“I have always been interested in song writers, writers, artists and poets who create black comedy and dark fiction directly
on the back of a tragic reality, a 'Black Faction' as it were; To be inspired by a life lived, a life imagined and lives observed.
There is always the temptation that if you just scratch the surface of an ordinary existence you can reveal the extraordinary.”
REVIEWS, COMMENTS & QUOTES:
"a very up close and intimate journey of gothic tales and twanging tunes"
Matthew E Baird has never failed to deliver heartfelt melodic country, folk and folk rock.
This new solo disc finds him in a darker place and I was suitably impressed with his vocal s and songwriting.
Here, he stands alone with a beautifully echoed acoustic guitar armed with six out standing gothic country tracks
and boy can he play a sweet harmonica. Fans of Ryan Adams, Townes Van Zandt and Neil Young will
not be disappointed here. Get out the gin and get ready to drown in your own tears - Forte Magazine
Seeing Matt E Baird live is a lesson in the nuances of the English language and subtle method for guitar version two.
However, my only tip is not to take your girlfriend for she'll ignore you all night.
Local & Live Reviews
“Half A Cow CD of the week!!! Of the six tracks on offer, (‘Vexed Intentions’ 2008) it's the first one
'No Where To Be' that is by far the standout. It has a beautiful chorus melody helped along with luscious female harmonies.
It really is a special song. Not that the remainder of the collection isn't. - SH (Half A Cow Records)
CURRENT RELEASE: ‘ VEXED INTENTIONS’ EP
‘Vexed Intentions’ 2008. is an independent release. Tracks from Vexed Intentions have had airplay on local,
independent, youth and community radio such as ABC JJJ, Radio National, 3RRR & 3PBS.
CURRENT PROJECT - NEW LP
Recording of tracks is underway Matthew E Baird and band have been show casing some of the tracks live for an audience response,
which has been very positive.
MATTHEW E BAIRD: THE BACKGROUND STORY
Matthew E Baird comes from and is surrounded by a long family lineage of storytellers, singers, musicians,
writers, artists and performers. This genetic disposition for the ‘Raconteur’ originated in Ireland & Scotland
eventually finding its way to the outskirts of Ballarat Australia, then the barren deserts of the Victorian ‘Mallee Country’
and eventually to Melbourne. Fast forward and it is in Melbourne that Matthew E Baird began his musical career in the early 90’s.
The aspiring songwriter/guitarist explored all the dark corners of rock, grunge, folk, alt country and blues fronting bands
such as Schlock, Nylon, Zen for Head, and Bullitt.
In 1998 Zen For Head recorded their debut album ‘Down On The Blacktop’ at Atlantis Studios Melbourne.
This melodic folk/blues and roots offering was released at the height of the angst fuelled ‘grunge’ revolution and as they say.
“Wrong time, wrong place”.
Sometime in 1998 Zen For Head returned to the studio to complete a four track Ep.
Zen For head continued to play consistently around Melbourne’s inner city venues until the end of 1998 when
Matthew boarded a plane for the UK. Upon returning home a year later, Matthew undertook five years of self imposed exile
from the Melbourne ‘Indie’ Music scene to live on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
While in Sydney music took a back seat to Matt's career in design including film & television work.
In 2003 Matthew finally saw the light again and returned to Melbourne heralding a return to songwriting
now permanently living in Torquay on Victoria’s West Coast. With the isolation of the coast
Matt found a balance between his passion for music, a day job and a new young family.
PAST RELEASES:
2008 - Lionel Lee (Matthew.E.Baird solo acoustic) ‘Vexed Intentions’ 6 track Ep (Indep)
2006 - Lionel Lee Three ‘Vexed Grill’ 4 track Ep (Indep)
2005 - Bullitt (self Titled). 4 track Ep. (Indep)
1999 - Zen For Head - ‘At Your Feet’. 4 track Ep.( Indep)
1998 - Zen For Head - ‘Down On The BLack Top’. 10 track Lp. Blah, Blah Blah.
MATTHEW E BAIRD
Mob. 0419 107 510 (Matthew)
email: bb.d@bigpond.net.au
web: www.myspace.com/matthewebaird
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