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Matt Kean (musician)
British bassist (born 1986) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Matthew Kean (born 2 June 1986) is a British musician, best known as the bassist of the rock band Bring Me the Horizon. He has been credited on all seven of the band's studio releases.
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Early life
Kean was born on 2 June 1986 and was raised in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.[2] Growing up, he wanted to be a footballer, but figured "that was never going to happen." He attended college to study A-levels in biology, physics, and chemistry.[3]
Kean first picked up bass guitar in his college years out of boredom; on his days off, wondering what to do apart from playing on his computer, he decided to purchase a bass. Kean largely played along to songs from bands Blink-182 and Green Day, as well as "anything mainstream...I would go over and over those tabs."[3]
Before joining Bring Me the Horizon, he would watch bandmate Lee Malia and former guitarist Curtis Ward perform in a Metallica tribute band.[3] He ended up joining the band in 2004, after he finished college and leaving local bands he previously played for.[3][4]
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Career
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Bring Me the Horizon formed in 2004, and they released their debut EP, This Is What the Edge of Your Seat Was Made For, later that year.[4] The group released their debut studio album Count Your Blessings, on 30 October 2006.[5] The album peaked at number 93 on the UK Albums Chart.[6] Their second studio album, Suicide Season was released on 29 September 2008.[7] The album reached number 47 on the UK Albums Chart.[6] Their third studio album, There Is a Hell Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven Let's Keep It a Secret was released on 4 October 2010.[8] The album debuted at number 13 on the UK Albums Chart.[6] Their fourth studio album, Sempiternal was released on 1 April 2013.[9] It peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart.[6] The group's fifth studio album, That's the Spirit was released on 11 September 2015.[10] The album peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart,[6] as well as number two on the Billboard 200, making it the band's first top ten in the US.[11] Their sixth studio album, Amo, was released on 25 January 2019.[12] The album topped the UK Albums Chart.[13] Their seventh studio album, Post Human: Nex Gen was released on 24 May 2024.[14]
Kean, along with Oli Sykes' mother Carol Sykes, also served as the de facto managers of the band during the group's early years until 2008.[4] On 12 December 2016, Kean was selected for the front cover on the 138th edition of Bass Guitar magazine, featuring an exclusive interview with the bassist.[15]
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Equipment
The first bass guitar Kean owned was a Peavey starter pack. He later bought an Ibanez bass and used it on tour during the band's early years.[3] Additionally, Kean owns a few Fenders and Sandbergs, as well as an endorsement through Gibson.[3] The brand suggested him try their EB14, which he "immediately liked" because of its sound.[16] On tour, Kean uses four basses including the EB.[3] He also has a blue non-reverse Gibson Thunderbird bass, which is based on a 1965 model.[16] His amp setup consists of an 8x10' cabinet, an Ashdown head and an Ampeg SVT-VR reissue.[16][3] Kean also uses an EMG Ja Set Pickups.[17] He uses an Ernie Ball Hybrid Coated bass strings with an individual 135.[18] Kean generally does not use effects while playing, preferring to "keep it simple";[3] however, he has a Tube Screamer pedal and used a plugin from SansAmp on recording "What You Need" from the band's fifth studio album, That's the Spirit.[16] He also used an Empress compressor effects pedal on the song "Oh No".[3]
Musical style and technique
Kean never took bass lessons nor learned music theory, and is entirely self-taught. He has remarked that he was "far behind" in his technique compared to the other Bring Me the Horizon members when the band first formed.[3] On writing bass lines, Kean usually follows along with Malia's guitar parts.[3]
Kean has stated that has no specific influences on bass, but that he was simply interested in music; however, he has expressed appreciation toward bassists such as Billy Sheehan and Matt Freeman of Rancid, as well as Cliff Burton and Jason Newsted of Metallica.[16][19]
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Personal life
Kean is a vegan.[2] He moved to Manchester in his early 20s.[20] During the recording of Sempiternal, Kean lived with former bandmate Jona Weinhofen in a hotel as neither member had a place to stay.[21]
Kean is an avid football fan, and supports Premier League club Manchester City.[20] He is currently dating American singer Tillie.[22]
Discography
Bring Me the Horizon
Studio albums
- Count Your Blessings (2006)
- Suicide Season (2008)
- There Is a Hell Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven Let's Keep It a Secret. (2010)
- Sempiternal (2013)
- That's the Spirit (2015)
- Amo (2019)
- Post Human: Nex Gen (2024)
References
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