Oregon native Mat Kearney has been leaving his mark on the music world since the early 2000’s when one of his most popular albums “Nothing Left to Lose” was released. If you think you’re unfamiliar with this album, think again. This album features several songs that you’ve probably heard on many well-known TV shows such as 30 Rock and Scrubs and was even an opening song for Grey’s Anatomy.
Since then, Kearney has released several other albums with tracks equally loved, such as “Ships in the Night”, “Air I Breathe”, and “Coming Home”. Years later, he’s back on tour promoting his upcoming album “Crazytalk” which has a new yet original sound that only Kearney could craft.
Upon hearing that one of his stops would be at Austin’s own Stubb’s, I knew I couldn’t miss this tour and immediately began listening to the new singles he’s recently released. Favorites so far? “Memorized” and “Better Than I Used To Be.” I must admit that I’m on a complete Mat Kearney kick again, and his recent tracks have officially become my new favorite Friday afternoon soundtrack.
Kearney performed on Thursday, April 5th, accompanied by opening artists Filous and Andrew Belle. He immediately wooed the crowd with his spirit, dreamy voice, and fantastic sense of fashion – I mean, seriously. Look at that hat. 😍
For Kearney, Austin holds a special place in his heart, and he even mentioned how it’s one of his favorite cities to perform in. Kearney’s songs are the kind that will make you smile without knowing it. They are full of heart and the ultimate feel-good kind of tunes that can turn any sour mood around – I’d know, because I had just come from a pretty rough work day (tbh). Needless to say, I was in the highest of spirits after leaving his show and attribute it all to him!
Tracks in the set included the following (bolded with links are my favorites):
- Hey Mama
- Young, Dumb, and in Love
- Fire & Rain
- Moving On
- Count on Me
- Face To Face
- One Black Sheep
- Better Than I Used to Be
- Closer to Love
- All I Need
- Kings & Queens
- Air I Breathe
- Free Fallin / Runaway / Forever Young
- Heartbeat
- Ships In The Night
- Where We Gonna Go From Here
- Nothing Left to Lose
As Kearney put it in his own tweet, it was a beautiful night in the heart of Austin, and certainly a night that I’ll always remember. Come back to Austin soon Mat, ya hear?
Austin — Stubbs!! Hot and sweaty and so much heart. What a beautiful night. pic.twitter.com/Cl8uMG8vFe
— MAT KEARNEY (@matkearney) April 6, 2018
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our photo gallery from the show here, and stay tuned for our exclusive interview with Mat!
Leigh is a native Texan gone temporary New Yorker and now proud Austinite. Passions include but are not limited to music (both as a spectator and dabbler), traveling & cultural adventures, film & television, true crime, design (of the fashion, interior, and graphic sorts), and photographing & writing about all the aforementioned. Self-acclaimed coffee connoisseur & wino, cat aficionado, book worm, and nature junkie.