tour dates together in the 2012 summer season. Matt has also received a personal invitation from the D.A. of Mobile, Alabama to organize a series of performances at local schools to add volume to the important message in Kennon’s home state. The school appearances will begin in May.

“We are pleased to align with Matt Kennon; he’s an artist who is committed to his song and has the work ethic to stand behind it,” Bill “BT” Twyman, President of Ride Records concluded. “The story is from a real place and it’s a story that is tough to tell. Nevertheless, we all are aware that we can no longer hide the true-to-life fact that bullying is real and effects all mankind in a very real way. Matt delivers it with heart and soul.”

Ride Records works in tandem with independent talent to change the country music landscape. Home to Steve Azar, the label is proud to announce the signings of two brilliant singer/songwriters, Dave Hardin and Walt Wilkins. CD releases are expected from Hardin and Wilkins in the coming months. For more information on Ride Records, visit: www.riderecords.com.

More information about Matt Kennon, including tour dates and appearances, is available at his website, mattkennon.com. Now at No. 69 on the Music Row chart, Kennon’s “You Had To Pick On Me” is available on Play MpE and all Internet outlets.

MATT KENNON LAUNCHES NATIONAL 'MUSIC THAT MATTERS' VIDEO CAMPAIGN SUPPORTING THE FIGHT AGAINST BULLYING

Students Nationwide Are Invited To Submit Unique Anti-Bullying Videos

For The Campaign Now Through October 15, 2012

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 20, 2012)—Inspired by the troubles of a young boy he befriended at a school visit last year, Matt Kennon, known for his devotion to writing songs with purpose, penned the song “You Had To Pick On Me” with fellow writers Jami Grooms and Garrett Parris. Addressing the rising issue of bullying, the song has already garnered national attention on its own merit, giving a voice to those who could not speak.
 

“The overwhelming response and encouragement from my friends, family and the entire community for my song and its message has inspired us to try and reach even more people by developing the 'Music That Matters' Video Campaign,” states Matt Kennon. “My last recording, ‘The Call,’ reached over 3.6 million people through YouTube, and I know that with the support of schools, parents and community members,‘You Had To Pick On Me’ and its message could reach many more. We need to raise awareness and generate support against bullying, and hopefully this song will help produce a necessary call-to-action.”

From now until October 15, 2012, schools nationwide are invited to join the 'Music That Matters' Video Campaign by submitting student-made videos for the song “You Had To Pick On Me”. At the end of the campaign, the Top Five videos (based on quality and content) will be featured in a nationwide contest for the public to vote on their favorite video, where the winning school will then be recognized with a free concert and meet-and-greet event with Matt Kennon. Additional videos receiving the highest fan-votes will be considered for placement in the official “You Had To Pick On Me” Matt Kennon video.

Through these videos and growing community participation, Kennon hopes that the anti-bullying movement will become unstoppable. “We encourage all schools and kids to share their voices,”adds Kennon. “Let’s make a difference against bullying and protect our future of America, the kids!”

To hear the single or to submit your own video, visit www.mattkennon.com.

MUST WATCH VIDEO: "YOU HAD TO PICK ON ME" - MATT KENNON - PUT AN END TO BULLYING NOW

Everyone MUST SEE this brand new student made video from Matt Kennon for his song, "You Had to Pick on Me". Bullying is a wide spreading epidemic and more and more children are taking their own lives because of the hurtful and mean things others do and say to them. This has to STOP NOW!

If you see kids being picked on or bullied, please step in and stop it, teach your kids to do the same. This could be YOUR child. I've seen first hand the effects that bullying has on a child. A former co-worker of mine came home to find her son hanging from a sheet off their 3rd floor apartment balcony several years ago. I've seen the devastation it leaves behind on the families and the needless suffering. There's NO NEED for it.

Teach your kids that bullying is wrong and will not be tolerated. Teach them to learn to accept others as they are and learn to get along, they might find a friend they never knew they could have. If your child says they're being bullied, take them seriously and get to the core of the problem. Take the steps you need to take as a parent to make it stop. Bullying isn't just a problem with children, adults are just as bad, if not worse. This includes physical, mental, and internet bullying. We all have feelings, we all get hurt and we all have insecurities at any age. Stop this behavior before it goes too far. Thank you Matt for this insight from a child's point of view.