Travis Matte

Biography

Travis Matte is a multi-instrumentalist Cajun and zydeco musician born in 1973 in Church Point, Louisiana, who grew up immersed in Cajun French culture and music. He initially established himself as a top Cajun fiddler before expanding his musical horizons by mastering the accordion and forming Travis Matte and the Zydeco Kingpins, a band that blends traditional Cajun influences with contemporary party music. Over the past decade, Matte has built a successful career performing at dance halls and festivals throughout South Louisiana and Southeast Texas, becoming known for energetic party songs that honor the 1960s Cajun dance hall tradition while incorporating modern sensibilities.

Matte's musical style reflects the sound of 1960s Cajun dance halls, an era that deeply influenced him despite being born after that period. His work as a multi-instrumentalist demonstrates technical proficiency across multiple instruments, and his band has become a fixture in the regional South Louisiana music scene. Matte has earned significant recognition within the Cajun music community, including multiple Fiddler of the Year awards from the Cajun French Music Association, cementing his status as a respected figure in preserving and evolving Cajun musical traditions.

Fun Facts

• Travis Matte won Fiddler of the Year from the Cajun French Music Association multiple times (1994, 1997, 1998, and 2001), demonstrating sustained excellence in his instrument
• Despite being born in 1973, Matte's musical style and influences are rooted in the 1960s Cajun dance hall era, which he studied and emulated throughout his career
• Matte transitioned from being primarily known as a fiddle player to mastering the accordion and leading his own band, showing significant musical versatility and ambition
• His party songs like 'Vibrator,' 'Booty Call,' and 'Tiger Tailgate' represent a modern approach to Cajun music that bridges traditional dance hall sounds with contemporary entertainment

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Musical family and Cajun French heritage - Grew up in a musical family with parents who spoke Cajun French, providing foundational cultural and musical education (Early musical development) [1973-1990s]

Key Collaborators

• The Zydeco Kingpins - Band members of Travis Matte and the Zydeco Kingpins (Party songs including 'Vibrator,' 'Booty Call,' 'Tawanna,' and 'Tiger Tailgate') [2000s-2010s]
• Lagniappe - Collaborative recording project ('A la Vielle Maniere' (The Old Way) with Jason Frey) [2001]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Mardi Gras Parade (10)
2. Bring Your Drunk A*s Home (Hip Hop Zyderock)
3. La Danse Des Mardi Gras (Old Time Cajun Songs)
4. Miss You (Hip Hop Zyderock)
5. Too Fat To Wear That (Hip Hop Zyderock)
6. Camel Toe (Hip Hop Zyderock)
7. Booty Call 2008 (Hip Hop Zyderock)
8. Let's Get Nasty (Hip Hop Zyderock)
9. Not Lonesome Anymore (Sounds of the 1960's Cajun Dance Halls)
10. Musicians Waltz (Old Time Cajun Songs)

External Links

• Spotify
• [Wikipedia](Not found in search results)