Matt Belknap is descended from skinny Iowa farmers, corrupt Grant administration officials, and the school psychologist. Matt’s mission is to create rockin’ songs that don’t insult your intelligence and ballads that put you right in the middle of the drama. He believes that this world needs more songs about monks in love, weekends with Dr. Seuss and the despair of over-used furniture. Matt has done his best to rectify the situation. Matt’s 2011 EP, Cursed are the Scorekeepers, is his third effort and his first with a full band. The seven originals and one cover song stab at the themes of competition and fulfillment from different angles. Featuring Brian Anderson on bass and Eliel Rodriguez on drums, the EP takes listeners though the distinct corners of Matt’s imagination in an exuberant, reflective, and hilarious adventure. Matt’s earlier albums feature solo acoustic songs that he created while working odd jobs and looking for the stairs to the ivory tower. Raised in Janesville, Wisconsin, Matt lived in Iowa, Maryland and Connecticut before moving back to southern Wisconsin. In addition to his family and Glenn Beck, his muses include the high school students he teaches, who educate him about change, crisis and joy at the speed of light.