Celebrated Canadian musician Matt Andersen unveils “Only an Island” from his upcoming album, The Big Bottle of Joy, out March 10th on Sonic Records. “Only an Island” finds the acclaimed singer/songwriter/guitarist lamenting love lost with the gentler side of his powerful vocals. About “Only an Island” Andersen says, “I toured with Port Cities a few years back, I heard them do this song and fell in love with it. If you’ve got a person in your life, hang onto them.” Watch the “Only an Island” video HERE and listen via DSPs HERE. Pre-order The Big Bottle of Joy via the official merch store HERE.
While “Only an Island” captures the softer moments of Andersen and his band, The Big Bottle of Joy album is essentially a celebration. The release features stirring songs infused with soulful blues, rollicking Americana, thoughtful folk, and ecstatic gospel. And throughout, Andersen conveys joy in the life we all share together.
The exhilarating songs on the album would not be possible if it weren't for the sheer talent of the eight piece band The Big Bottle of Joy. Andersen says, “Somebody told me a long time ago that when you put a band together, you need to make yourself the weakest musician. So that's always what I've done. And they're all just absolutely monstrous at what they do.” Musicians Geoff Arsenault (drums), Mike Farrington Jr. (bass), Kim Dunn (piano), Cory Tetford (guitar) and Chris Kirby (organ, piano) are the perfect accompaniments to Andersen’s lead vocals, which easily shift from forceful and booming to delicate and serene. The moving harmonies of Reeny, Haliey and Micah Smith add both intensity and joy to every note.
Matt Andersen has earned every fan through decades of touring across the globe, from small dimly lit clubs to majestic theaters and major festivals, delivering soulful performances that run the gamut from intimate to wall-shaking. He has amassed over 23 million streams on Spotify and 26 million views on YouTube. In addition to headlining major festivals, clubs and theatres throughout North America, Europe and Australia, he has shared the stage and toured with Marcus King, Beth Hart, Marty Stuart, Greg Allman, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Randy Bachman, Jonny Lang, Serena Ryder, and more. Andersen nabbed the 2013 and 2016 European Blues Awards for Best Solo/Acoustic Act, was the first ever Canadian to take home top honors in the solo category at the 2010 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, won the CIMA Road Gold award in 2015, and has won multiple Maple Blues Awards. The Big Bottle of Joy is Andersen’s 10th studio album and follows 2022’s acclaimed House to House.
Catch Matt Andersen on tour in February, with Mariel Buckley in support. See full list of tour dates below.
Feb 1 - Seattle, WA - Triple Door
Feb 2 - Portland, OR - Alberta Rose Theatre
Feb 3 - Lincoln City, OR - Lincoln City Cultural Center
Feb 4 - Eugene, OR - WOW Hall
Feb 5 - Baker City, OR - Churchill School
Feb 7 - Felton, CA - Felton Music Hall
Feb 8 - Novato, CA - HopMonk Tavern
Feb 9 – Venice, CA - The Venice West
Feb 10 - Los Angeles, CA - Hotel Cafe
Feb 11 – Tucson, AZ – 191 Toole
Feb 13 - Santa Fe, NM – Tumbleroot Brewery
Feb 14 - Denver, CO - Soiled Dove
Feb 15 - Salina, KS - Stiefel Theatre
Feb 16 - Kansas City, MO - Knuckleheads
Feb 17 - Dallas, TX - Poor David’s Pub
Feb 18 - Austin, TX - Cactus Cafe
Feb 19 - The Woodlands, TX - Dosey Doe - The Big Barn
Feb 21 - Decatur, GA - Eddie’s Attic
Feb 22 - Nashville, TN - City Winery Lounge
Feb 23 - St Louis, MO - Blue Strawberry
