Matt Koenig is a Pittsburgh-born, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, who has navigated his career as a completely independent act, never signing to a label. Citing a diverse and eclectic array of artists as influences, including the likes of of Tame Impala, The Beatles, Parcels, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, and Daft Punk, Koenig views his work with his (mostly) solo-recording project The Undercover Dream Lovers as bridge between different eras, combining themes and techniques from the past with those pointing the way toward out future.
Interestingly, without the machinery of a label, Koenig has built up a profile for himself and his work: so far, tracks like “Good Luck” and “Come Home” have gone viral — with “Good Luck” amassing over 11 million streams and charting on the Canadian and US Viral 50 lists, and “Come Home” amassing over 14 million streams, landing on the New Music Friday playlist and the US Viral 50. Additionally, Koenig’s work has appeared in a number of TV shows, including VICE’s Fuck That’s Delicious, NBC’s Good Girls and ABC’s Whiskey Cavalier. Additionally, Fender featured Koenig on their Instagram story.
Koenig’s Undercover Dream Lovers full-length debut It’s All In Your Head is slated for a February 2020 release. Recorded at Koenig’s Los Angeles-based home studio, the album features a collaboration with Dent May. Interestingly, the album’s first single, album opening track “A Way Out” is centered around a disco-influenced groove, shimmering synth arpeggios and Koenig’s plaintive vocals. And while seemingly drawing from dance floor friendly sounds like Tame Impala, Neon Indian, Oracular Spectacular-era MGMT and the Bee Gees among others, the track also reveals some (subtly) ambitious songwriting, with the intention of being part of an energized, ass-shaking live show.
Directed By Otium, the recently released video follows Koenig on a wild night and day that includes strange happenings, a chance, seductive meeting with co-star Michelle Saur, a fight that leaves Koenig’s character with an enormous black eye. Throughout the video has the feel and tone of a drunken fever dream with odd imagery and events that barely make sense — but are taken with a c’est la vie sort of acceptance.