ABOUT

Mathew Haeffel is a prolific independent songsmith working in the medium of vocals on guitar who has performed 1500+ shows since his start in 2002. Haeffel's unique eclectic musical signature, composed of pensive lyrics with alluring rhythmic foundations, is described by the Shepherd Express as "Groove oriented improvisational-minded folk rock with a smattering of world music flavors", a wordy, albeit beautiful, summation that belies the difficulty in classifying Mathew Haeffel into any one music genre. 

 

Haeffel's career has witnessed immense change in the music industry. For perspective, his first demo was recorded on cassette tape. Since his album Rhythm Ethics (2010), social media, smartphones, and streaming platforms have transformed the music landscape. Decades later, having endured such a transformative era, he released his second full-length album aptly titled Tenacity (2025).

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PBS's Rhythm Café MKE, while encapsulating the theme of his song "Diamonds out of Coal", declares that "Haeffel's rich, soulful voice guides listeners on a journey of hope and perseverance, illustrating how life's challenges can lead to unexpected and precious outcomes."  They went on to describe his song "What I've Found" as "a captivating original song that emerges from the depths of the subconscious, weaving together abstract thoughts into a poignant message." and that "The melody, characterized by tension-filled chords, mirrors the complexity of life's uncertainties. Yet, amidst this tension, the song delivers a powerful message of resilience and mindfulness."  Though these quotes are directed toward specific songs, they simultaneously illustrate Haeffel's broader stylistic approach to songwriting.