By Chris Bavender
Music has always been a part of Matthew Santos’ life. His grandfather was a trumpet player in a polka band and two uncles were folk musicians.
“My parents loved the Beatles and Journey, etc., so I grew up hearing them pretty consistently. I was taken by movie soundtracks at an early age, and started playing my mother’s old piano when I was 6,” Santos said. “I soon started singing along to Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men and James Taylor. I picked up the guitar at 14 and started writing my own songs at 15 and have been doing it ever since.”
Santos – who was nominated for a Grammy in 2009 for his vocals on “Superstar” – will soon release his fourth solo studio album, “Into the Further.” He has teamed up with fellow musician Gabe Dixon for a mini-tour that will bring them to The Warehouse in Carmel at 8 p.m. Dec. 12.
“Gabe and I did a short run together earlier this year and just hit it off,” Santos said.
Dixon has an equally hefty amount of musical credits to his name. He played piano and keyboards on Paul McCartney’s 2001 album, “Driving Rain,” and has performed with artists such as Alison Krauss and OAR.
“The whole essence of The Warehouse is to be a place where musicians can shine, so we are beyond excited to showcase these two talented songwriters on our stage,” said Nicole O’Neal, director of operations at The Warehouse.
For Santos, the driving force behind his music is simple – the “immediate emotional response to the listener.”
“It is an in-the-moment, fleeting glimpse of the human spirit. It’s a powerful force that gives emotional context anywhere it is applied, it transcends, empowers, inspires and gives voice to those who have the heart to feel it,” the 31-year-old said. “It brings people together under the same flag. Music is life. It’s my life. It’s a boundless endeavor, an endless well and an expansive universe to explore.”
Tickets for the show are available in advance for $22.50 and will be $25 at the door. Advance tickets are available at liveforthemusic.com. The Warehouse is at 254 First Avenue SW, Carmel, adjacent to the Monon Trail. For more information, call 661-1760.
