Singer/songwriter Matt Hires made his recording debut at the age of 23, when the Florida native introduced his confessional songcraft with his first solo album, Take Us To The Start. Influenced by artists from Dashboard Confessional and The Get Up Kids to Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, Hires began writing music during his late teens, when his father jump-started his son's career by giving him a handmade 1977 acoustic guitar. He cut his teeth playing shows throughout central Florida with his friends in a band called "Brer". In 2008, Hires continued onward as a solo musician, issuing Live from the Hotel Café in October 2008, which was recorded while he was working on his solo debut, Take Us to the Start, which followed in 2009. Hires has toured extensively since 2008, supporting such artists as Needtobreathe, Matchbox Twenty, Parachute, Paolo Nutini, The Goo Goo Dolls, Eric Hutchinson, and many more, as well as headlining a few tours of his own. He also found a lot of success in film and TV, getting songs placed in four episodes of Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, two episodes of Cougartown, Life Unexpected, When in Rome, and several more. In 2013, Hires returned with his second full-length album, This World Won't Last Forever, But Tonight We Can Pretend. Early this year he put out his first independent release titled Heartache Machine.

A native New Yorker, 29 year-old Jeff LeBlanc’s new album, Vision, looks to distinguish him from a crowded field of singer/songwriters. Somewhat R&B and somewhat soulful, the record elevates his signature blend of smooth pop to a higher level – all the while tackling sounds and topics he has yet to explore in his previous efforts. “I really challenged myself on this project” LeBlanc says. “I went into the studio each and every day, focused to create something deeper than I ever had before”.

The core of the record was tracked in Nashville’s legendary Sound Emporium studios and the results are evident. There is a distinct energy to Vision – with its timeless warmth and unique clarity that is instantly refreshing.

Listening to this album feels like catching up with an old friend over a cup of coffee. In the track “Stumbled”, Jeff shares the blunders of re-entering the dating scene and the heartbreak of falling for someone too fast – all set to a lighthearted infectious groove. “Say Anything You Want”, is a response to all those in your life who criticize or doubt you, with a boastful almost arrogant tone, the song drives home the message that no one has the right to put you down. “Why Do I Worry” is one of LeBlanc’s most lyrically personal songs to date. “Sometimes I waste my days just thinking” he says. “We all worry about the things that we can’t control”.

Vision is the work of an artist who, through self-evaluation, has given us a snapshot into his soul. The songs have a mature perspective on many issues that young adults face, as well as those who have a few more years in their pocket. “I hope that the listeners can see themselves in my experiences” LeBlanc says, “yet find their own interpretation on how the words relate to them”.

Jeff LeBlanc’s trajectory will only continue to rise. He’s the kind of guy you root for. His natural musical skills coupled with his genuine likability makes him a success in the eyes of his fans and those that get to meet him.