Three coffee house standout artists will make a stop at the Troubadour in Los Angeles on July 25 — OC-grown Matt Costa, Americana band JD & The Straight Shot and New Jersey-bred singer-songwriter Matt Hartke.
The artist trio is a part of the SiriusXM Coffee House tour, which kicked off in Atlanta on May 30 and will conclude at the Music Box in San Diego on July 28.
Coming off a strong year of touring around his critically acclaimed album of California story songs Santa Rosa Fangs, Costa is set to release new music throughout 2019. Multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter Matt Hartke has been working under the radar writing for artists such as Adam Lambert, Avicii, Cash Cash, The Chainsmokers, Kygo, Max Martin, Matisyahu and Tiesto. Matt released his first single “Gold” in 2016 which steadily climbed up the Spotify charts, currently sitting with over 16 million plays.
Powerhouse folk rockers JD & The Straight Shot, who released the all-acoustic album The Great Divide in March, has toured with luminaries like the Eagles, Chicago, The Doobie Brothers, Keith Urban, Don Henley, Dixie Chicks, Jewel, Joe Walsh, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
JD & The Straight Shot is comprised of vocalist/guitarist Jim Dolan, guitarist/vocalist/mandolinist Marc Copely, upright bassist/banjoist Byron House, violinist/vocalist Erin Slaver, drummer/percussionist Shawn Pelton and guitarist/vocalist Carolyn Dawn Johnson.
Copely caught up with Backstage SoCal to discuss the current tour.
What inspired you to pursue music?
It really seemed like my only choice back in the day. Actually it was more like I had no choice.
How would you define JD & The Straight Shot’s style or genre?
Folk rock.
Who are the band’s influences that you feel has played a significant role in shaping your music?
Eagles, CSNY and Fleetwood Mac – to name a few.
What do your audiences experience at the SiriusXM Coffee House shows? How would you describe the band’s live shows?
Great story songs with unexpected musical twists and turns.
Songwriting process — lyrics or music first?
It can go either way.
What are some special memories of the SiriusXM Coffee House tour so far?
It’s been great getting to know the other artists and their bands.
What has been a “defining moment” in your career so far?
I guess years ago, when I started producing, I realized how much I love the collaborative process. I really enjoyed producing JD & The Straight Shot’s new album The Great Divide.
What do you do outside of music that helps generate your creativity?
Meditate and read.
What do you want people to know about JD & The Straight Shot?
This version of the band has been together now for over 5 years and we’re really hitting our stride. We have such a blast playing and creating music together. It’s a great time to come out and hear the band!
7/25 Los Angeles, CA at Troubadour
7/26 Santa Barbara, CA @Soho Santa Barbara
7/28 San Diego, CA @Music Box
For more info, visit www.siriusxm.com/thecoffeehouse
Matt Costa: www.mattcosta.com
JD & The Straight Shot: www.jdandthestraightshot.com
Matt Hartke: www.matthartke.com
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