99.1 Lenny 2.mp3

3 LENNY 6

Authentic free-thinking, never knowing what to say

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All Went Black

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NEW MATT ELLIS SINGLE, “NOT EVEN SPRINGSTEEN”, OUT 11/14/25

Matt Ellis releases searing new single, “Not Even Springsteen,” the first taste of his forthcoming seventh album.

Australian-born, California-based songwriter Matt Ellis returns with “Not Even Springsteen,” the first single from his forthcoming seventh studio album, and it’s a haunting, clear-eyed portrait of America’s political divide.

Recorded, mixed, and co-produced by Nicolas Vernhes (Spoon, The War on Drugs) at Rare Book Room in California’s High Desert, the song sees Ellis blending his signature folk-rock storytelling with social commentary that cuts deep.

Through character-driven lyrics and plainspoken poetry, Ellis examines the contradictions of modern America, where faith, fear, and nostalgia collide at the ballot box. The generational union man, single mother, and son of immigrants all find themselves misled and disillusioned. “They confused you with their fake news; not even Springsteen changed your mind,” Ellis sings, channeling both heartbreak and disbelief at a nation divided against itself.

“I was texting with a friend after the election results came in,” Ellis recalls. “Incredulous at the result, I half-joked, ‘Not even Springsteen changed their minds,’ an off-the-cuff comment that carried so much cultural weight, it became a defining lyric for the song and album in many ways.”

That off-the-cuff jab at MAGA was in reference to Bruce Springsteen’s PSA in the weeks leading up to the election. Never had we seen so many prominent artists come forward to support a presidential candidate, and it spoke volumes to the dire situation.

Tracked live in late summer 2024 with Matt Ellis on acoustic guitar and vocals, Denny Weston Jr. on drums, and Dustin Bookatz on bass, “Not Even Springsteen” captures the immediacy of a band locked in the moment. Additional guitars, mandolin, and melodica were added by Joshua Norton, while Ellis recorded his final vocals at his home studio just over the ridge from Rare Book Room.

The song’s bridge features guest vocals from friend and fellow Hi-Desert songwriter Karma (of Henry Ate), whose ethereal harmonies lend the closing lines a haunting echo—“Don’t it make you feel like a rebel / fighting the wrong side.”

Produced by Ellis and Vernhes and mastered by J.J. Golden, “Not Even Springsteen” will be released independently on November 14, 2025, and available on all major streaming platforms.

Follow Matt Ellis on Instagram for news on the upcoming album release.

Not Even Springsteen

Recorded by Leo Costa and Brett Farkas.
Brett Farkas - Vox and Guitars
Leo Costa - Drums and Percussion
Joey Dosik - Fender Rhodes
Cookieman - Fender Jazz Bass
Dena Maccabee - Violin and Viola
Mixed and mastered by Yonatan Elkayam

Photo by Miguel Briseno and Nadia Effendi

Rock n Rollfalcettofolkexperimentalpunksoft rockBrett FarkasLeo CostaJoey DosikCookieman soul music

Don't Act That Way

Taken from album "Moments Before" released on the 15th March 2018 from Sweet Dreams Press, Tokyo.

Moments Before

She Danced then She Flew Away

Gabriel Naïm Amor - She Danced Then She Flew Away

Andy Clockwise & Bell Darling cover Keith Sweat's R&B classic "Nobody"

Nobody

Freezer Burn

The "Music Modernization Act", which has enormous consequences for how songwriters and copyright holders will be compensated for streaming music, passed the US House of Reps unanimously but is now hamstrung in the Senate due to an eleventh hour change by SESAC.&nbsp; Both sides of the argument are presented on this episode, and then our resident expert Brendan Anthony from the Texas Music Office calls in to help explain the situation as it stands now.

"Music Modernization Act" Emergency Episode

A mix for the 'safe at home' order.  The theme is home.  Enjoy.

For setlist and album art go to
https://www.hautemobiledisco.com/musicblog/2020/4/4/when-your-quarantine-needs-music

Quarantine Home Mix by DJ Lady Sinclair

Matt Ellis is an Independent, Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter and Producer from Sydney, Australia. Based in the U.S. since 2005, he just released a new single, "Desert Gold".

Along with another world-changing event, 2020 also marked the 20th anniversary of Matt’s first solo release, “Peel”. Since 2000, Matt’s music has taken him across Australia, The United States, Canada, Hong Kong and Mexico sharing the stages with Calexico, Paul Kelly, DeVotchKa, Kasey Chambers, LeAnn Rimes and John Doe to name a few. Album guests have included Nels Cline, Greg Leisz and Merry Clayton and numerous tracks have been licensed by ABC, LMN, MTV, Qantas and The Food Network while receiving airplay on dozens of Radio Stations around the globe.

His latest album, “Rambler Pacifico” is a stream of folk-rock consciousness. A ramble of plain truths in a time of fake news. A collection of songs that speak to the times yet feel timeless. Recorded primarily in Ellis’ garage, the 11 songs kick and caress in equal parts. There is enough twang to remain in the Americana club, yet also a pop sensibility that calls to a wider audience.

 “RAMBLER PACIFICO IS AN AMERICANA TREASURE” 
- David McPherson - (Daily Ripple)

“ARTICULATE LYRICS AND TASTEFUL ROCK BACKING”
 - George Graham - (WVIA-FM)

“A DANDY WILD RIDE”
 - Chris Spector - (Midwest Record)

Not Even Springsteen

Matt Ellis

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