Matthew Heller’s latest record, Criticism, Judgement, Heartbreak, and Peril, marks a significant moment in his evolution as an artist—a point where his self-reflection meets his bold commitment to examining the complexities of the human experience. These songs dig into themes of growth, discomfort, and a deep yearning for connection. It’s a raw and honest exploration of what it means to wrestle with one’s place in the world, and how to navigate a life filled with contradictions. Heller isn’t afraid to face the uncomfortable truths head-on, whether it’s his own struggles or the broader issues he contemplates. Each song on the record invites the listener to join him on this journey, to reflect alongside him, and to find resonance in shared human experience.

When I'm With You -  DP master v1 - 16 bit

Arrows

Walking the line between intimate bedroom pop and an arena anthem, ‘Scar’ marks the beginning of the band’s most ambitious chapter to date.

Scar

"Lonely Age"

Drifting through life, full of vacant replies
Wandering lost, like a motherless child
Not a word to say, in this lonely age
Wanna look away, go back to sleep
Accept defeat, flee in retreat, disguised

Once I could say, I was willing to try
Seeking the source, for a meaningful life
Now I pretend, just to claim I belong
Safely in step, with the vacuous throngs

Heaven knows I’d never make it
So pathetic that I ever tried to fake it
Graduate of voluntary mind-enslavement
Flew the coop and joined the troops,
A simple sleuth
Reporting from the lonely age now

Not a word to say, in this lonely age
Try to look away and, go back to sleep
Admit defeat, flee in retreat, disguised

Caught in a lie, that I’d gladly concede
Choosing a side, isn’t easy for me

Cause heaven knows I’d never make it
So pathetic that I ever tried to fake it
Graduate of voluntary mind-enslavement
Threw the coup, negotiated truth’s abatement

(Patrick Bateman)

And heaven knows we’d never make it
So pathetic that we ever tried to fake it
Graduates of voluntary mind-enslavement
Flew the coop, and joined the troops
Still put to use, consulting for the lonely age now

Written by Christian Carpenter and Derek Barber
Recorded by Robert Shelton at Tiny Telephone in Oakland, CA
Mixed by Jake Aron
Mastered by Bijan Sharifi 

Christian Carpenter: Vocals, Electric Bass, OBX, Dx7, Drum Machine Programming, Eventide H910 live effects processing
Anthony Ferraro: ARP 2600, Hammond B3 Organ, Studiologic Sledge 
Derek Barber: Slide Electric Guitar
Mark Clifford: Vibraphones
Andrew Maguire: Bongos, Shaker
Geneva Harrison: Drums

Nihilist funk indie groover with insightful, precise lyrics, hooky choruses, and crafty word-play.

Lonely Age

Melle - 2016 Souvenir

Lyrics:
 
My heart in the sun, I lay it out to dry
It’s 8:23, so baby take your time
Shoes on the floor, honey the water’s fine
No one’s gonna find us today, you’re all mine
 
I’m fucking around on the stylophone
You take a picture of me, you’re wearing my cologne
Get back in the car, got 20-something miles to go
One eye one you, one on the road
 
I love you more now summer’s here 
When that April rain it disappears
May 27th’s near
I fly back through the years
you’re my 2016 souvenir

2 cups of styrofoam, my diet of Diet Coke
We’re working hard, but baby ain’t it nice to know
No matter where we are, our life’s a holiday
It doesn’t matter we live, you’re my only home 
 
Somebody told me this would be a bad idea
But here we are still swinging from the chandelier
 
I see the gold, gold grass and my bare feet in the sand 
And the children flying kites and the grandmas on their bikes 
And they’re melting in the sun and I’m staring at the clouds in the sky 
And in the mirrors in your eyes and you

I love you more now summer’s here 
When that April rain it disappears
May 27th’s near
I fly back through the years
You’re my 2016 souvenir

Oh, souvenir
You’re my 2016 souvenir





2016 Souvenir

Destiny

"Laniakea" traces the vast gravitational highway that binds our local universe — not as something distant, but as a living presence. It's a meditation on the cosmic web that holds galaxies in its flow, where dark matter moves unseen and ancient forces shape eternity. A song for those who feel the pull of the great unknown, and dare to follow it.

Threads of light

Laniakea

Gone To Hell

Aurora

instrumental intro ]

[Verse 1]
That song —
it wrote itself one night,
was it punk or was it light?
Rhymes just fell like meteors,
scattered stars on open doors.

