About ListenGood! Records

Since the start of the industry, over a century ago, most record labels have started the same way: Someone who knows and loves a particular kind of music, and believes that certain performers should be heard by the public, has decided to make it so.

That's why I started ListenGood! Records. There is a particular kind of songwriting that I know well and love, and there are some wonderful performers that I think more people should hear.

I've been composing, arranging and producing music for many years, but I've been a singer even longer, and I've performed a lot of songs, from Schubert to Duke Ellington to Warren Zevon.

The songs I love most -- the ones I could sing or listen to every day for years -- have certain things in common: lyrics that are soulful and intelligent, melodies that are perfectly wedded to the lyrics and, underneath it all, a good groove.

I've known quite a few writers who can do it occasionally, and a few who do it consistently, and of those, a few who are also first-rate performers... and are not signed to a label.

So, I started ListenGood records to:

• Find a few artists who are writing songs that fit the above description
• Produce recordings of those songs that let the writing shine through
• Get those recording to the public (you)

The first CD is out, and you can judge for yourself if how I'm doing.

ListenGood! consists of myself, a studio, one recording artist (so far) and a part-time publicist. Do I plan to expand? Yes, if I can sign another artist as good as the first one. Check back in a year and find out.

Matt Holsen
ListenGood! Records