Today, acclaimed sideman-turned-frontman Matt Benson releases “Strangers & Angels”, the second single from his highly anticipated debut album Sit Back Down Again, set for release on July 11.
Following the heartfelt title track released in March, “Strangers & Angels” offers a cinematic journey through the wistful, rose-tinted memories of youth. Set to a lively New Orleans-style backdrop of jazzy piano and bold brass, the song tells the fictional story of two teenagers who fall for each other during a school play but never speak their love aloud—until fate reunites them years later at a place called Billy’s Bar and Diner.
“Strangers & Angels is a sweet wee fictional tale,” Matt explains, “but it’s inspired by real memories—those golden teenage summers in Sugar Island with the Newpoint Players. Acting was our escape back then, and those times, intense as they were, are some of the best I can remember.”
The track swells with warmth and emotional depth, delivering a powerful outro message:
“Find love and never let it go, ‘cause life is shorter than you’re ever gonna know.”
Matt Benson has enjoyed a prolific career as a trombonist since his professional debut in 2010. Known for his work with George Ezra (since 2017), Bad Manners, The Pogues, Neil Hannon, Hot 8 Brass Band, and even Brian May, he’s performed on stages from Glastonbury to The Tonight Show, The Brit Awards, and Jools Holland’s Hootenanny. He’s earned praise from legends like Quincy Jones—who called him “a great trombone player”—and Paul Sanchez of HBO’s Treme, who said, “this guy can play his ass off!”
Matt’s musical journey began in an extraordinary way. “My dad’s music shop in Belfast was blown up during the Troubles in 1994,” he recalls. “Nothing survived—except a little student trombone, tucked under the rubble, still playable. That night, my Da and I cleaned it in the kitchen sink and he taught me Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. I guess you could say I was born out of the ashes.”
Now, after years supporting some of music’s biggest names, Matt Benson is stepping into his own light. Sit Back Down Again promises to be a soulful, story-rich debut, filled with heart, history, and a whole lot of brass.
‘Sit Back Down Again’ out 11 July – pre-order now.
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