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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{other people}}
{{Short description|American musician}}{{other people}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Matt Sweeney
| name = Matt Sweeney
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| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Sweeney performing with Chavez in 2011
| caption = Sweeney performing with Chavez in 2011
| background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
| birth_name =
| birth_name = Matthew D Sweeney
| alias =
| alias =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|7|2}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|7|2}}
| birth_place = [[New Jersey]], [[United States]]
| birth_place = [[New Jersey]], United States
| origin =
| origin =
| genre =
| genre =
| occupation = Musician
| occupation = Musician, record producer
| instrument = [[Guitar]], [[bass guitar]]
| instrument = Guitar
| years_active = 1989–present
| years_active = 1989–present
| label = [[Twin-Tone]]<br/>[[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]
| label = {{hlist|[[Twin-Tone]]|[[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]}}
| associated_acts = [[Skunk (band)|Skunk]]<br/>[[Chavez (band)|Chavez]]<br/>[[Zwan]]<br/>[[Bonnie 'Prince' Billy]]<br/>[[Iggy Pop]]<br/>[[Jake Bugg]]<br/>[[Queens of the Stone Age]]
| associated_acts = {{hlist|[[Skunk (band)|Skunk]]|[[Chavez (band)|Chavez]]|[[Neil Diamond]]|[[Kid Rock]]|[[Zwan]]|[[Bonnie 'Prince' Billy]]|[[Iggy Pop]]|[[Jake Bugg]]|[[Queens of the Stone Age]]}}
| website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
| website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
}}
}}


'''Matt Sweeney''' (born July 2, 1969) is an American [[guitarist]], [[vocalist]], and [[Record producer|producer]] best known known as a guitarist of [[Skunk (band)|Skunk]], [[Chavez (band)|Chavez]], and supergroup [[Zwan]].<ref name=VillageVoice-Groban-2010>{{cite news|last1=Cohan|first1=Brad|title=Q&A: Chavez's Matt Sweeney On How He Ended Up Working With Josh Groban|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/music/qanda-chavezs-matt-sweeney-on-how-he-ended-up-working-with-josh-groban-6646062|accessdate=14 September 2015|work=[[Village Voice]]|date=23 December 2010}}</ref>
'''Matt Sweeney''' (born July 2, 1969) is an American musician and record producer best known as a guitarist of [[Skunk (band)|Skunk]], [[Chavez (band)|Chavez]], and supergroup [[Zwan]].<ref name=VillageVoice-Groban-2010>{{cite news|last1=Cohan|first1=Brad|title=Q&A: Chavez's Matt Sweeney On How He Ended Up Working With Josh Groban|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/music/qanda-chavezs-matt-sweeney-on-how-he-ended-up-working-with-josh-groban-6646062|access-date=September 14, 2015|work=[[Village Voice]]|date=December 23, 2010}}</ref>


== Early life and education ==
== Early life and education ==
Sweeney was born in [[New Jersey]]. His father was John D. Sweeney, a professor of Medieval English at [[Seton Hall University]] who was also an avid musician.<ref name=SetonHall-SweeneyFather-2014>{{cite web|last1=Esteban|first1=Gabriel|title=Death of Professor John D. Sweeney|url=http://blogs.shu.edu/alumni/2014/09/10/death-of-professor-john-d-sweeney/|website=[[Seton Hall University]]|accessdate=14 September 2015|date=10 September 2014}}</ref><ref name=HolleFamily-SweeneyFather-Obit-2014>{{cite web|title=Prof. John D. Sweeney|url=http://obit.jacobhollefuneralhome.com/obit_display.cgi?id=1418791|website=The Holle Family|accessdate=14 September 2015}}</ref> His mother, [[Katharine Sweeney Hayden]], is a federal judge.<ref name=WTFMarcMaron-Sweeney-2015>{{cite news|last1=Maron|first1=Marc|title=Episode 637 - Matt Sweeney|url=http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/episode_637_-_matt_sweeney|accessdate=14 September 2015|work=[[WTF with Marc Maron]]|date=14 September 2015}}</ref> Sweeney's parents divorced after 20 years of marriage.<ref name=NYTimes-JudgeHayden-1995>{{cite news|last1=Hoffman|first1=Jan|title=Judge Hayden's Family Values|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/15/magazine/judge-hayden-s-family-values.html?pagewanted=all|accessdate=14 September 2015|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 October 1995}}</ref> He has an older brother, Gregory Sweeney, who is a musician who works on the TV show ''[[Kitchen Nightmares]].''<ref name=SetonHall-SweeneyFather-2014 /><ref name=WTFMarcMaron-Sweeney-2015 />
Sweeney was born in [[New Jersey]]. His father was John D. Sweeney, a professor of Medieval English at [[Seton Hall University]] who was also an avid musician.<ref name=SetonHall-SweeneyFather-2014>{{cite web|last1=Esteban|first1=Gabriel|title=Death of Professor John D. Sweeney|url=http://blogs.shu.edu/alumni/2014/09/10/death-of-professor-john-d-sweeney/|website=[[Seton Hall University]]|access-date=September 14, 2015|date=September 10, 2014}}</ref><ref name=HolleFamily-SweeneyFather-Obit-2014>{{cite web|title=Prof. John D. Sweeney|url=http://obit.jacobhollefuneralhome.com/obit_display.cgi?id=1418791|website=The Holle Family|access-date=September 14, 2015}}</ref> His mother, [[Katharine Sweeney Hayden]], is a federal judge.<ref name=WTFMarcMaron-Sweeney-2015>{{cite news|last1=Maron|first1=Marc|title=Episode 637 – Matt Sweeney|url=http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/episode_637_-_matt_sweeney|access-date=September 14, 2015|work=[[WTF with Marc Maron]]|date=September 14, 2015}}</ref> Sweeney's parents divorced after 20 years of marriage.<ref name=NYTimes-JudgeHayden-1995>{{cite news|last1=Hoffman|first1=Jan|title=Judge Hayden's Family Values|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/15/magazine/judge-hayden-s-family-values.html?pagewanted=all|access-date=September 14, 2015|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=October 15, 1995}}</ref> He has an older brother, Gregory Sweeney, who is a musician who works on the TV show ''[[Kitchen Nightmares]].''<ref name=SetonHall-SweeneyFather-2014 /><ref name=WTFMarcMaron-Sweeney-2015 />


