Rockmattstar
(Birmingham)
Monday 14 Apr 2025, 10:02pm
Hi, I'm Matt – a guitarist with 25+ years of experience, ready to join or form a top-notch Midlands-based covers band. Until fairly recently, I was gigging regularly with a successful function band (averaging 4-6 paid gigs per month), and I'm now looking for a new musical home where we can create amazing music, entertain crowds, and hopefully earn some money doing what we love.
What I Bring:
· Decent gear and reliable transport
· Extensive gigging experience in covers and originals
· Quick learner – ready to nail your setlist from day one
· Positive, drama-free attitude and strong work ethic
· Commitment to regular rehearsals and delivering standout performances
My Experience:
I've performed everything from rock classics (Sweet Child O' Mine) to modern indie anthems (Dakota), soulful hits (Proud Mary), and beyond – whatever keeps the dancefloor moving. My recent venue experience includes pubs, clubs, weddings, corporate events, and private functions, so I know how to read a crowd, keep energy high, and leave clients thrilled.
Playing Style:
Coming from a mainly rock (in all its wonderful variations) background, I've developed into a versatile player who enjoys adapting to whatever the music calls for. I'm equally comfortable delivering melodic solos, dynamic rhythm work, or laying down clean melodic parts. Years of function band experience have shaped my playing to cover everything from 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s etc... classic hits to modern rock and pop.
Fairly recently I have discovered a particular fondness for synthwave and 80s music with its distinctive energy.
Whether a song needs intricate lead work or straightforward chord progressions, I can adapt my style to suit while still bringing energy and edge to the performance.
Additional Skills:
Beyond guitar, I also play keyboard/synth as a secondary instrument. While I'm still developing these skills and wouldn't consider myself a dedicated keyboardist, I own quality synth equipment and can contribute basic to intermediate keyboard parts when needed - particularly useful for adding those classic 80s textures or atmospheric elements to the mix. This versatility can be helpful for bands looking to expand their sound without adding another member.
What I'm Looking For:
I'm based in Birmingham and happy to travel for the right opportunity. My perfect band? A group of mates who love making great music together AND can keep things running smoothly enough to maintain a steady flow of paid gigs. There's nothing better than that buzz of nailing a show together and getting the crowd going wild - and then actually getting paid for having such a good time!
A function band or party band setup would be ideal - I thrive in environments where versatility is valued and the goal is keeping audiences entertained and dancing. That said, I'm open to other formats and musical directions if the chemistry is right.
Ideally, I'm looking for bandmates who:
· Love what they do and bring positive energy to rehearsals and gigs
· Can commit to regular practices and keeping the setlist tight
· Are reliable and good communicators (no ghosting!)
· Share an interest in building a sustainable paid gigging schedule (thinking 2-3 gigs monthly, but flexible)
· Understand that while this isn't our day job, it deserves enough attention to keep it fun and successful
· Can be professional when needed (basically, show up on time and don't upset the bride!)
I've found the best function bands are the ones where everyone's having a blast on stage while still being switched-on enough to deliver consistently great shows. If you're looking to have some serious fun making music (and maybe earn some beer money while we're at it), let's talk!
Let's Connect:
If you're searching for a reliable, skilled, and enthusiastic guitarist to complete your band, I'd love to chat. I'm available for immediate start and happy to audition or jam in the Birmingham area.
Soundcloud:
I've recorded some cover songs in my home studio - with the benefit of a proper recording setup, they've come out pretty polished sounding! But what really gets me excited is the raw energy of playing live with a great band. But if you'd like to get a feel for my playing style, have a listen here:
https://soundcloud.com/matt-d-666
I'm hoping to add more songs in more styles soon.
A lot of these songs were recorded with each part being recorded on the first take, so there are a few imperfections and I've left them in as it shows a more genuine version rather than a perfect version of me. Also they're not always exactly as the record was, I've messed with the timings etc to make them slightly different. I can play them more like the record if needed though, I just enjoy slightly subverting expectations sometimes!
Drop me a message – let's make great music together and have some fun at the same time!