All Feature Articles

Matt Simons Slides Into the Spotlight in Nashville

by Rich and Laura Lynch

"I bet you didn't even know there was an opening act," said singer-songwriter Matt Simons almost apologetically midway through his set in the support slot for 2Cellos at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on April 08, 2022. But, an immediate response from a female fan near the front of the stage summarized what many were feeling in Music City when she yelled out, "We're all the better for it!"


Matts Simons scored some new fans at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

We did not know much about Matt Simons prior to seeing him at this high profile gig in the city. But, the performer is no stranger to Nashville as he reported from the stage that the last time he played here was at the Basement East just across the river where he said "there wasn't as many people there". Now, he and his talented trio are scheduled to support 2Cellos for a large part of their 2022 tour which should expose this compelling artist to a much wider audience.

For now, evidence suggests that this West Coast musician has built a strong following in Europe. Folks overseas appreciate Simons' emotional honesty and he connects with people in piano based melodies that speak about the significant events in his life. For example, "Better Tomorrow" tells the story of Matt's struggles with anxiety while letting others know that they are not alone.

Another powerful tune is "Not Falling Apart" that touches upon the idea that you tell friends that you are okay when you are not - it hits a nerve as does "Miss You More" a poignant piece about loss. "Cold" is another song that packs a punch with its vivid imagery. Matt draws from his personal experiences while watching the world spin around him to craft lyrics that pierce the heart. In his music, Simons shares long-held emotions, pulling down the gates and letting others into his life. It's a bold move, but it's one he doesn't regret. He considers it "very cathartic."


Matt Simons and his trio left a musical mark on Music City.

Matt Simons has been honing his craft for about a decade. At the Bridgestone, we heard descriptive songs such as "After The Landslide" that was so relatable. Simon (piano) with his band Rodney (drums) and Chris (guitar) played memorable, well-written songs during their opening slot. One of our favorites was a piece that he penned before proposing to his wife. It showed his concern for the high rate of divorce yet believing that they can do better. We also enjoyed his version of Simon and Garfunkel's "The Boxer".

Matt Simons continues to evolve as an artist by tuning into new influences while remaining true to his signature style of frankness. Simons has a new song - "In Case You Missed It" - which is about the dance people do when entering into a new relationship. The track will be on his latest album Identity Crisis that drops May 06, 2022 - so check out Matt live or on the music platforms at your earliest convenience.


Matt Simons - sliding into the spotlight in Nashville.

Related Links: For more information on MATT SIMONS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Matt Simons | 2Cellos Are Brilliant at the Bridgestone | Bridgestone Arena


.





Did you know that MCN Founder Rockin' Rich Lynch hosts some of the world's top musicians and songwriters on his regularly scheduled webcast - watch all the episodes here - and please share the links far and wide!





Do you like MCN??? Did you know that the easiest way to support this site is to BUY our founder's Latest Single on BANDCAMP? At check out you can even throw in a bit more to really say "we appreciate you"! Thanks!!!





Squeeze and Adam Ant Squish the Heat With a Cool Night of Music in Nashville



The Nashville Sounds' Bats Were Anything But Dead on a Sweltering Theme Night in Hit City



Elizabeth Cook Brings The Easy Kind Home: Belcourt Screening Caps an Eight‑Year Odyssey



It Was a Big Weekend for the Kats and Cats in Nashville



Nashville Becomes an International Soccer Hub as Premier League Arrives in Music City



Men At Work and Toad the Wet Sprocket Join Forces at The Pinnacle in Nashville



The Countrification of Kentucky Thunder Rolls On at the Ryman's Bluegrass Finale



Niko Moon Launches Roots From Maggie's Place and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville



The Circle Welcomes Three New Voices in Back‑to‑Back Debut Nights at the Grand Ole Opry in Music City



Roots & Rhythms Closes Its Season with a Powerful Night of Story, Song and Tennessee Heritage at The Hermitage



A Living Lineage: Indigenous Artists Reimagining Abstraction Across a Century at the Frist in Nashville



Los Lonely Boys Take a Trip Down Memory Lane at Harken Hall in Madison



Threads of Gold: Dolly Parton's Summer Symphony Series Opens in Nashville



Samurai Blue Aim to Become the Team of the Century From Century Farms Training Grounds in Antioch, Tennessee



Patrick Wolf Brings a One‑Night‑Only Storyteller's Spell to 3rd & Lindsley



Melissa Etheridge Lights Up CMA Fest and Turns HiFi Buys Into Her Own Listening Lounge



Rockin' Rich Lynch Returns to the Stage at "Quiet In The Library" Open Mic, Delivering a Literary‑Themed Medley in Southeast Nashville



Travis Bolt Sets the Opry Ablaze With a Soulful, Triumphant Debut



They Were Putting On the Reggae Riffs at New Golf-Themed Venue in Nashville



Beauty From Ashes: A Night of Worship, Witness and Unshakable Hope at the 2026 K‑LOVE Fan Awards





• Meet Rich and Laura Lynch.

© 2026 MusicCityNashville.net
All Rights Reserved