He grew up in [[Maplewood, New Jersey|Maplewood]] and [[South Orange, New Jersey|South Orange]], [[New Jersey]]. He attended [[Northwestern University]] before dropping out.<ref name=WTFMarcMaron-Sweeney-2015 />
He grew up in [[Maplewood, New Jersey|Maplewood]] and [[South Orange, New Jersey|South Orange]], [[New Jersey]]. He attended [[Northwestern University]] before dropping out.<ref name=WTFMarcMaron-Sweeney-2015 />


== Career ==
== Career ==
Sweeney's high school band [[Skunk (band)|Skunk]] released two albums on Twin/Tone records ("Last American Virgin" in 1989 and the posthumous "Laid", both out of print). In the nineties he recorded and performed as a singer and guitarist with [[math rock]] band [[Chavez (band)|Chavez]], releasing a seven-inch ("Repeat the Ending" b/w "Hack the Sides Away") two albums (1995's ''[[Gone Glimmering]]'' and 1996's ''[[Ride the Fader]]'') and one EP (1995"s ''Pentagram Ring'') on the Matador label. Chavez did several short tours in the United States and Europe between 1994 and 1997.<ref name=Pitchfork-Chavez-2006>{{cite news|last1=LeMay|first1=Matt|title=Interviews: Chavez|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/interviews/6502-chavez/|accessdate=14 September 2015|work=[[Pitchfork Media]]|date=8 December 2006}}</ref> When Chavez slowed down Sweeney filled in on bass guitar for [[Guided By Voices]] on the "[[Under the Bushes, Under the Stars]]" tour. He also provided vocals on the song "Quicksilver" on Guided By Voices leader [[Robert Pollard]]'s first solo album ''[[Not In My Airforce]]'' LP. The late '90s found him continuing to work a day job and touring with [[Bonnie 'Prince' Billy]] as a guitarist.
Sweeney's high school band [[Skunk (band)|Skunk]] released two albums on Twin/Tone records ("Last American Virgin" in 1989 and the posthumous "Laid", both out of print). In the nineties he recorded and performed as a singer and guitarist with [[math rock]] band [[Chavez (band)|Chavez]], releasing a seven-inch ("Repeat the Ending" b/w "Hack the Sides Away") two albums (1995's ''[[Gone Glimmering]]'' and 1996's ''[[Ride the Fader]]'') and one EP (1995"s ''Pentagram Ring'') on the Matador label. Chavez did several short tours in the United States and Europe between 1994 and 1997.<ref name=Pitchfork-Chavez-2006>{{cite news|last1=LeMay|first1=Matt|title=Interviews: Chavez|url=http://pitchfork.com/features/interviews/6502-chavez/|access-date=14 September 2015|work=[[Pitchfork Media]]|date=8 December 2006}}</ref> When Chavez slowed down Sweeney filled in on bass guitar for [[Guided By Voices]] on the "[[Under the Bushes, Under the Stars]]" tour. He also provided vocals on the song "Quicksilver" on Guided By Voices leader [[Robert Pollard]]'s first solo album ''[[Not in My Airforce]]'' LP. The late '90s found him continuing to work a day job and touring with [[Bonnie 'Prince' Billy]] as a guitarist.


