New York (Top40 Charts/ Atlantic Records) - F-Stop Music/Atlantic recording artist Matt Hires has announced details of his upcoming headline tour - his first-ever to feature a full backing band. The "State Lines Tour 2010" will kick off on January 20th at Jacksonville, Florida's Jack Rabbits and then traverse the U.S. through late February (see below itinerary). Additional dates will be announced shortly. Joining Hires on the trek will be fellow Atlantic recording artist - and former American Idol sensation - Jason Castro, who will be releasing his own debut album next year.
"Although I love playing acoustic shows, I'm really excited to be taking a band out on tour with me," says Hires. "It will be nice to present the songs in a way that is more fully realized. Fans can expect a little rock-n-roll, a little bit of acoustic balladry, and some stuff in the middle. I'm also really excited to have Jason Castro joining me on the road. He is a great musician. Lots of good times ahead!"
The "State Lines Tour 2010" celebrates the Tampa-based tunesmith's acclaimed debut album, "TAKE US TO THE START," which hit the top 10 on iTunes' overall "Top Albums" chart and debuted in the upper half of the Billboard 200 upon its release this summer. Fans purchasing advance tickets will receive a free digital EP of 3 previously unreleased demos - for download details, please visit Hires' official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/matthires.
The first full-length release from Atlantic's new F-Stop Music imprint, "TAKE US TO THE START" marks the arrival of a self-assured and authentic new artist. On tracks such as "State Lines" and "Honey, Let Me Sing You A Song," Hires fuses the intimacy of the great singer/songwriters with indelible pop-rock hooks and propulsive rhythms. Produced by Eric Rosse (Sara Bareilles, Tori Amos), "TAKE US TO THE START" is filled with multiple delights, most notably Hires's remarkable voice, an instrument striking in its warmth, expressiveness, and ability to convey a multitude of emotions within a single song.
Among the highlights are a series of songs - including "Out Of The Dark," "Turn The Page" and "Perfect Day" - which have been featured in recent episodes of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice." Following the broadcast of "Out Of The Dark" on "Grey's Anatomy," Hires' debut album soared over 100 spots on the iTunes album chart. What's more, "TAKE US TO THE START" has received extensive critical praise. People hailed the collection, noting "on the opening cut of his debut, Hires requests, 'Honey, Let Me Sing You a Song.' With his folky pop and aching croon, how could you deny him?" Creative Loafing commended the album as "cleverly-crafted and interesting, full of sincerity and catchy melodies highlighted by (Hires') enveloping, gravelly tenor."
A charming and charismatic live performer, Matt has spent the past year touring the country with such like-minded acts as Paolo Nutini, Dave Matthews Band, Marc Broussard, Eric Hutchinson and O.A.R. Hires will close out his extraordinary 2009 with a pair of eagerly awaited shows in his home state of Florida, slated for December 17th at The Social in Orlando and December 18th at The Orpheum in Tampa.
For up-to-the-minute news and information, please visit Matt's official MySpace page at www.myspace.com/matthires or via Twitter at https://twitter.com/matthires.
(TOUR ITINERARY BELOW)
MATT HIRES "STATE LINES TOUR 2010"
All Dates w/Special Guest Jason Castro except *
DECEMBER
17 Orlando, FL The Social *
18 Tampa, FL The Orpheum *
JANUARY
20 Jacksonville, FL Jack Rabbits
21 Decatur, GA Eddie's Attic
22 Charlotte, NC The Evening Muse
23 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506
25 Vienna, VA Jammin' Java
26 Philadelphia, PA World Café Live
27 New York, NY Joe's Pub
28 Boston, MA Café 939
29 Pittsburgh, PA Club Café
31 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
FEBRUARY
1 Columbus, OH The Basement
3 Ann Arbor, MI The Ark
4 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern
5 Madison, WI Der Rathskeller
6 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry
8 Lawrence, KS The Bottleneck
9 Denver, CO The Soiled Dove Underground
10 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court Gallery
11 Boise, ID Reef Boise
12 Seattle, WA The High Dive
13 Portland, OR Mississippi Studios
16 San Francisco, CA Bottom Of The Hill
17 Los Angeles, CA Hotel Cafe
19 San Diego, CA The Casbah
20 Tucson, AZ Solar Culture
21 Phoenix, AZ Rhythm Room
22 Santa Fe, NM Santa Fe Brewing Company
24 Dallas, TX The Loft
25 Austin, TX Stubb's BBQ
26 Houston, TX House of Blues
28 Birmingham, AL WorkPlay Theater
ADDITIONAL DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED
