Please

Matthew Duffy is infusing popular music with a new sound that just might provide a much needed jolt to the radio airwaves. Steadily gaining worldwide recognition, this "Electro Pop" as fans have termed it, combines old school flava house with acoustic and electric guitars, eastern instrumentation, mega harmonies, electro madness and some really strong pop melodies.

"I am ready to shake things up on the playground," declares Duffy. "I want to take it back to good music, real songwriting, fun beats, dancing the night away, turning up the car radio. I want to break the mold, rip open the envelope. I want to push the sonic boundaries of pop music and challenge my fans and myself to think of the reality we live in. My songs speak of my life and our existence. On a surface level, I just kick it harder than anyone else out there right now."

Born in Boston and raised in San Antonio, Texas and Long Island, New York, Duffy dreamed of being a performer from an early age. He came to New York City at 18, originally to pursue a career in dance. But he found dance too limiting. "I felt like I was part of someone else's vision. I wanted more. I had my own questions to ask, my own themes to explore. Something inside me was pushing for change." He desired a medium that would allow him to create provocative art that could inspire thought and discussion.

"I was drawn to music because I was intrigued by the power of a single performer to unite thousands with a single song. Music is an exchange of the most beautiful form of communication. Throughout my life, songs have been the driving force through which I define all things: sadness, joy, vulnerability, freedom...

"I want my music to take audiences away. To give them the strength to be anything they want to be. My songs are extremely personal but I hope listeners can relate the messages to their own lives and that it serves their needs as well."

Duffy wrote and co-produced all twelve tracks on the album. He drew inspiration from a wide array of musical genres including house, new wave, rock, world music, pop, underground and experimental dance.

"The list of artists who have influenced my music is expansive. Everyone from Peter Gabriel to George Michael, Tori Amos, Dee-lite, Depeche Mode, the Carpenters... I'm a huge fan of all types. Even earlier today I was rocking my Coldplay and Missy Elliot with my Les Rhythm Digitale CD."

Producing credits on the album are shared with Neil Krin. "I spent a long time looking for the perfect person who could take my electro pop sound and shape it, flip it, turn it upside down and make it explode," explains Duffy. "Neil was that person and I am grateful to have his genius on my first album."

Matthew Duffy also gives props to his family and friends who have stuck by him during the long process of making the album. "But mostly I am thankful to my fans who are open to listening and connecting and who view each day as an opportunity to learn and to grow. Life is a roller coaster. I invite everyone to come ride it with me."