matt bunsen & the burners

Biography

Matt Bunsen, originally known as Matt Silbert, emerged from the Boston music scene in the 1990s and early 2000s as the bassist for the well-known band Seks Bomba, establishing his foundation in rock and alternative sounds.[4] Relocating to Los Angeles, he transitioned into a singer-songwriter career, forming the Americana band Matt Bunsen & The Burners, where he performs frequently as a bassist on electric and upright, alongside vocals and songwriting.[1][7] His songwriting explores themes of drugs, enlightenment, emotional baggage, and storytelling, often blending humor with introspection, as evident in his 2023 release 'I Am Consumed,' his fourth album.[1][3][6]

Bunsen's musical style spans classic rock, classic funk, traditional jazz, jamband, instrumental rockers, and comedy, with a penchant for righteous 60s covers and songs originally by female vocalists.[1][5] He gigs regularly in and around Los Angeles, both solo and with his band, showcasing versatility across instruments like bass, guitar, and synth.[1][2] Projects like the instrumental odyssey featuring collaborators highlight his compositional range.[2]

Though not yet widely recognized beyond local scenes, Bunsen's persistent output and live performances contribute to a niche legacy in LA's Americana and rock circuits, with 'I Am Consumed' marking a recent milestone in his evolving catalog.[3][6]

Fun Facts

  • Matt Bunsen was assigned 'bass player' at birth and gigs on both electric and upright bass around Los Angeles.[1]
  • He writes songs about drugs and enlightenment, often in the same song, and enjoys covers from the 60s or originally by female vocalists.[1]
  • In his former life as Matt Silbert, he played bass in the Boston band Seks Bomba during the 90s and early 2000s.[4]
  • His band repertoire includes clever, humorous songs like 'Beer' and 'We All Gotta Die.'[7]

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

  • Chris Cote - guitar and vocals in instrumental project (Instrumental odyssey) [unspecified]
  • Matt Lomeo - harmonica and regular performer with Matt Bunsen & The Burners, vocals (I Am Consumed (2023)) [2023]
  • Craig Macintyre - drums in instrumental project (Instrumental odyssey) [unspecified]

References

  1. mattbunsen.com
  2. mattbunsen.com
  3. mattlomeo.com
  4. artsfuse.org
  5. mattbunsen.com
  6. musiflo.com
  7. voyagela.com

Heard on WWOZ

matt bunsen & the burners has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Feb 6, 202621:12life on the road 2.0Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold
Dec 26, 202520:11I'm yosemite samMusic of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold