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.

Booking Inquiries

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

October 2nd - FRI

Wine Exchange
St. Charles, IL - 6:00pm

October 3rd - SAT

Sew Hop’d
Huntley, IL - 6pm

October 7th - WED

Livia Italian Eatery
Geneva, IL - 6:00pm

October 10th - SAT

Pollyanna Brewing Company
St. Charles, IL - 2pm

October 10th - SAT

The House Pub
St. Charles, IL - 9:30pm

October 11th - SUN

Scarecrow Festival - Lincoln Park Pavilion
St. Charles, IL - 12:30pm

New Album Out Now

Keen’s third solo record ‘Soul In You - Songs and Truths By Matt Keen’ is an 11 track, sonic journey. Recorded over two weeks in Cedar Rapids inside a repurposed school built in the early 1900’s. Once again it shows a willingness to grow and try new things in every aspect of his songwriting and musical approach. Clarinet, keys, sax and a generous helping of guitars are interwoven with the truths Keen sees in his world. Some of his best stuff to date. 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. 

Soul In you

  • The third release from Matt Keen. This was by far the best recording experience of my life. Made possible by funding from a believer and friend I was actually able to enjoy myself making this record and you can hear it in the songs. I don’t pander to anyone and these songs are literal therapy for me in different stages of my life. I hope that they can mean something to somebody out there.

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.

Love the @stcmoto_museum! Awesome place with a one off vibe for our area. If you haven’t been yet I hope you can join me tonight. Lots of Polish beers and liquor even some killer NA options 🙌🏼 cheers everybody music starts at 7pm!
Love playing my old @gibsonguitar so much! “Clarice” has become an extension of my soul and always has something new in store for me every time I pick er’ up. Feel incredibly blessed to do something I’m so passionate about. Ho
Lot of years making tunes with my brother @drewdoepke looking forward to more gigs this Spring and Summer. Come to @thewineexchangestc tonight 5/1 for my 1st Friday Residency. I have rehearsal for Daddy/Daughter dance so I’m going to be a lit
Just a few weeks till the boys and I take this stage again! @reggieslive was a home for @rebelsoulrevival and myself and we had some incredible times there through the years. I have been fortunate enough to work every possible stage and area there an
‘Restless Days’ is officially 6 years old. One of the more complete sonic thoughts I’ve put together. Still proud of these tunes and grateful to @evan_stock_music @proto_seth @amburstubbs66 for helping me bring it to life. Can&rsquo
Gorgeous Friday afternoon! Be sure to check my website for an up to date calendar and I hope to catch you at a gig this month. - FRI 4.3 First Friday Residency @thewineexchangestc 6-9pm! Come early if you would like to get a table. - SAT 4.4 I&rs