[Pre-Chorus]
Under twin suns, I heard a voice,
echoes in the cosmic noise…

⸻

[Chorus / Refrén]
🌌
Don’t go into the lighthouse,
even if the light calls out.
In the void, you’re not alone —
but the beacon’s not your home.
Don’t go into the lighthouse,
some truths you’re not meant to know…

⸻

[Verse 2]
In a ship lost in the dark,
no one sees your fading spark.
You’re the captain of your flight,
but the stars won’t steer you right.

[Bridge]
Orbiting with silent grace,
around a ghost in outer space.
You feel the pull, the sirens cry,
but not all lights are meant to guide.

⸻

[Chorus / Refrén – repeat]
🌌
Don’t go into the lighthouse,
even if the light calls out.
In the void, you’re not alone —
but the beacon’s not your home.
Don’t go into the lighthouse,
you’re stronger if you let it go…

⸻

[Instrumental Intermezzo – guitar solo + bass groove]

⸻

[Outro / Refrain – minimal, whispered or falsetto]
🌌
Don’t go…
Don’t go…
into the lighthouse.
Don’t go…

lighthouse (final )


“Should I kill myself, or have a cup of coffee? But in the end one needs more courage to live than to kill himself.”
― Albert Camus, A Happy Death 

Caffeine Blues

Matthew Heller
Goodbye & So Long
La musique est l'art qui permet à l'âme de se livrer à l'universel.

Meet Matthew Heller, the Portland-based troubadour who fearlessly confronts the harsh realities of life in his music.
Portland's community and collaborative spirit is reflected in the city’s vibrant arts scene, which Heller embodies in his songs. He draws on a wide range of musical styles and influences, resulting in something truly unique and original.
His latest single, "Goodbye & So Long," is a driving force of evocative storytelling, taking listeners through a kaleidoscope of sounds, emotions, and textures. 
With a distinctive blend of indie-rock, folk, and pop influences, his music creates a rich and immersive sonic landscape that envelops the listener from the very first note.
Heller’s soaring vocals are the perfect complement to the music, with a range that spans from delicate whispers to thunderous roars. His piano work is equally impressive, shifting effortlessly from ethereal soundscapes to propulsive rhythms that drive the music forward.
Backing Heller’s vocals and keyboards is a powerhouse rhythm section, led by producer David Pollock, who also engineered, mixed, and mastered the song in his Fortress Galaxy studios. Pollock’s intricate drumming and groovy basslines, as well as his blistering guitar work adds a layer of intensity and urgency to the music, while Bradley Mackeson's additional keyboards add a touch of dreamy atmosphere to the mix.
The result is a sound that is at once raw and polished, intimate and expansive, joyful and melancholic. Whether he's exploring the complexities of love and loss or delving into the darker corners of the human psyche, Matthew Heller’s music is a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
Goodbye & So Long manifests an exquisite blend of post-punk garage vitality, interwoven with ghostly psychedelia and the vibes of classic alternative indie's new wave opulence. Heller's sonic craft, akin to a neo-outlaw songwriter, encapsulates the very essence of folk-rock balladry. Weaving together the vibrant rhythms of Dandy Warhols-esc groove-laden indie rock with the introspective depths reminiscent of The Cranberries' politically charged dreamy odes, this opus transcends mere musical boundaries, propelling the listener into a sublime auditory journey.
Goodbye & So Long is an epochal testament to Heller's artistic prowess, a demonstration that elevates the soul and resonates with the heartbeat of a generation yearning for melodic salvation. 
Heller’s lyrics are both poetic and erudite, saturated with a sense of profundity that is rare in contemporary music.
What truly sets Heller apart, however, is his ability to imbue his music with a sense of immediacy and gravitas. His songs are not simply exercises in intellectual reflection, but also powerful emotional journeys that resonate with listeners on a visceral level. Whether exploring the tumultuous nature of romantic relationships or the existential angst of modern life, Heller's music is always rooted in a deep sense of empathy and compassion.
Matthew Heller's music draws from a rich tapestry of personal experiences, passions, and influences. His lyrical and melodic style combines a sense of poignant depth with a musical approach that is both innovative and captivating. 
Ultimately, Matthew Heller is an artist who defies categorization, transcending the boundaries of genre and convention to create a sound that is wholly his own. Through his music, he invites us to contemplate the complexities of existence, and to explore the deep wellsprings of emotion that lie therein.