Making music has been a central part of Matthew's life ever since he received an acoustic guitar on his eighth birthday. He has fond childhood memories of time spent with his parents, listening to popular folksongs from the past, sung by legendary acoustic acts like the Weavers and Peter Paul and Mary. Moved by these experiences, Matthew was inspired to learn these songs on his guitar, and share them with the rest of the world. Throughout his teens, Matthew was largely self taught, and became active in the local acoustic folk scene in and around the Chicagoland area.
After a move to the Twin Cities, Matthew continued his acoustic music aspirations, landing a weekly standing gig for two years at Mill City Coffee in Northeast Minneapolis. At this venue, Matthew honed his skills as a melodic folk singer. Drawing heavily from the folk revival of the 50's and 60's, Matthew began to build a local following as well as developing a new ability to write original material in a nostalgic vein.
During his mid twenties, Matthew made the decision to take his technical skills to a new level of sophistication, studying classical guitar performance at the University of St. Thomas. Upon completion of a bachelor of arts degree in 2009, he began teaching guitar in an around the Twin Cities area.
In the last few years, Matthew has felt compelled to revisit the folky aspirations of his youth. He has found senior communities to be the ideal environment to perform this music for those who who enjoy it as much as he does. Time and again, he has been thanked and encouraged by residents who grew up during a time when folk singers like Pete Seeger and Joan Baez were the soundtrack of their everyday experiences. He has been told by many, that these songs rekindle happy recollections of their younger days. Whether it is John Denver, Donovan, or even the folkier numbers by the Beatles, this is the music for people who lived it. A seasoned performer with a passion for the simplicity of the past, Matthew Gogola is dedicated to bringing familiar music into the lives of others who want to hear it.