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

July 11th

Rosewood Farm
Sugar Grove, IL - 5:00pm - FULL BAND

July 12th

Pollyanna Brewing Company
St. Charles, IL - 2:00pm

July 12th

The Law Office Pub and Music Hall
Yorkville, IL - 8:00pm

July 13th

Whiskey Bend
St. Charles, IL - 3:00pm

July 14th

City Of Geneva Golf Outing
Geneva, IL - 2:00PM

July 16th

Wine Down Wednesday Paddlewheel River Boat Cruise
*Pottawatomie Park* St. Charles, 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.

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
What an awesome few days up north! Michigan is so good for the soul. Grateful the kids have this magical place to spend parts of their summers. Proud dad moment watching my boy cast, get into and retrieve his first bass. Spinning reel and all! He was
Trying to take modeling cues from my boy 😂Another fun week of music gets rolling today. Join me if you can. - This afternoon WED 6/18 I’m going to be doing a solo set in the beer tent at the Swedish Days Festival in Geneva, IL! Music from 1-
Visit my website (link in bio) to stay up to date with my schedule! Working week gets rolling tonight. - Tonight 6/5 I’m @flagshiponthefox with tunes starting at 6pm! - FRI 6/6 you can find me at @thewineexchangestc for my first Fridays resid
Had the best damn experience @talkbackrecordingstudios last week! Five songs wrapped up in two days. Will be heading back in a few weeks to complete another five. Stoked on the approach, camaraderie and of what we achieved in such short order! One c
Had the pleasure of meeting Ric Derringer 12 + years ago and had him sign the white devil. Awful location choice by me as I went on to absolutely play the hell out of the guitar but I think it’s far more rock and roll than turning it into a mus
As I look at my American flag on Memorial Day weekend I’m overcome with immense and profound gratitude to those who gave their lives to make my freedom possible. Thank you is not enough. God Bless America and please remember why you have a long
Had an awesome start to my week on Monday at The Elgin Owl’s Club! Stoked to become a member. Working week rolls on tonight @flagshiponthefox! Their concert series is Wednesday and Thursday evenings and I’ll be on the covered patio quit