Matt Hires Kicks Off New Year With New EP; 'FOREVER'

F-Stop/Atlantic recording artist Matt Hires has announced the release of his eagerly awaited new EP. "FOREVER" will arrive on the iTunes Store and all leading DSPs on February 12th.

The "FOREVER" EP heralds the Tampa-based singer/songwriter's upcoming sophomore album, "THIS WORLD WON'T LAST FOREVER, BUT TONIGHT WE CAN PRETEND," slated for release later this year. The four-song collection is highlighted by the first single, "Restless Heart," which is available now via all DSPs. The bright and lively track recently had its world premiere via the influential MTV Buzzworthy Blog, which hailed it as "winsomely catchy... a rattling, strings-laden track" that displays Hires' "predilection towards finger-snapping, toe-tapping jangle-pop."

In addition, the "Restless Heart" Companion video clip debuted late last year exclusively on Hellogiggles.com and can currently be viewed at http://bit.ly/W1QHtz.
Hires will celebrate the release of the "FOREVER" EP with a full-scale U.S. tour itinerary, kicking off with a major New York City date alongside acclaimed British folk combo -- and fellow Atlantic recording artists -- The Staves, set for January 17th at Rockwood Music Hall. Next up is a hugely anticipated coast-to-coast trek supporting multi-platinum selling, GRAMMY award winning, Emblem/Atlantic recording group Matchbox Twenty. The tour is slated to get underway March 1st at Augusta, Maine's Augusta Civic Center and then continue through the month (see itinerary below). For up-to-the-minute tour information, please visit www.matthiresmusic.com.

"THIS WORLD WON'T LAST FOREVER, BUT TONIGHT WE CAN PRETEND" sees Hires driving his distinctive sound forward with grander arrangements, brighter hooks, and a more richly textured sonic approach. Produced by Eric Rosse (Tori Amos, Sara Bareilles), songs like "Restless Heart" and the sophisticated, string-laden "Forever" are alight with remarkable melodies and intricate harmonies, a stunning showcase for Hires' masterful vocal work and unwavering artistic integrity.

"My favorite artists are the ones who keep making records that give you something different from what came before," says Hires, "but still hold onto their own unique sound overall. With this album, I pushed into the direction of making music that's more fun and pop-oriented but also retains that sense of honesty that I've always valued as a songwriter."
Hailed for his golden voice and knack for introspective and infectious tunecraft, Matt Hires is unquestionably among today's most compelling new singer/songwriters. "TAKE US TO THE START," the Tampa-based troubadour's F-Stop/Atlantic debut, hit the top 10 on iTunes' overall "Top Albums" chart and debuted in the upper half of the Billboard 200 upon its release in 2009. Among the album's highlights were a series of songs -- including "Out Of The Dark," "Turn The Page" and "Perfect Day" -- which have since been featured in episodes of ABC's Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice.

"TAKE US TO THE START" also received extensive critical praise. People hailed the collection, noting "on the opening cut of his debut, Hires requests, 'Honey, Let Me Sing You a Song.' With his folky pop and aching croon, how could you deny him?" Creative Loafing commended the album as "cleverly-crafted and interesting, full of sincerity and catchy melodies highlighted by (Hires') enveloping, gravelly tenor."

A charming and charismatic live performer, Hires has spent much of the past three years on the road, headlining countless shows as well as touring with like-minded artists such as Paolo Nutini, Marc Broussard, Eric Hutchinson, O.A.R. and NeedtoBreathe.
(TOUR ITINERARY BELOW)

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