Sweeney's work has taken him across a variety of musical genres. Starting in 2000 he turned up on [[Cat Power]]'s ''[[The Covers Record]]'', playing guitar on "Salty Dog", and a couple of Bonnie "Prince" Billy singles (percussion on "A Whorehouse is Any House" and guitar and vocals on "Little Boy Blue"). In 2001 he started playing and writing with [[Billy Corgan]] and [[Jimmy Chamberlin]] in what was to become [[Zwan]]. He collaborated with Billy Corgan on the soundtrack to the movie ''[[Spun]]'', singing the movie's opening song, a cover of Iron Maiden"s "Number of the Beast". He was also featured as a guitarist and backing vocalist on Bonnie "Prince" Billy's ''Ease Down The Road'' album. He lent a helping hand to [[Dave Grohl]] in assembling the all-star heavy metal album [[Probot]], tracking down the legendary singers and providing some guitar work (the Probot album was not released until 2004, on [[Southern Lord]] records). Sweeney recorded and toured with Zwan from late 2001-2003. He is credited as providing guitar, vocal, and some songwriting on Zwan's album ''[[Mary Star of the Sea (album)|Mary Star of the Sea]]''.
Sweeney's work has taken him across a variety of musical genres. Starting in 2000 he turned up on [[Cat Power]]'s ''[[The Covers Record]]'', playing guitar on "Salty Dog", and a couple of Bonnie "Prince" Billy singles (percussion on "A Whorehouse Is Any House" and guitar and vocals on "Little Boy Blue"). In 2001 he started playing and writing with [[Billy Corgan]] and [[Jimmy Chamberlin]] in what was to become [[Zwan]]. He collaborated with Billy Corgan on the soundtrack to the movie ''[[Spun]]'', singing the movie's opening song, a cover of Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast". He was also featured as a guitarist and backing vocalist on Bonnie "Prince" Billy's ''Ease Down The Road'' album. He lent a helping hand to [[Dave Grohl]] in assembling the all-star heavy metal album [[Probot]], tracking down the legendary singers and providing some guitar work (the Probot album was not released until 2004, on [[Southern Lord]] records). Sweeney recorded and toured with Zwan from late 2001–2003. He is credited as providing guitar, vocal, and some songwriting on Zwan's album ''[[Mary Star of the Sea (album)|Mary Star of the Sea]]''.


After Zwan's breakup, Sweeney played guitar with Bonnie "Prince" Billy for several tours in 2004. January 2005 saw the release of their collaboration ''[[Superwolf]]'' on [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]].<ref name=GQ-ReturnSuperwolf-2011>{{cite news|last1=Welch|first1=Will|title=Return of the Superwolf: An Interview with Will Oldham and Matt Sweeney|url=https://www.gq.com/story/will-oldham-matt-sweeney-superwolf-interview|accessdate=14 September 2015|work=[[Gentleman's Quarterly]]|date=14 July 2011}}</ref><ref name=AquariumDrunkard-Interview-2011>{{cite news|last1=Aquarium Drunkard|title=Matt Sweeney :: The AD Interview|url=http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2011/06/07/matt-sweeney-the-ad-interview/|accessdate=14 September 2015|work=Aquarium Drunkard|date=7 June 2011}}</ref> Sweeney and Bonnie toured behind the Superwolf record in the U.S. and Europe. 2005 also saw Sweeney producing [[Brooklyn, NY]] [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] band [[Early Man (band)|Early Man]]'s debut album, ''[[Closing In]]''. The following year found Sweeney working in both the country music and hip-hop scenes, providing guitar work, along with [[Mike Campbell (musician)|Mike Campbell]] and [[Smokey Hormel]] on the [[Johnny Cash]] album, ''[[American V: A Hundred Highways]]'' and appearing with [[Yo La Tengo]] bass player [[James McNew]] and [[Definitive Jux|Def Jux]] founder [[El-P]], as guest artists on the first track of rapper [[Cage (rapper)|Cage]]'s album ''[[Hell's Winter]]''. He also played guitar on the [[Dixie Chicks]] ''[[Taking the Long Way]]'' album. In addition, he became a member of apocalyptic Christian folk legends [[Current 93]] touring group, playing shows in Europe in support of the ''[[Black Ships Ate The Sky]]'' album. He also recorded with long-time friend [[Andrew W.K.]] for W.K.'s ''[[Close Calls With Brick Walls]]'' album.
After Zwan's breakup, Sweeney played guitar with Bonnie "Prince" Billy for several tours in 2004. January 2005 saw the release of their collaboration ''[[Superwolf]]'' on [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]].<ref name=GQ-ReturnSuperwolf-2011>{{cite news|last1=Welch|first1=Will|title=Return of the Superwolf: An Interview with Will Oldham and Matt Sweeney|url=https://www.gq.com/story/will-oldham-matt-sweeney-superwolf-interview|access-date=September 14, 2015|work=[[Gentleman's Quarterly]]|date=July 14, 2011}}</ref><ref name=AquariumDrunkard-Interview-2011>{{cite news|last1=Aquarium Drunkard|title=Matt Sweeney :: The AD Interview|url=http://www.aquariumdrunkard.com/2011/06/07/matt-sweeney-the-ad-interview/|access-date=September 14, 2015|work=Aquarium Drunkard|date=June 7, 2011}}</ref> Sweeney and Bonnie toured behind the Superwolf record in the U.S. and Europe. 2005 also saw Sweeney producing heavy metal band [[Early Man (band)|Early Man]]'s debut album, ''[[Closing In]]''. The following year found Sweeney working in both the country music and hip-hop scenes, providing guitar work, along with [[Mike Campbell (musician)|Mike Campbell]] and [[Smokey Hormel]], on the [[Johnny Cash]] album ''[[American V: A Hundred Highways]]'' and appearing with [[Yo La Tengo]] bass player [[James McNew]] and [[Definitive Jux|Def Jux]] founder [[El-P]], as guest artists on the first track of rapper [[Cage (rapper)|Cage]]'s album ''[[Hell's Winter]]''. He also played guitar on the [[Dixie Chicks]]' ''[[Taking the Long Way]]'' album. In addition, he became a member of apocalyptic Christian folk legends [[Current 93]]'s touring group, playing shows in Europe in support of the ''[[Black Ships Ate The Sky]]'' album. He also recorded with longtime friend [[Andrew W.K.]] for W.K.'s ''[[Close Calls With Brick Walls]]'' album.


