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. 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. 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.

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. He gigs regularly in and around Los Angeles, both solo and with his band, showcasing versatility across instruments like bass, guitar, and synth. Projects like the instrumental odyssey featuring collaborators highlight his compositional range.

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.

Fun Facts

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

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))
  • 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.

Feb 6, 2026· 21:12Music of Mass Distraction w/ Black Mold
life on the road 2.0
Dec 26, 2025· 20:11Music of Mass Distraction w/ Black Mold
I'm yosemite sam