MATT KEEN

Chicagoland’s premier guitarist and songwriter blends soulful rock with classic blues influences, and is a prominent figure in the midwest music and festival scene.

A black and white photo of a person sitting on a stool playing a guitar in a well-lit room with large windows and sheer curtains. The hardwood floor and a radiator are visible in the background.

A compelling performer from Chicago, Illinois - Matt Keen expertly combines the gritty intensity of rock with the heartfelt melodies of folk music. Keen crafts a musical experience that is both exhilarating and profoundly touching because of his mastery of both genres.

Stream Matt’s Music Here

Upcoming Shows

August 20th

Whiskey Bend
St. Charles, IL - 6:00PM

August 21st

The Office Dining and Spirits
St. Charles, IL 6:30PM

August 22nd

Nobel House
Geneva, IL 6:00PM

August 22nd

The House Pub
St. Charles, IL - 10:00PM

August 23rd

Blues and Brews Official After Party at Pollyanna
St. Charles, IL - 9:30PM

August 29th

Navy Pier
Chicago, IL - 6:00pm

New Album Out Now

Keen’s second solo record ‘Half Man…Half Monster!’ is a five track, musical vacation for any listener. Another confident step in his songwriting and approach to recording. Stream it on all major platforms today.

A person with long hair looks into the distance in a forest setting, wearing a patterned shirt and a fringed jacket. The text "Restless Days" is overlaid on the image.

Restless Days

  • Keen’s first solo album is a testament to the genres he loves as well as his skills as a songwriter, singer and guitar player. Recorded over two days at an old Moose Lodge in the middle of Iowa, this record is a visceral showing of his prowess as a songwriter and confidence as a solo artist. 8 tracks that touch on all things from love and heartbreak to victory and pain. The title track written for his son is an example of Keen’s ability to draw on his life for inspiration and tangible emotion.

Retro-style poster featuring "Matt Keen" with a theme of "Half Man, Half Monster!" The design shows a split face, half human and half monstrous, alongside a silhouette and the text promoting a "Blues Rock and Roll sensation." The background is green with a marijuana leaf symbol.

Half Man…Half Monster!

  • The sophomore effort from Keen is another prime example of his capabilities as an artist. His take on the current state of the world as well as songs about the dilemma of living a fulfilling life and as always some good old rock and roll are evident in this EP. 

Text "Rebel Soul Revival" on a grunge textured background with large stylized letters "RSR."

Rebel Soul Revival

  • The self titled third release from RsR are all songs Keen composed and recorded in 2018 with his band. 

Follow @mattkeenmusic

Looking for Matt on social? See photos and video from shows, get updates on new projects, and follow along as we hit some of our favorite venues in the area.

Best concert of my entire life…made even better with the folks I love.
Thank you Blues and Brews Fest for packing @pollyannabrewingstcharles for one hell of an afterparty! Saturday night was a special one for us and it feels like some momentum is starting to build. Beyond grateful for an awesome weekend at some of my fa
Stoked to be playing the after party for this inaugural Blues and Brews Festival this weekend! Check out our buds @thecoldstares and brother @diamondbalazhi! $10 for the whole day including our set inside at Pollyanna! Working week kicks off this b
Perhaps a new shirt or poster design? Trying to drum up some new merch for the coming music! - Tonight Tuesday August 12th I’m playing a set in Mount Saint Mary’s Park in St. Charles, IL. Tunes from 6:30-8pm. If you BYOB be discrete.
Took my boy to see @thebandghost in Milwaukee on Tuesday! First arena show for him. Been so cool watching his musical tastes develop over the years and trying to keep up. The venue had us use Yondr Bags to store our cell phones. 15,000+ people and no
Working week continues on this evening! - Tonight 7/16 I’m heading to Pottawatomie Park for a river cruise on the historic paddle boats. Looks like the rain is going to push through so as of now it’s a go. Be on the look out for my story