In 2007 Sweeney again collaborated with [[El-P]], this time alongside [[Omar Rodríguez-López]] and [[Cedric Bixler-Zavala]] of [[Mars Volta]], on El-P's 2007 album, ''[[I'll Sleep When You're Dead]]''.
In 2007 Sweeney again collaborated with [[El-P]], this time alongside [[Omar Rodríguez-López]] and [[Cedric Bixler-Zavala]] of [[Mars Volta]], on El-P's 2007 album, ''[[I'll Sleep When You're Dead]]''.


In early 2009 Sweeney formed The Brill Sisters with Andrew W.K. and producer [[Don Fleming (musician)|Don Fleming]]. They played their first show (without Fleming) at Santos Party House on April 2, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOVXsT4paGM |title=The Brill Sisters (Minus One) - The Grey Funnel Line |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date= |accessdate=2020-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG-swcgnI58 |title=The Brill Sisters (Minus One) - Spontaneous Boogie |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date=2009-04-04 |accessdate=2020-03-31}}</ref> The entire group performed on April 21.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0roswTNNcQ |title=YouTube |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date= |accessdate=2020-03-31}}</ref>
In early 2009 Sweeney formed The Brill Sisters with Andrew W.K. and producer [[Don Fleming (musician)|Don Fleming]]. They played their first show (without Fleming) at Santos Party House on April 2, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOVXsT4paGM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/XOVXsT4paGM |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=The Brill Sisters (Minus One) – The Grey Funnel Line |publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=March 31, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG-swcgnI58 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/BG-swcgnI58 |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=The Brill Sisters (Minus One) – Spontaneous Boogie |publisher=[[YouTube]] |date=April 4, 2009 |access-date=March 31, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The entire group performed on April 21.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0roswTNNcQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/I0roswTNNcQ |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=YouTube |publisher=[[YouTube]] |access-date=March 31, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


In 2016, Sweeney toured with [[Iggy Pop]], [[Josh Homme]] as well as [[Matt Helders]] to support their album ''[[Post Pop Depression]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/24/arts/music/iggy-pop-josh-homme-post-pop-depression.html|title=Iggy Pop and Josh Homme Team Up for Secret Album|date=January 24, 2016|work=The New York Times|accessdate=January 21, 2016}}</ref>
In 2016, Sweeney toured with [[Iggy Pop]], [[Josh Homme]] as well as [[Matt Helders]] to support their album ''[[Post Pop Depression]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/24/arts/music/iggy-pop-josh-homme-post-pop-depression.html|title=Iggy Pop and Josh Homme Team Up for Secret Album|date=January 24, 2016|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 21, 2016}}</ref>


=== Production work ===
=== Production work ===
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=== Session work ===
=== Session work ===
In tune with his many collaborations, an unlikely combination of Sweeney and [[Neil Diamond]] was proposed by seminal producer [[Rick Rubin]] in 2008 to follow up Diamond's Rubin-produced 2005 album ''[[12 Songs (Neil Diamond album)|12 Songs]]''.<ref name=Billboard-NeilDiamond-2008>{{cite news|last1=Cohen|first1=Jonathan|title=Matt Sweeney Makes Unlikely Neil Diamond Sideman|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045418/matt-sweeney-makes-unlikely-neil-diamond-sideman|accessdate=14 September 2015|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=13 May 2008}}</ref> The 2008 album ''[[Home Before Dark]]'', released on the 12th of May, features Sweeney on all songs.
In tune with his many collaborations, an unlikely combination of Sweeney and [[Neil Diamond]] was proposed by seminal producer [[Rick Rubin]] in 2008 to follow up Diamond's Rubin-produced 2005 album ''[[12 Songs (Neil Diamond album)|12 Songs]]''.<ref name=Billboard-NeilDiamond-2008>{{cite magazine|last1=Cohen|first1=Jonathan|title=Matt Sweeney Makes Unlikely Neil Diamond Sideman|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045418/matt-sweeney-makes-unlikely-neil-diamond-sideman|access-date=September 14, 2015|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=May 13, 2008}}</ref> The 2008 album ''[[Home Before Dark]]'', released on May 12, features Sweeney on all songs.


Sweeney also plays guitar on [[Kid Rock]]'s 2010 album ''Born Free''.
Sweeney also plays guitar on [[Kid Rock]]'s 2010 album ''[[Born Free (Kid Rock album)|Born Free]]''.


