Travis Matte Ho Ho Ho CD

'Travis Matte and the Zydeco Kingpins' mixes rock and hip hop with Zydeco to create an original sound; prepares to take its tunes from Cajun country to the rest of the country. Lafayette, LA (Vocus/PRWEB ) April 18, 2007 -- When Travis Matte formed "Travis Matte and the Zydeco Kingpins" he wanted the band to be different. We are not the traditional Zydeco group and our fans range from typical Zydeco to people who would have never listened to Zydeco music That started with the sound. It continued with producing a CD--before the band had a single gig. "People found it strange that I did a CD before first playing shows," says Matte. "But I chose to do it that way to be able to give festivals, clubs, events, club DJs and radio stations the CD to show what we do." The strategy worked. "We got more radio play than bands that have been doing this for 10 years," says Matte, who started in music on the fiddle, but now plays the accordion. Before he knew it, the band got calls from clubs and festivals, built a following and became local favorites. "All of a sudden we were the most requested band on the largest Cajun/Zydeco station in the world--KBON 101.1 in Eunice (La.)," says Matte. Zydeco is a form of American folk music. It began in the 20th century in southwest Louisiana. "Travis Matte and the Zydeco Kingpins" mixes Zydeco with rock and hip hop to create a unique sound. "We are not the traditional Zydeco group and our fans range from typical Zydeco to people who would have never listened to Zydeco music," says Matte. "That's the buzz with our group. We're pulling new listeners to Zydeco that traditional Zydeco artist would have never pulled." The band has its own merchandise: T-shirts, boxers, hats, BBQ aprons, thongs and more, all featuring an original song. Travis Matte and the Zydeco Kingpins band is busy playing nightclubs and festivals. The goal now: to become well known outside Louisiana and to sell CDs. After that: Matte is hoping to land a contract with a major record label. About Travis Matte and the Zydeco Kingpins: "Travis Matte and the Zydeco Kingpins" mixes Zydeco with rock and hip hop to create a unique sound. The band has four CDs. The "Times of Acadiana" voted the band "Best Zydeco Band" and "Best Zydeco CD" for 2006. The band also has been nominated by New Orleans' music magazine "Offbeat" for "Best Zydeco Band." Contact: Travis Matte Website: http://www.TravisMatte.com and www.myspace.com/travismatteandthezydecokingpins

Recording information: Master Trak Studios, Crowley, LA (12/2005-04/2006).

Arranger: Travis Matte.

Personnel: Travis Matte (vocals, accordion); Kip Sonnier (guitar); Ed Gore (keyboards).

Audio Mixers: Mark Miller ; Travis Matte.

Dirty Linen (p.45) - "A couple of tunes are particularly thoughtful in the way they address the loneliness the holidays bring...[and] are quite touching in sentiment."