About

With their tasteful musicianship and nuanced vocal harmonies, Matt and Madeline make a compelling duo. Their music is simultaneously familiar and unexpected—tuneful melodies give way to lush harmonic soundscapes, evocative jazz-folk ballads, and moments of sparse simplicity.

In their debut album, The Aim Was Song, Matt and Madeline weave together elements of American folk music, bluegrass and jazz. The eleven original compositions are based on poems by the renowned and much-loved American poet, Robert Frost, each animated into song by Matt and Madeline’s rich vocal blend, cohesive string sound, and intricate layers of percussion.

Like Frost’s poetry, the songs offer a relatable and plainspoken simplicity, depicting themes of nature, rural life and the impending change of seasons. Upon deeper reflection, however, both the music and the poems reveal a richer complexity, with feelings of loneliness, longing and a sense of isolation.

This album took root during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period of uncertainty, fear, and isolation. Throughout this time, Matt and Madeline filled their hours with music, spending days immersed in song and the captivating poetry of Robert Frost. Although pensive and at times somber, Frost’s poems contain glimmers of hope and optimism, a sentiment reflected in The Aim Was Song. Shimmering penny whistle melodies, hints of irony and whimsical changes in tempo showcase the underlying hopefulness.

Through The Aim Was Song, Matt and Madeline pay tribute to the beloved poetry of Robert Frost and hope to share the transformative and healing power of song.

Originally from Colorado, Matt and Madeline both hold Bachelor of Music degrees from University of Colorado and Master of Music degrees from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. From 2016 - 2023, Matt and Madeline taught and performed music in Shanghai, China. They are currently based in Crested Butte, Colorado.