“Unrivalled in its charm and Charisma“ - George Ezra

Deep, raspy vocals and raw storytelling, with a sound reminiscent of Tom Waits.” - Hot Press

“George Ezra’s caramel voiced pal strikes out alone with ‘Sit Back Down Again’ which overflows with vintage R&B loveliness.” - Daily Star

“A big unique voice - Ireland’s Dr.John.” - John Toal, BBC Radio Ulster

“Impressive songwriting.” - Belfast Telegraph

“Heartfelt lyrics, rich storytelling, and a dash of unexpected humour.” - XS Noize

After accumulating a wealth of big stage experience in George Ezra’s live band, Matt Benson’s solo career is now gaining pace following his first singles ‘Sit Back Down Again’, ‘Strangers And Angels’ and ‘The Way It Should Be’. After earning a first flurry of acclaim and a key playlist feature on Spotify’s Jazz UK, he now takes the next step towards his debut album with the new single ‘Broken Masterpiece’. The ‘Sit Back Down Again’ record then follows on July 11th.

While ‘Broken Masterpiece’ exudes the exemplary musicianship and sleek, soulful vocal class that has embodied Matt’s releases so far, it also takes on a far different ambience. Its haunting, lurching menace feels a little like a cousin to the darkness of Nick Cave’s ‘Henry’s Dream’ album. But Matt’s song comes at that mood from a different angle as he paints a picture that leans into the fantastical world of the creature feature.

Matt says, “‘Broken Masterpiece’ is a groovier, darker, more angry song. The idea is about a supernatural monster: like a fallen angel that was perfect but has become broken. I imagine myself as a little boy climbing up a tree as it’s just getting dark. As I turn to climb back down I notice this creature waiting with dead eyes, and it beckons me with the promise of a reward if I come down. Some people say it’s about the darker parts of your subconscious, but to me it’s a fun song about a monster.”

‘Broken Masterpiece’ was written by Matt, produced by Cian Boylan (Jessie Buckley, David Gray), and mastered by the Grammy Award winner Ruadhri Cushnan (Mumford & Sons, James Bay).

The track is accompanied by a full-band live performance video, which was filmed at Camden Recording Studios in Dublin. Matt leads on vocals and Rhodes, as the song shape-shifts into a heftier stature with its foreboding atmosphere pushed to the max. Showcasing the power of Matt’s future live shows, the performance features Cian Boylan (piano), Conor Brady (guitar, The Commitments), Dave Redmond (acoustic bass, Dana Masters) and Darren Beckett (drums, Brandon Flowers)

The ‘Sit Back Down Again’ album is available to pre-save HERE. It’s the culmination of Matt’s life spent in music so far: from growing up around a music store in Belfast during the latter years of The Troubles, to touring extensively with George Ezra, Sam and The Womp and Bad Manners, and now striking out on his own.

That said, Matt’s album is a world away from what you might expect given his story, with echoes of Tom Waits, Randy Newman and Dr. John shaped by a surfeit of New Orleans style. Its stories blur the line between rich, cinematic fiction and the authenticity that comes with having lived through many of the narratives that he explores.

Support from The New Leaves!!

After accumulating a wealth of big stage experience in George Ezra’s live band, Matt Benson’s solo career is now gaining pace following his first singles ‘Sit Back Down Again’, ‘Strangers And Angels’ and ‘The Way It Should Be’. After earning a first flurry of acclaim and a key playlist feature on Spotify’s Jazz UK, he now takes the next step towards his debut album Sit Back Down Again.

This sees a very special full band show case with incredible live band:

Darren Beckett on Drums (Brandon Flowers/ Madeline Peyroux)

Cian Boylan on Piano (Gregory Porter/ David Gray)

Dave Redmond on Acoustic Bass (Dana Masters)

“Unrivalled in its charisma and charm.” – George Ezra
“Cooler than most — because it doesn’t try too hard to be.” – Hot Press
“Big Voice, Ireland’s Dr. John.” – John Toal, BBC
“Beautiful sweet tone.” – Darryl Hunt, The Pogues
“A strong communicator who makes people feel alive.” – Marlbank
“A debut album dripping in soul, loss and late-night wanderings.” – Plastic Magazine

About Matt Benson:
Matt’s is a member George Ezra’s band and has recorded several tracks on his Gold Rush Kid album (2022), he has also performed with The Pogues, Amelia Warner, and Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy), as well as recording for the time-travel radio film Lola. He has shared stages with Cathy Davey, jammed with Zigaboo Modeliste (The Meters), and most recently played with the Hot 8 Brass Band during their residency in New Orleans.