==Discography==
== Discography ==


=== Skunk ===
=== Skunk ===
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*''Gone Glimmering'' (1995) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''Gone Glimmering'' (1995) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''Ride The Fader'' (1996) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''Ride The Fader'' (1996) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''Better Days Will Haunt You'' Best Of Compilation CD/DVD (2006) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''Better Days Will Haunt You'' best-of compilation CD/DVD (2006) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''Repeat the Ending'' EP (1994) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''Repeat the Ending'' EP (1994) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''Pentagram Ring'' EP (1995) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''Pentagram Ring'' EP (1995) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''What's Up Matador?'' feat. "Theme From 'For Russ' (1995) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''What's Up Matador?'' feat. "Theme from 'For Russ{{'"}} (1995) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''School House Rock'' feat. "Little Twelve Toes" (1996) [[Atlantic Records]]
*''School House Rock'' feat. "Little Twelve Toes" (1996) [[Atlantic Records]]
*''Boys Making Music, Music Making Men'' Documentary VHS (1996) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''Boys Making Music, Music Making Men'' Documentary VHS (1996) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
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=== Zwan ===
=== Zwan ===
*''[[Spun|Spun (Motion Picture Soundtrack)]]'' (2002)
*''[[Spun]] (Motion Picture Soundtrack)'' (2002)
*''[[Mary Star of the Sea (album)|Mary Star of The Sea]]'' (2003) [[Warner Bros.]]
*''[[Mary Star of the Sea (album)|Mary Star of The Sea]]'' (2003) [[Warner Bros.]]


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*''[[Superwolf]]'' (2005) [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]
*''[[Superwolf]]'' (2005) [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]
*''I Gave You'' (2005) EP [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]
*''I Gave You'' (2005) EP [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]
*''The Seedling Soundtrack'' feat. "Demon Lover" (2006) Label?
*''The Seedling Soundtrack'' feat. "Demon Lover" (2006)
*''Must Be Blind/Life In Muscle'' (2011) Single [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]
*''Must Be Blind/Life In Muscle'' (2011) single [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]
*''Superwolves'' (2021) [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]


=== Producing ===
=== Producing ===
*''Probot'' - by Probot - Executive Producer Matt Sweeney (2004) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''[[Probot]]'' – by Probot – executive producer Sweeney (2004) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''Closing In'' - by Early Man - Produced by Matt Sweeney (2005) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''[[Closing In]]'' – by [[Early Man (band)|Early Man]] – produced by Sweeney (2005) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''We Sing Of Only Blood Or Love'' - by [[Dax Riggs]] - Produced by Matt Sweeney (2007) [[Fat Possum]]
*''[[We Sing of Only Blood or Love]]'' – by [[Dax Riggs]] – produced by Sweeney (2007) [[Fat Possum]]
*''Safe Inside The Day'' - by [[Baby Dee]] - Produced by Matt Sweeney with Bonnie 'Prince' Billy (2008) [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]
*''[[Safe Inside the Day]]'' – by [[Baby Dee]] – produced by Sweeney with Bonnie 'Prince' Billy (2008) [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]
*''Focus Level'' - by [[Endless Boogie (band)|Endless Boogie]] - Uncredited production by Matt Sweeney (2008) [[No Quarter Records|No Quarter]]
*''[[Focus Level]]'' – by [[Endless Boogie (band)|Endless Boogie]] – uncredited production by Sweeney (2008) No Quarter
*''Full House Head'' - by [[Endless Boogie (band)|Endless Boogie]] - Uncredited production by Matt Sweeney (2010) [[No Quarter Records|No Quarter]]
*''Full House Head'' – by [[Endless Boogie (band)|Endless Boogie]] – uncredited production by Sweeney (2010) No Quarter
*''Sexual Harassment'' - by [[Turbonegro]] - Produced by Matt Sweeney (2012) [[Scandinavian Leather Recordings|Volcom Entertainment]]
*''[[Sexual Harassment (album)|Sexual Harassment]]'' – by [[Turbonegro]] – produced by Sweeney (2012) Volcom Entertainment
*''Optimisme'' – by [[Songhoy Blues]] – produced by Sweeney (2020) [[Transgressive Records]]
*''[[I'll Be Your Mirror: A Tribute to The Velvet Underground & Nico]]'' – "European Son" produced by Sweeney (2021)
*''Forgive The City'' – by Country Westerns – produced by Sweeney (2023) [[Fat Possum Records|Fat Possum]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://fatpossum.com/products/forgive-the-city | title=Forgive the City }}</ref>


