On The Horizon

“On The Horizon” is the first single lifted off Matt Ellis’ new, 5th album, out October 21st 2014. Recorded and mixed at Wavelab in Tucson, Az, the recording shows a new, tougher sound that recalls Ellis’ early rock roots.

Last December, Ellis and his band headed to Tucson, AZ and recorded 13 tracks over 4 days. Produced by Matt, the live tracks were engineered by Chris Schultz and Craig Schumacher (Neko Case, Calexico, The Jayhawks). Ellis returned home to Los Angeles, CA to complete recording, teaming up with Nick Luca (Calexico, Iron & Wine) in February of this year. The pair spent the following 3 months, setting up in multiple home studios adding Vocals, Fender Rhodes, Piano and additional Guitars, before Matt returned to Tucson to mix the album with Craig Schumacher, the celebrated engineer behind his last two releases.

The result is a loose classic rock feel, steeped in Americana and Folk. Ellis’ trademark voice is in fine form and the songs have an extra level of detail, but the long list of guest musicians is gone. The band Matt put together to promote his last full length, “Births, Deaths & Marriages” (2010), is still with him, and he was inspired to build this album around them.

Throughout 2013, Matt was presenting unfinished songs to Josh Norton (Guitar), Fern Sanchez (Drums), Grant Fitzpatrick (Bass), Tim Walker (Pedal Steel) and his wife Vavine (Vocals). The group would jam on songs over multiple sessions, letting arrangements and feel develop naturally, the same approach the band took to the recording sessions.