MATTHEW
SIDNEY
PARSONS
Folk Alliance International
"Matt Parsons is a once in a generation songwriter. His writing has a quality to it that feels timeless and also deeply relevant. I had the honor of recording his song I Built A World and it became the title track of my 2024 Grammy nominated album. Matt has something very special to say and we should all be listening."
-Bronwyn Keith-Hynes,
Grammy-Winning Singer-Songwriter and Fiddler
Matthew Sidney Parsons is a songwriter, poet, and educator from Menifee County, Kentucky. He wrote the title track on Bronwyn Keith-Hynes' 2025 Grammy-nominated album, "I Built a World." Raised in a bluegrass family, Parsons performs solo and with support as Matt Parsons and the Argillite. He has taught songwriting, poetry, and traditional music across Appalachia through Morehead State University, Berea College, Hindman Settlement School, Tablerock Writers, Ashe County Arts Council, and many more. Parsons is the author of Mountain Roosters and Holy Land, and creates character-driven performances that celebrate mountain culture while addressing universal human experiences.
Parsons performs alongside Logan Cooper a.k.a. The Argillite. Cooper is a multi-instrumentalist from Greenup County, Kentucky. After studying music at Morehead State University's Center for Traditional Music, he returned home to the family homestead to work and carry on his fathers naturalist traditions and hiking, identifying plants, animals and fungus, and being a steward of the natural world. His proficiency as a multi-instrumentalist has created high demand for his talents as he appears on stage with Parsons, Harley Kelly, Steven Arthur, Brady Vice, and many more.
Biography
Matthew Sidney Parsons delivers powerful performances that blend original music, storytelling, and authentic Appalachian culture into unforgettable experiences. His character-driven narratives celebrate mountain heritage while addressing universal themes, creating intimate connections with audiences through sophisticated songcraft and honest storytelling. Together with Logan Cooper, Matt Parsons and the Argillite fill any concert space with authenticity and the spirit of the Appalachian region.
Performances
PERFORMANCE FORMATS:
- Solo and duo acoustic music performance (Matthew Sidney Parsons or Matt Parsons and the Argillite)
- Full band performance (Matt Parsons and the Argillite)
- Music, poetry and storytelling in curated performances for dedicated audiences.
- Workshop or workshop + performance combinations
Typical Set Length: 45-90 minutes (flexible)
Ideal Venues:
Listen
Watch
Rodburn Hollow Sessions Matthew Sidney Parsons Piece of Me
Live on The WDVX Blue Plate Special: Man On The Hill
"Finely-tuned music playing along with everyday sorrow and expected grief that serves as a believable backdrop to recent Appalachian reality."
— Maurice Manning, Poet
Photos
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