Matt Soverns might be best known around Indianapolis as the Piano Guy, a familiar sight during the pandemic, rolling through the city streets with his 64-key Melodigrand apartment piano on a homemade cart. What began as a spontaneous effort to lift spirits during a bleak time evolved into something bigger—a local legend in motion. Whether outside a restaurant or in the middle of the Indy Pride Parade, Matt’s street serenades, sincere charisma, and raw musicality left an indelible mark on the city. His presence wasn’t just welcomed—it was needed.
Earlier this summer, Matt brought that same energy indoors for a special evening at Feinstein’s at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. Backed by a group of top-tier local musicians, Matt delivered a memorable show of original music and audience favorites that showcased his signature blend of heartfelt songwriting and theatrical flair. The event also marked the release of his new EP, Dropped Calls, featuring reimagined versions of beloved tracks from his album Phoning It In alongside fresh remixes. Fans who have followed his journey know this release captures the evolution of a true Indy icon.
His latest single, “Saturn’s Return,” is a tender, bittersweet meditation on growing older. Named after the astrological event that symbolizes life shifts and personal evolution, the track carries an emotional resonance that’s both nostalgic and current. Through gentle piano chords and evocative lyrics, Matt reflects on the fading sparkle of youth, lost romance, and the quiet acceptance that comes with maturity. It’s a song that aches in all the right ways, channeling the feeling of watching something beautiful slip away while knowing it’s time to move forward.
That kind of emotional intelligence is exactly what sets Matt apart. Though he has no formal musical training, he approaches songwriting like a seasoned artist. Growing up as the youngest in a household of six, Matt discovered music in solitude—digging through old records in the basement and trying to replicate what he heard on the family piano. Artists like Billy Joel, Elton John, and the Beatles shaped his early sound, but his method was entirely his own. With synesthesia—an extraordinary neurological phenomenon that causes him to see shapes in sound—Matt learned to “feel” relationships between notes, crafting songs that aren’t just heard, but felt.
You can hear this depth in his earlier work, like the fan-favorite 2018 single “Very Different Things.” The music video—featuring a piano-powered tour through downtown Indy—has become a local classic, showcasing both Matt’s connection to the city and his flair for storytelling. That same energy runs through 2024’s “Tell My Why,” a soulful ballad full of warmth, longing, and undeniable catchiness. Across his music, Matt blends the classic and the contemporary—equal parts Billy Joel and Matchbox 20, with a dash of Parliament funk when you least expect it.
Live, Matt is electric. His shows—whether dueling pianos with Brittany Brumfield or solo with a full band—aren’t just performances. They’re happenings. He’s known to sing from atop his piano, wander through the crowd mid-song, and treat every request like a chance to connect. There’s something deeply personal about the way he performs, something rare. In an age of overblown stage productions and digital filters, Matt Soverns remains resolutely real.
For anyone who missed the Feinstein’s show or wants to catch Matt’s unique blend of piano-driven storytelling, Dropped Calls and “Saturn’s Return” offer a perfect gateway. This is an artist who took a humble street piano and turned it into a soundtrack for a city—and now, for anyone willing to listen.
Socials
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattsoverns/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattsoverns