" target="_blank">
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
MATTHEW CLOUGH
SINGER-SONGWRITER, ALL-AGES ENTERTAINER
By Amy Crelly
"A few years ago I began playing guitar and singing to inspire my students to read and write," says Matthew, a full-time special needs teacher. He began writing music for friends, "parents," he says, "who were tired of hearing the same old kids' music (music that made them want to pull their hair out)." Matthew's calendar quickly filled with family-friendly gigs, and he and his band, The Cloud Nines, have since performed hundreds of shows, helping a variety of wonderful causes, and recorded a CD, The Sky's the Limit.
"One time..."
Matthew took his students on a field trip recently to a Shriners Children's Hospital, where they performed for the patients. "Watching the children edge toward the center of the building, gazing down with smiles on their faces and clapping hands-that was an amazing experience... I really felt the power of music."
Party like a pro
"Make sure you involve the child in the planning process," says Matthew. "Ask them what they want to do. More than likely it will be simpler than what you have in mind."
Icing on the cupcake
Check out Matthew's whimsical lyrics ("I Guess I'll Move to the Moon" is extra funny-sweet), download a free MP3, and glimpse upcoming shows at www.MatthewClough.com
Local musician Matthew Clough
builds community through music:
Teacher raises funds for children's hospital tour
By NEESA SONOQUIE - The Buzz
CHICO-Two years ago special education teacher Matthew Clough brought a guitar into the classroom to get his students inspired about their own writing. A hit CD and an endless string of charity-fueled shows later, Clough is getting ready to embark on his biggest project yet.
This spring he will be playing his unique version of family folk rock at venues throughout Chico in order to raise money for a summer California children's hospital tour. "These kids need as much positivity as they can get, and what better form of light than music?" Clough said.
Playing for a cause is nothing new to Clough. His first show was born out of a child in need of a kidney transplant. As part of a student service learning project his students turned their poetry into song and were able to raise enough money for the operation.
"I try to make light of serious situations through my music. It is geared for all ages, and often comical, but it still retains a complex musicianship" he said.
His CD, recorded in San Luis Obispo with friend and sometimes bandmate Butch Boswell, is titled "The Sky's The Limit" and has been named the best new American kids rock album of 2008/2009 by about.com.
Bringing families and community together through music has always been the goal for Clough. "Most of my friends have kids, and when I started writing songs geared toward children they begged me to make a CD that wouldn't drive parents crazy. The charity work just seemed like a natural progression," Clough said.
He works exclusively with Ability First, a local sports and recreation organization for youths with physical disabilities, but has since branched out to raise awareness for other issues, such as Sustainable Haiti, child abuse prevention and breast cancer.
"Community members are beginning to come to me when they have a specific issue that needs publicity and funds. The point is getting people involved and getting to know each other through helping others," he said.
Also on the horizon is a world wide writing project in which schools from all over the world will submit original poetry and literature to be transformed into music with the hopes to inspire people to write and share beyond their familiar boundaries. Clough wants to remind people that we are part of a global community, not simply the town or area in which we live.
"When people hear the term 'kids' album' they think Little Bo Peep. My music is more like adult music for kids. Everything has a message -- I try to shine light on serious situations by using playful lyrics as a metaphor for heavier themes such as loss, not giving up, and moderation," Clough said.
Clough, in association with Chico Montessori Elementary School, played Jan. 9 at The Beatniks Coffee House, to raise money for a friend and local teacher struggling with breast cancer. He will be joined by his often guest-bandmates John Seid and Lee Holbrook for this family-friendly show.
And don't miss Clough this spring as he performs locally to raise funds for his summer children's hospital tour. With 13 hospitals already confirmed, "I want Chico to feel a part of putting smiles on these kids' faces," he said.
To purchase the CD, get information on shows and tours, hear samples of songs and view live videos, visit www.matthewclough.com. Proceeds of the albums sold will also go toward the tour.