=== Other collaborations ===
=== Other collaborations ===
*''The Covers Record'' - by [[Cat Power]] - featuring Matt Sweeney on guitar (2000) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''[[The Covers Record]]'' – by [[Cat Power]] – featuring Sweeney on guitar (2000) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''Spun'' motion picture soundtrack feat. "Number of The Beast" uncredited w/ William Corgan
*''Spun'' motion picture soundtrack feat. "Number of the Beast" uncredited w/ William Corgan
*''Ease Down The Road'' - by [[Bonnie 'Prince' Billy]] - featuring Matt Sweeney on guitar, vocals (2001) [[Palace Records]]
*''[[Ease Down the Road]]'' – by [[Bonnie 'Prince' Billy]] – featuring Sweeney on guitar, vocals (2001) [[Palace Records]]
*''American V: A Hundred Highways'' - by [[Johnny Cash]] - featuring Matt Sweeney on guitar (2006) [[American Recordings (US)|American Recordings]]
*''[[American V: A Hundred Highways]]'' – by [[Johnny Cash]] – featuring Sweeney on guitar (2006) [[American Recordings (US)|American Recordings]]
*''Taking The Long Way'' - by [[The Dixie Chicks]] - featuring Matt Sweeney on guitar (2006) [[Columbia Records|Columbia]]
*''[[Taking the Long Way]]'' – by [[The Dixie Chicks]] – featuring Sweeney on guitar (2006) [[Columbia Records|Columbia]]
*''Close Calls With Brick Walls'' - by [[Andrew W.K.]] - featuring Matt Sweeney on guitar, vocals (2007) [[Universal Japan]]
*''[[Close Calls with Brick Walls]]'' – by [[Andrew W.K.]] – featuring Sweeney on guitar, vocals (2007) [[Universal Japan]]
*''I'll Sleep When You're Dead'' - by [[El-P]] - featuring Matt Sweeney on guitar (2007) [[Def Jux]]
*''[[I'll Sleep When You're Dead]]'' – by [[El-P]] – featuring Sweeney on guitar (2007) [[Def Jux]]
*''[[Hell's Winter]]'' - by [[Cage Kennylz]] - featuring Matt Sweeney on guitar (2005) [[Def Jux]]
*''[[Hell's Winter]]'' – by [[Cage Kennylz]] – featuring Sweeney on guitar (2005) [[Def Jux]]
*''Home Before Dark'' - by [[Neil Diamond]] - featuring Matt Sweeney on guitar (2008) [[American Recordings (US)|American Recordings]]
*''[[Home Before Dark]]'' – by [[Neil Diamond]] – featuring Sweeney on guitar (2008) [[American Recordings (US)|American Recordings]]
*''[[Shelter From The Ash]]'' - by [[Six Organs of Admittance]] - featuring Matt Sweeney on guitar (2008) [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]
*''[[Shelter from the Ash]]'' – by [[Six Organs of Admittance]] – featuring Sweeney on guitar (2008) [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]
*''[[Jukebox (Cat Power album)|Jukebox]]'' - by [[Cat Power]] - featuring Matt Sweeney's guitar on "Song to Bobby" (2008) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''[[Jukebox (Cat Power album)|Jukebox]]'' – by [[Cat Power]] – featuring Sweeney's guitar on "Song to Bobby" (2008) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''Birth Canal Blues Live'' - by [[Current 93]] - featuring Matt Sweeney on guitar (2008) [[Durtro]]
*''Birth Canal Blues Live'' – by [[Current 93]] – featuring Sweeney on guitar (2008) [[Durtro]]
*''Leaving on a mayday'' - by [[Anna Ternheim]] - featuring Matt Sweeney on guitar on "Terrified", "Losing You", "Off the Road" and "Black Sunday Afternoon" (2008) [[Universial Records|Universal]]
*''[[Leaving on a Mayday]]'' – by [[Anna Ternheim]] – featuring Sweeney on guitar on "Terrified", "Losing You", "Off the Road" and "Black Sunday Afternoon" (2008) [[Universal Music Group|Universal]]
*''Aleph At Hallucinatory Mountain'' - by [[Current 93]] - featuring Matt Sweeney on guitar (2009) [[Durtro]]
*''[[Aleph at Hallucinatory Mountain]]'' – by [[Current 93]] – featuring Sweeney on guitar (2009) [[Durtro]]
*''[[Cherish the Light Years (album)|Cherish the Light Years]]'' - by [[Cold Cave]] - featuring Matt Sweeney on bass guitar on "The Great Pan is Dead" (2011) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''[[Cherish the Light Years (album)|Cherish the Light Years]]'' – by [[Cold Cave]] – featuring Sweeney on bass guitar on "The Great Pan is Dead" (2011) [[Matador Records|Matador]]
*''[[21 (Adele album)|21]]'' - by [[Adele]] (2011) [[XL Recordings|XL]]
*''[[21 (Adele album)|21]]'' – by [[Adele]] (2011) [[XL Recordings|XL]]
*''[[Run the Jewels (album)|Run the Jewels]]'' - by [[Run the Jewels]] - additional guitar on "No Come Down" (2013) [[Fool's Gold Records|Fool's Gold]]
*''[[Run the Jewels (album)|Run the Jewels]]'' – by [[Run the Jewels]] – additional guitar on "No Come Down" (2013) [[Fool's Gold Records|Fool's Gold]]
*''[[Shangri La (album)]]'' - by [[Jake Bugg]] - Rhythm Guitar on all tracks (2013) [[Mercury (UK)/Island (U.S.)]]
*''[[Shangri La (Jake Bugg album)|Shangri La]]'' – by [[Jake Bugg]] – Rhythm Guitar on all tracks (2013) Mercury (UK)/Island (U.S.)
*''[[Run the Jewels 2]]'' - by [[Run the Jewels]] - additional guitar on "All My Life" (2014) [[Mass Appeal Records|Mass Appeal]]
*''[[Run the Jewels 2]]'' – by [[Run the Jewels]] – additional guitar on "All My Life" (2014) [[Mass Appeal Records|Mass Appeal]]
* ''False, True, Love'' - 2014 Whitney Biennial short film with [[Emily Sundblad]], Matt Sweeney, and Mariko Munro that features a cover version of the [[Shirley Collins]] song "False True Love"<ref name=Interview-FalseTrueLove-2015>{{cite web|last1=McDermott|first1=Emily|title=Exclusive Short Film Premiere: 'False True Love,' Emily Sundblad and Matt Sweeney|url=http://www.interviewmagazine.com/art/exclusive-short-film-premiere-false-true-love-emily-sundblad-matt-sweeney#_|website=[[Interview Magazine]]|accessdate=14 September 2015|date=18 June 2015}}</ref>
* ''False, True, Love'' – 2014 Whitney Biennial short film with [[Emily Sundblad]], Sweeney, and Mariko Munro that features a cover version of the [[Shirley Collins]] song "False True Love"<ref name=Interview-FalseTrueLove-2015>{{cite web|last1=McDermott|first1=Emily|title=Exclusive Short Film Premiere: 'False True Love,' Emily Sundblad and Matt Sweeney|url=http://www.interviewmagazine.com/art/exclusive-short-film-premiere-false-true-love-emily-sundblad-matt-sweeney#_|website=[[Interview Magazine]]|access-date=September 14, 2015|date=June 18, 2015}}</ref>
* "Emmar" by [[Tinariwen]] (2014) guitar.
* "Emmar" by [[Tinariwen]] (2014) guitar
* "Zipper Down" by [[Eagles of Death Metal]] (2015) additional guitar.
* "Zipper Down" by [[Eagles of Death Metal]] (2015) additional guitar
* "Digging For Windows" by [[Zack de la Rocha]] (2016) additional guitar.
* "Digging for Windows" by [[Zack de la Rocha]] (2016) additional guitar
* ''[[Elwan]]'' by [[Tinariwen]] (2017) additional guitar.
* ''[[Elwan]]'' by [[Tinariwen]] (2017) additional guitar
* "Vols. 11 & 12" for [[The Desert Sessions]] (2019).
* "Vols. 11 & 12" for [[The Desert Sessions]] (2019)
* ''[[Traditional Techniques]]'' by [[Stephen Malkmus]] (2020).
* ''[[Traditional Techniques]]'' by [[Stephen Malkmus]] (2020)
* ''[[RTJ4]]'' - by [[Run the Jewels]] - additional vocals, performer, and guitar on "A Few Words for the Firing Squad (Radiation)"
* ''[[RTJ4]]'' – by [[Run the Jewels]] – additional vocals, performer, and guitar on "A Few Words for the Firing Squad (Radiation)"
* ''[[I'll Be Your Mirror: A Tribute to The Velvet Underground & Nico]]'' – bass guitar and electric guitars on "European Son" with [[Iggy Pop]] (2021)
*''[[Blind Date Party]]'' — by [[Bill Callahan (musician)|Bill Callahan]] & [[Bonnie "Prince" Billy]] — additional guitar on "OD'd in Denver" (2021) [[Drag City Records|Drag City]]
*''The Music Of Red Dead Redemption 2: The Housebuilding EP'' — with David Ferguson (2021)


