Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker is a three-piece band featuring Matt Rider on vocals and guitar, Eoin Keeley on bass and vocals, and Daniel Bodie on drums. The group wins the Road To V competition in 2008 and, after that, reduces from five members to three. The line-up change leads the band to focus on a fuller, less guitar-heavy sound.

Formation and development

After the Road To V win, Matt Trakker attracts attention soon after a V Festival performance that is only the band’s third live show. Interest also comes from Atlantic Records, but the band chooses not to sign a major-label deal at that stage because it does not yet have a settled line-up or a fixed direction. The group continues to build its material by demoing songs at home and working through rehearsals and performances across the country.

Sound and influences

The band records with a varied range of producers, including hip-hop producer A.S.H, alongside more conventional producers. Its sound is described as drawing on the melodic rock of early Foo Fighters, the melancholy folk of Bon Iver, and the songwriting of Jackson Browne. Matt Rider’s lyrics are noted for observations that are wry, honest, humorous and sometimes heartbreaking.

Recognition

Matt Trakker continues to play V Festival after its early appearances, and receives positive live feedback for the three-piece format. NME writer Mark Beaumont describes the band in strong terms, reflecting its energetic live reputation and growing self-confidence.