Matt McGinn and Matt Curran

Matt McGinn is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer from Hilltown in Co. Down. He studied music at Queens University in Belfast yet cites his early days as his real musical education trawling through his parents record collection – from Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson to Beatles and Beethoven. He learned complex harmonies in the school choir and later delved into the sounds Hendrix and Horslips. drawing inspiration from them all.

Matt recorded his debut album, ‘Livin’ in 2012, but it was his third recording, ‘Lessons of War’ in 2020 that put him firmly on the map. It enjoyed significant acclaim, and he was named one to watch’ by Hotpress Magazine.

In 2020 Aoife Scott, daughter of Frances Black, duet with him on his track, ‘Time Well Spent’ which became one of the biggest folk songs on Irish radio.  Matt has had 4 singles top The BBC Radio Ulster and RTÉ Radio 1 radio airplay charts. He is currently nominated for a Hotpress award for Best Irish Songwriter and released his sixth album, ‘Behind every Door’ in 2023 named RTÉ Radio 1 Album of the week. 

Especially for Ards International Guitar Festival, Matt will be joining his long-time friend and collaborator, Matt Curran. Matt is a virtuoso guitarist, and one of the most sought-after session musicians in Ireland and beyond. The pair received a standing ovation at their Friday Night Live performance at Ards Arts Centre in 2023!