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 08:13, 24 November 2023

For other people named Matt Sweeney, see Matt Sweeney (disambiguation).
Matt Sweeney
Sweeney performing with Chavez in 2011
Background information
Born (1969-07-02) July 2, 1969 (age 54)
New Jersey, United States
Occupation(s)Musician, record producer
Instrument(s)Guitar
Years active1989–present
Labels

Matt Sweeney (born July 2, 1969) is an American musician and record producer best known as a guitarist of Skunk, Chavez, and supergroup Zwan.[1]

Early life and education[edit]

Sweeney was born in New Jersey. His father was John D. Sweeney, a professor of Medieval English at Seton Hall University who was also an avid musician.[2][3] His mother, Katharine Sweeney Hayden, is a federal judge.[4] Sweeney's parents divorced after 20 years of marriage.[5] He has an older brother, Gregory Sweeney, who is a musician who works on the TV show Kitchen Nightmares.[2][4]

He grew up in Maplewood and South Orange, New Jersey. He attended Northwestern University before dropping out.[4]

Career[edit]

Sweeney's high school band Skunk released two albums on Twin/Tone records ("Last American Virgin" in 1989 and the posthumous "Laid", both out of print). In the nineties he recorded and performed as a singer and guitarist with math rock band Chavez, releasing a seven-inch ("Repeat the Ending" b/w "Hack the Sides Away") two albums (1995's Gone Glimmering and 1996's Ride the Fader) and one EP (1995"s Pentagram Ring) on the Matador label. Chavez did several short tours in the United States and Europe between 1994 and 1997.[6] When Chavez slowed down Sweeney filled in on bass guitar for Guided By Voices on the "Under the Bushes, Under the Stars" tour. He also provided vocals on the song "Quicksilver" on Guided By Voices leader Robert Pollard's first solo album Not in My Airforce LP. The late '90s found him continuing to work a day job and touring with Bonnie 'Prince' Billy as a guitarist.

Sweeney's work has taken him across a variety of musical genres. Starting in 2000 he turned up on Cat Power's The Covers Record, playing guitar on "Salty Dog", and a couple of Bonnie "Prince" Billy singles (percussion on "A Whorehouse Is Any House" and guitar and vocals on "Little Boy Blue"). In 2001 he started playing and writing with Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin in what was to become Zwan. He collaborated with Billy Corgan on the soundtrack to the movie Spun, singing the movie's opening song, a cover of Iron Maiden's "Number of the Beast". He was also featured as a guitarist and backing vocalist on Bonnie "Prince" Billy's Ease Down The Road album. He lent a helping hand to Dave Grohl in assembling the all-star heavy metal album Probot, tracking down the legendary singers and providing some guitar work (the Probot album was not released until 2004, on Southern Lord records). Sweeney recorded and toured with Zwan from late 2001–2003. He is credited as providing guitar, vocal, and some songwriting on Zwan's album Mary Star of the Sea.

