Matt Heaton plays high energy, engaging music for discerning kids and the grown-ups who love them. 

With his bright orange rockabilly guitar, wry sense of humor, and formidable songwriting chops, he delivers smart little songs about big things. It’s like spinach tucked in a smoothie! While kids dance and giggle, they also learn simple math, how to share and be kind, how to rhyme. (He also shares his love of great music with some choice covers; and good hygiene tips with crowd favorite, Don’t Drink the Water that Your Butt’s Been In.)
 

For some of the grooves and messages, he digs into his own childhood media memories of Sesame Street, Mister Rogers, the Muppet Show, Free to Be You & Me, and the Electric Company. 
 

Before Matt turned his attention to music for families—which he did when his kid was a toddler with a LOT of energy to channel—he played traditional Irish music with his flute player wife Shannon, electric guitar with his surf rock trio The Electric Heaters, and picked up a Master’s degree in classical guitar.  He still does these things. But he spends a lot more time on the early morning stage with families, playing shows solo and with his crackerjack band, the Outside Toys.
 

Since beginning his family music career, Matt has released four full-length albums, two EPs, won numerous grants and awards, and been featured on NPR’s Planet Money. When Covid hit, he launched Mornings with Matt, the livestream which ran for nearly 400 episodes and became a pandemic lifeline for many families with young children. In the process, he developed an even deeper conviction in the power of bringing people together through music—in community singalongs and in kitchens. It reinforced his belief that kids deserve smart, honest songs to help explore big and small ideas. 

 

Matt performs in libraries, theaters. He’s even launched family friendly series in pubs. And he’s still trying to help his (now teenage) son burn off some energy! 

 

Reviews: 

 

“Children's music that never talks down to its audience, delivered with genuine musicality and a keen ear for memorable hooks.”

Dez Staunton, Electric Kids Music

 

“Matt Heaton has been using a little bit of surf rock, a little bit of rockabilly and some Muppet-esque humor to foster a kid-tested, parent-approved scene…”
Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald

“Matt uses Snow Day! as an opportunity to deliver some seasonal chestnuts with flavor and passion.”
Jeffrey Cohen, GeekDad

“This cd is a welcome addition to the genre, and one that your whole family will enjoy singing to on the road (or at home). It's creative, interesting, full of familiar and new songs, and a great deal of fun. Highly recommended!”
Jesse Voights, Wandering Educators

“Heaton (is) offering cabin-feverish kids some age-appropriate entertainment — and maybe giving parents a little respite in the process.”

Zoe Madonna, Boston Globe 

 

"Recommended..  rockabilly sound on prominent display.. and Heaton's Americana/folk music instrumental chops are put to good use.”

Stefan Shepard, ZooGlooble