Formed in 2003, the Matthew Shadley Band emerged from the vibrant Cincinnati music scene, led by the multifaceted talents of Matthew Shadley Brauer. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist with roots in several local bands, Brauer joined forces with guitarist and former college bandmate Jason Scherrer, assembling a temporary rhythm section to debut at the 5th Annual Harvest Moon Festival at the historic Southgate House in Newport, Kentucky. What began as a makeshift acoustic set would soon evolve into a formidable presence in the alt-rock landscape.
With Brauer on lead guitar and vocals, and Scherrer complementing his sound on rhythm guitar, the band solidified its lineup with Chuck Morgan on drums, Jason Peter on keyboards, and Tom Legg on bass. This permanent rhythm section marked the transition from folk-rock to a more dynamic, electric guitar-driven sound. Drawing inspiration from a wide array of influences—ranging from the melodic sensibilities of The Beatles to the rootsy vibe of The Jayhawks, and the raw energy of The Black Crowes—the band crafted a distinct identity that resonated with both critics and fans alike.
The release of ‘Five Easy Pieces’ in 2004 set the stage for an intense period of creative output and live performances. The Matthew Shadley Band quickly earned a reputation as “Cincinnati’s live show specialists,” a title bestowed by Jan Perry of The Cincinnati Post. Their live prowess was further immortalized with the 2005 recording of ‘Underneath the Red Light’, a live album captured at the House of Blues Madison Theatre. The band’s growing popularity led to performances at prominent regional festivals such as the Midpoint Music Festival and the Roots and Rock Festival.
However, as the band’s lineup shifted—with Steve Tertel replacing Legg on bass—Brauer found himself assuming bass duties following Tertel’s departure. Despite these changes, the band continued to push the boundaries of their sound, culminating in the 2008 release of ‘Summer Stone’. After this, the Matthew Shadley Band went on hiatus, with Brauer continuing to influence the Cincinnati music scene through various projects as a session musician and guitarist.
The band’s resurgence during the 2020 COVID-19 quarantine marked a new chapter in their storied history. Brauer, channeling the uncertainty and introspection of the times, began crafting new music, leading to the release of the single “Oh, Karen” in 2021. This was followed by the 2022 album ‘Emerald’, a project that signaled the band’s return to form with contributions from notable session musicians and former bandmates.
In 2023, the Matthew Shadley Band released two critically acclaimed albums, ‘1970 Something’ and in 2024 ‘Shaka’, both of which garnered praise across indie music blogs and publications. Their latest single, “The Dawn Patrol,” continues to showcase the band’s enduring appeal, earning regular rotation on Jamsphere Radio.
Today, the Matthew Shadley Band stands as a testament to the power of musical evolution and the timeless appeal of well-crafted melodies. With their discography available on major streaming platforms and their influence still reverberating through the Cincinnati music scene, the Matthew Shadley Band’s journey is far from over—each new release adding another chapter to their ever-evolving story.
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