After Zwan's breakup, Sweeney played guitar with Bonnie "Prince" Billy for several tours in 2004. January 2005 saw the release of their collaboration Superwolf on Drag City.[7][8] Sweeney and Bonnie toured behind the Superwolf record in the U.S. and Europe. 2005 also saw Sweeney producing heavy metal band Early Man's debut album, Closing In. The following year found Sweeney working in both the country music and hip-hop scenes, providing guitar work, along with Mike Campbell and Smokey Hormel, on the Johnny Cash album American V: A Hundred Highways and appearing with Yo La Tengo bass player James McNew and Def Jux founder El-P, as guest artists on the first track of rapper Cage's album Hell's Winter. He also played guitar on the Dixie Chicks' Taking the Long Way album. In addition, he became a member of apocalyptic Christian folk legends Current 93's touring group, playing shows in Europe in support of the Black Ships Ate The Sky album. He also recorded with longtime friend Andrew W.K. for W.K.'s Close Calls With Brick Walls album.

In 2007 Sweeney again collaborated with El-P, this time alongside Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala of Mars Volta, on El-P's 2007 album, I'll Sleep When You're Dead.

In early 2009 Sweeney formed The Brill Sisters with Andrew W.K. and producer Don Fleming. They played their first show (without Fleming) at Santos Party House on April 2, 2009.[9][10] The entire group performed on April 21.[11]

In 2016, Sweeney toured with Iggy Pop, Josh Homme as well as Matt Helders to support their album Post Pop Depression.[12]

Production work[edit]

Sweeney produced Dax Riggs' album We Sing of Only Blood or Love in 2007 for Fat Possum records. In late 2007, along with Bonnie 'Prince" Billy, Sweeney produced Baby Dee's debut album for Drag City Records, Safe Inside the Day. The album was released in January 2008.

Sweeney is credited for "wry guitar licks" on an album for NYC heavy blues rockers Endless Boogie, called "Focus Level." It is rumored he produced the album as well. He also turned up on the Six Organs of Admittance's LP Shelter from the Ash. In addition, Sweeney has songwriting credit on certain pressings of Cat Power's Jukebox album, for "Song to Bobby." He is also credited as an additional guitarist on that album.

Session work[edit]

In tune with his many collaborations, an unlikely combination of Sweeney and Neil Diamond was proposed by seminal producer Rick Rubin in 2008 to follow up Diamond's Rubin-produced 2005 album 12 Songs.[13] The 2008 album Home Before Dark, released on May 12, features Sweeney on all songs.

Sweeney also plays guitar on Kid Rock's 2010 album Born Free.

Discography[edit]

Skunk[edit]

Chavez[edit]

  • Gone Glimmering (1995) Matador
  • Ride The Fader (1996) Matador
  • Better Days Will Haunt You best-of compilation CD/DVD (2006) Matador
  • Repeat the Ending EP (1994) Matador
  • Pentagram Ring EP (1995) Matador
  • What's Up Matador? feat. "Theme from 'For Russ'" (1995) Matador
  • School House Rock feat. "Little Twelve Toes" (1996) Atlantic Records
  • Boys Making Music, Music Making Men Documentary VHS (1996) Matador
  • Cockfighters EP (2017) Matador

Zwan[edit]

Matt Sweeney & Bonnie 'Prince' Billy[edit]

Producing[edit]

Other collaborations[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Cohan, Brad (December 23, 2010). "Q&A: Chavez's Matt Sweeney On How He Ended Up Working With Josh Groban". Village Voice. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  2. ^ a b Esteban, Gabriel (September 10, 2014). "Death of Professor John D. Sweeney". Seton Hall University. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  3. ^ "Prof. John D. Sweeney". The Holle Family. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  4. ^ a b c Maron, Marc (September 14, 2015). "Episode 637 – Matt Sweeney". WTF with Marc Maron. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  5. ^ Hoffman, Jan (October 15, 1995). "Judge Hayden's Family Values". The New York Times. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  6. ^ LeMay, Matt (December 8, 2006). "Interviews: Chavez". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  7. ^ Welch, Will (July 14, 2011). "Return of the Superwolf: An Interview with Will Oldham and Matt Sweeney". Gentleman's Quarterly. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  8. ^ Aquarium Drunkard (June 7, 2011). "Matt Sweeney :: The AD Interview". Aquarium Drunkard. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  9. ^ "The Brill Sisters (Minus One) – The Grey Funnel Line". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  10. ^ "The Brill Sisters (Minus One) – Spontaneous Boogie". YouTube. April 4, 2009. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  11. ^ "YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  12. ^ "Iggy Pop and Josh Homme Team Up for Secret Album". The New York Times. January 24, 2016. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
  13. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (May 13, 2008). "Matt Sweeney Makes Unlikely Neil Diamond Sideman". Billboard. Retrieved September 14, 2015.
  14. ^ "Forgive the City".
  15. ^ McDermott, Emily (June 18, 2015). "Exclusive Short Film Premiere: 'False True Love,' Emily Sundblad and Matt Sweeney". Interview Magazine. Retrieved September 14, 2015.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Matt Sweeney.
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