Matthew has also worked with an extraordinary range of artists across genres, including Brian May, Slash, Shara Nelson, First Aid Kit, Coolio, The Veils, The Toasters, Imperial Leisure, The Rails, Lamar, Lifford David Shillingford, Sonny Green, Paul Sanchez, Davis Rogan (HBO’s Tremé), Roys Big Smoke Family, Max Splodge, Larry Garner, Jamie Lenman, Darren Hayman, and many more. His performance credits span from ska and soul to jazz, rock, and folk, with collaborations alongside Slow Moving Millie / Amelia Warner, The Rotterdam Ska-Jazz Foundation, Jay-Dee Brassband, Dom and the Ikos, Radical Dance Faction, Ellis Island Sound, Paul Taylor’s Blowpipes, Roberto Pla’s Latin Ensemble, and NI Soul Troop.

Come join us for a very special evening with Matt Benson as he shares his remarkable life story through songs and stories from his critically acclaimed debut album Sit Back Down Again.Matt will be joined on stage by an exceptional line-up of David Klinke (George Ezra’s band) on Pedal Steel Guitar.

With very special guest, Donegal’s own Ramper

“Unrivalled in its charisma and charm.” – George Ezra
“Cooler than most — because it doesn’t try too hard to be.” – Hot Press
“Big Voice, Ireland’s Dr. John.” – John Toal, BBC
“Beautiful sweet tone.” – Darryl Hunt, The Pogues
“A strong communicator who makes people feel alive.” – Marlbank
“A debut album dripping in soul, loss and late-night wanderings.” – Plastic Magazine

About Matt Benson:
Matt’s is a member George Ezra’s band and has recorded several tracks on his Gold Rush Kidalbum (2022), he has also performed with The Pogues, Amelia Warner, and Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy), as well as recording for the time-travel radio film Lola. He has shared stages with Cathy Davey, jammed with Zigaboo Modeliste (The Meters), and most recently played with the Hot 8 Brass Band during their residency in New Orleans.

Matthew has also worked with an extraordinary range of artists across genres, including Brian May, Slash, Shara Nelson, First Aid Kit, Coolio, The Veils, The Toasters, Imperial Leisure, The Rails, Lamar, Lifford David Shillingford, Sonny Green, Paul Sanchez, Davis Rogan (HBO’s Tremé), Roys Big Smoke Family, Max Splodge, Larry Garner, Jamie Lenman, Darren Hayman, and many more. His performance credits span from ska and soul to jazz, rock, and folk, with collaborations alongside Slow Moving Millie / Amelia Warner, The Rotterdam Ska-Jazz Foundation, Jay-Dee Brassband, Dom and the Ikos, Radical Dance Faction, Ellis Island Sound, Paul Taylor’s Blowpipes, Roberto Pla’s Latin Ensemble, and NI Soul Troop.

After accumulating a wealth of big-stage experience as part of George Ezra’s live band, Matt Benson’s solo career is now gaining momentum. With acclaimed singles like “Sit Back Down Again,” “Strangers And Angels” and “The Way It Should Be”, Benson is carving out a distinctive space in the Irish and UK’s jazz and soul scenes.

His new single “Broken Masterpiece” marks a darker, more theatrical turn – a supernatural tale told through groove, menace, and deep musicianship. Produced by Cian Boylan and mastered by Grammy-winner Ruadhri Cushnan, the track pushes Matt’s creative boundaries even further.

The performance at Connolly’s will showcase Matt’s beautiful vocals and will have him on piano.

Expect sophistication, soul, and a cinematic edge to this unforgettable night of live music.

– R.O.A.R. – Always Over 18’s – All sales are final – Unreserved Limited Seating

Come join us for a magical evening filled with enchanting music by Kila and Matt Benson at the Newry Town Hall. Get ready to be swept away by their mesmerising tunes and soulful melodies. This in person event promises to be a night to remember. Don't miss out on this unique musical experience at Bank Parade, Newry, UK.

Hailing from Rostrevor, Co.Down and now based in the rugged landscape of northwest Donegal, Matt Benson is a genre-blending musician whose soulful brass lines and heartfelt vocals have taken him from global festival stages to the intimate studio spaces of his debut solo release.

