Matt Gatewood is a name you may have heard of before. If you’re a fan of country music, Matt Gatewood has created quite a name for himself. With stunning vocals and catchy original songs, he’s created a riveting sound combining pop and country in his own style. He truly is today’s modern, young, and talented performer. Touring the country from Tennessee to Iowa; Matt is originally from a small Indiana town, called Westport. He was very active in Football, Basketball, and played Division One Baseball before creating the music he’s known for today.
However, this Guerrilla story begins with a good friend of the Guerrilla Graphics team, Ian Becker. Ian Becker is a hired gun in today’s music industry. If you’re not familiar with hired guns, these guys are the best of the best. They work for any and all bands that need talented musicians to fill in as replacements. Hired guns have been used by performing artists for decades, such as Billie Joel, P!NK, and Alice Cooper.
These hired guns have to be excellent at their craft, otherwise, they’re out of a job. This wasn’t the case for guitarist Ian Becker. Ian was highly recommended to perform with Matt Gatewood for a show in Dubuque, Iowa.
Matt Gatewood was booked as an opening act for the very talented and well-known country singer, Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry at the Q Casino. Ian had asked our team if we would be willing to take photographs to promote Matt and his music. We immediately accepted.
After the 3-hour plus drive to Dubuque from Des Moines, Iowa. Our team, partnering with Ian Becker, had finally made it. Besides the absolutely beautiful scenery that Dubuque provides, we were happy to be out of the car. After a few drinks, a few hundred dollars won, and a quick trip to Wisconsin, you could say we were having a great time.
Matt Gatewood and his band began to prepare for the show around 5 PM. After completing their soundcheck, showering, and eating a meal provided by the casino, they were ready to rock. Matt wooed the crowd with ease. It didn’t take long before fans were buying the band shots of fireball and singing along to his music. They started the show with original Matt Gatewood music such as Snooze, That Day, and I’m In Too. You can listen to these Matt Gatewood songs here. They also dived into a few country classics, such as Sweet Home Alabama, Barefoot Bluejean Night, and When it Rains it Pours.
Hundreds of people went wild during the show. For the Guerrilla Graphics team, we were primarily in the crowd. We were allowed full access behind the scenes and on the stage but the money shots were in the crowd with the fans. The light show was spectacular and perfectly adhered to the Matt Gatewood experience. We took complete advantage of these lights and created an excellent photographic atmosphere. Luckily, no drinks were spilled on our equipment as we navigated the crowd.
As the show came to a close the fans refilled their drinks and the venue lights turned on. The band began to pack up their instruments and clear off the stage for the headlining performance; Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry. He entered the casino with an entourage of family and friends and certainly looked the part. Immediately recognized as fame, we were given the opportunity to meet with Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry for a brief second and shake his hand. He promptly let Matt Gatewood and the band know that he enjoyed their set and headed into the green room to prepare for the show at hand. A brief encounter with a widely known and talented musician was a great highlight to our evening.
Everyone in the band took turns carrying equipment into the truck and loading out of the stage. We all, Matt Gatewood included, stepped outside of the casino and took a big breathe in. Everyone cooled off in the Northeastern Iowa fall breeze of Dubuque and enjoyed each other’s company. Our time in Dubuque with Matt Gatewood was finally coming to an end and our 3-hour trek home had now begun. Just the final part to the end of a great evening. As we edited photos and continued our night drive the Guerrilla Graphics team did get pulled over, it was late and we REALLY wanted to get home. We luckily got off with only a warning. And had finally returned home unscathed. As I’m writing this and you’re reading it, I’m not sure if it has caught on by now, but it was truly a great evening filled with talent, music, and laughter.
Be sure to check out Matt Gatewood Music on Itunes, Spotify, and all major music platforms. You can also check out his Facebook profile HERE and give him a like! We can guarantee you will be impressed by his talent.
Also, make sure to check out Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry and follow his tour dates HERE. And if you’re reading this on the Guerrilla Graphics site make sure you give us a follow as well and we will keep you updated with all our music and design endeavors.
