If you are a fan of the likes of Kodaline or James Bay then new release ‘Runaway Road’ by Mat Hook will be right up your street. Released earlier this year, ‘Runaway Road’ is the first solo single that Mat Hook has released since his departure from well-known sheffield band Kartica.
Recorded as a live acoustic version at Son of the City Studio, Mat Hook is excited to announce his new sound as a solo artist. While also re-releasing his favourite Kartica song ‘Dare to Dream’, Mat demonstrates his creativity and passion for reentering the music scene and simplifying his sound.
While relaying the chronicles of his emotional journey that has brought Mat to release as a solo artist, he focuses on a relaxed style that resonates through his persona and performance. Demonstrating Mats deeper vocal tone, ‘Runaway Road’ is a ballet that is simplistic but features a memorable melody throughout. Highlighting the rougher edges of his voice, ‘Runaway Road’ allows Mat to apply character and depth to the song both melodically and lyrically.
What inspired Mat to begin to song write and release as a solo artist was his involvement with 7 aside football. Starting up his own team, Mat Hook both plays and supervises the team and has built a community team based in Sheffield. The success of the team has inspired Mat to build projects on his own and follow his own creativity.
Mat has been on a mission to rediscover his self-esteem and threw himself into new challenges, bringing fresh ideas to football and his music. After just three years, Kickabout Sheffield has 28 men’s teams on its showpiece Wednesday night, with a further 10 in a smaller ‘Summer only’ league. These include some of the best amateur, semi-pro, (and even a few professional) footballers, in the city. Mat also recently launched a new women’s 6 a side division that has spawned from their weekly casual sessions and now further bolsters Sheffield’s football community.
With this fresh start comes fresh sounds and songs that you will be sorry if you miss. To listen to Mat Hooks new solo single ‘Runaway Road’, follow the links below:
Words by Carmen Lees-Green