A seasoned trombonist, Benson has spent over a decade touring and recording with a diverse array of artists including George Ezra, Bad Manners, Sam & The Womp (with whom he recorded the platinum-selling single “BomBom”), and even legends like Brian May and Coolio. Since 2017, he has been a core member of George Ezra’s touring band, performing on the world’s biggest stages including Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, the Brit Awards, Royal Albert Hall, and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Benson’s solo work showcases his rich musicality and emotional depth, blending elements of soul, jazz, 60s R&B and folk. His upcoming debut album Sit Back Down Again (2025) is a deeply personal project shaped by grief, memory, and resilience, including a moving tribute to his late sister. Recorded at Camden Studios in Dublin with producer Cian Boylan and a handpicked band of session players, the album places Benson’s warm vocals and brass arrangements at its core.

Known for his expressive playing and generous stage presence, Matt Benson is carving out a unique space where brass meets storytelling—bringing intimacy and energy in equal measure.

Follow him on Instagram @mattbensonplaysmusic

Matt Benson's life has been a tapestry of diverse experiences and personal challenges, all of which have significantly influenced his music. His early life was marked by the tail-end of The Troubles in Ireland, a period of conflict that left a lasting impact on him. His father, a musician, survived a bombing, which led to Matt's introduction to the trombone. This instrument became a central thread in his life, weaving through his various musical endeavors.

Matt's musical career began with a scholarship to study music in London, but he found performing more inspiring than formal education. He played with various bands, including Brassroots, Sam and The Womp, and The Ikos, gaining invaluable experience and exposure. However, it was his time touring with George Ezra that marked a significant turning point in his career. This opportunity not only improved his finances but also provided the stability he needed to focus on his solo album.

Creating his solo album, however, was not without its challenges. It wasn't until the lockdown that the project began to take shape, with the help of producer Cian Boylan. 

The album features contributions from accomplished musicians, including members from George Ezra's band and other notable artists. The first single, "Sit Back Down Again," is a poignant reflection on the loss of his older sister Catherine, a significant and sorrowful event in Matt's life.

The album explores themes of loss, family, moving on, and personal experiences, blending autobiographical elements with fictional stories. It serves as a cathartic release for Matt and offers listeners an immersive and relatable experience.

Matt Benson's life has been a tapestry of diverse experiences and personal challenges, all of which have significantly influenced his music. His early life was marked by the tail-end of The Troubles in Ireland, a period of conflict that left a lasting impact on him. His father, a musician, survived a bombing, which led to Matt's introduction to the trombone. This instrument became a central thread in his life, weaving through his various musical endeavors.

Matt's musical career began with a scholarship to study music in London, but he found performing more inspiring than formal education. He played with various bands, including Brassroots, Sam and The Womp, and The Ikos, gaining invaluable experience and exposure. However, it was his time touring with George Ezra that marked a significant turning point in his career. This opportunity not only improved his finances but also provided the stability he needed to focus on his solo album.

Creating his solo album, however, was not without its challenges. It wasn't until the lockdown that the project began to take shape, with the help of producer Cian Boylan. 

The album features contributions from accomplished musicians, including members from George Ezra's band and other notable artists. The first single, "Sit Back Down Again," is a poignant reflection on the loss of his older sister Catherine, a significant and sorrowful event in Matt's life.

The album explores themes of loss, family, moving on, and personal experiences, blending autobiographical elements with fictional stories. It serves as a cathartic release for Matt and offers listeners an immersive and relatable experience.

Dublin!! I’m playing a wee show of my own in the very iconic Little Whelan’s on 30th April.
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Super excited to do this one!
It’s best to think of this gig as an evening of storytelling through music. I can’t play these songs without telling you a lot of the stories from moments in my life too.
So expect bar-room romances, tour stories, tales of friendship, loss and attempts at escapism in dark times. Come meet the characters I see so clearly when I sing about them.
I’ll tell the story of each song is about and where it came from before I sing it. All in a kind of Tom Waits/ Randy Newman style. The set is about an hour long.
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Doors are 8.30. Book online on the Whelan’s website (link in thingy)
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I’ll be workin hard myself between now and then to make this a special gig so please spread the word and DM this to any Dublin folk you may know who love a good story and are into their music.
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The support for my wee debut single ‘Sit Back Down Again’ has been insane so far and another one to be released very shortly.
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#dublin folk, please spread the word 😎
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Hope to see some of you there on the 30th April.
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Keep on going everyone.
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Matt
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