Matt Pless is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Brooklyn who works in folk punk. He is known for solo material and for his former pop punk band 3 Prong Outlet. His writing combines acoustic folk with protest songs and political themes, and his style is also described as anti-folk and “hippie punk” folk rock.

Early life and background

Pless begins writing songs and performing them in primary school, and he starts making music at the age of eight. His early influences include 1960s pop-rock acts such as The Monkees and The Beatles, the songwriting of Billy Joel, and songs from Disney films and The Muppet Show.

3 Prong Outlet

He forms 3 Prong Outlet in 1998 as a pop punk trio. The lineup includes Steve Smeal on bass and AJ Russo on drums, with Pless as lead singer, guitarist and principal songwriter. The band’s songs use distorted guitar, fast drum patterns, catchy hooks and densely written lyrics, drawing comparisons to Green Day, Blink 182 and The Mr. T Experience.

Solo career

Pless ends 3 Prong Outlet in 2004 and begins a solo career. His first solo album, Requiems for Wishing Wells, marks a shift from electric guitar to acoustic guitar and reflects the influence of Bob Dylan and Bright Eyes. He tours in support of the album across the United States, playing coffee shops, bars and basements. His solo work develops into a form of aggressive but melodic acoustic music associated with folk punk.