5 Trademarks of a Matt Nathanson Show

American singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson has released music for over 30 years. He gained mainstream recognition with his 2007 album, Some Mad Hope, which featured the hit single “Come On Get Higher.” His newest album release, King of (Un)Simple, carries forth his storytelling strengths and ability to connect a feeling to melody.

In the first of two shows at the Uptown Theater in Minneapolis, Matt Nathanson showcased his signature mix of heartfelt storytelling, infectious energy, and razor-sharp wit that helped deliver a performance that left you with sore sides from laughing and sore cheeks from smiling. The sold out audience kept all corners of the venue alive with spontaneous dancing and singing along to different songs.

1. Wheel of Song

While not a fixture of every tour, the Wheel of Song has become a fan favorite and instant source of energy. It embodies the unpredictable nature of a Nathanson show—any song could get played, and every spin curates a unique moment in the night’s setlist. The wheel serves as a navigation tool for his extensive catalog, incorporating deep cuts, covers, and storytelling in a fresh, engaging way.

Last night in Minneapolis, categories included: Happy Songs, Oops!, Songs You Hear at Whole Foods, Rand McNally Baby!, Awesome Songs I Didn’t Write, and You Good Bro?, among many others. At every spin last night, you could feel everyone hold their collective breath, as every person at the show was rooting for a specific topic.

2. The Gift of Gab

Part concert, part stand-up comedy—Nathanson is just as known for his witty banter as he is for his heartfelt songs. His between-song storytelling, tangents, and self-deprecating humor keep audiences engaged, never quite knowing what he’ll say next. There aren’t very many artists that can keep a sold out crowd engaged the full two hours with as much gab as Nathanson.

From the moment he stepped on stage, he joked about limiting his talking or risk never getting through the set. While he may not play 30+ songs in one night, the 17-20 he does perform are woven together with humor and personal anecdotes, making for an unforgettable experience.

3. Love

Nathanson’s music thrives on themes of love—romantic, unrequited, passionate, and heartbreakingly raw. His setlist last night reflected this trademark, with performances of “Last Days of Summer in San Francisco” and “Adrenaline” bringing different shades of love to life on stage.

Add in Nathanson’s trademark hip sways and heavy charisma, and songs about love always feel like your own personal daydream. Throughout the night pockets of fans would stand up and dance, cheer, and soak in the steamier songs with their girlfriends.

4. Nostalgic 90s Influence

Nathanson has a deep appreciation for 90s music, often weaving it into his performances. He’s even released tribute albums covering U2 and Def Leppard.

Last night, he ended “Faster” with a snippet of “Kiss” by Prince, performed “Hysteria” in a stripped-down, haunting rendition, and seamlessly mashed up “Car Crash” with U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” The night also featured a singalong to “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins and a high-energy tribute to “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince.

5. Adoring Fancase

Nathanson’s fanbase, primarily female, shares a deep connection with his music. His charismatic presence and emotional performances create an intimate experience for everyone in the room. With the added significance of International Women’s Day, “To the Beat of Our Noisy Hearts” took on an extra layer of empowerment as the main character in the song unapologetically does her own thing and can’t be tied down.

Even offstage, Nathanson’s concerts foster connection. As I stood capturing photos, a woman struck up a conversation about my camera—only later did I realize there may have been some subtle flirtation involved. It’s that kind of energy—a mix of music, passion, and human connection—that makes a Matt Nathanson show so special.

A Matt Nathanson show is more than just a concert—it’s a blend of humor, spontaneity, nostalgia, and raw emotion. Whether it’s through the thrill of the Wheel of Song, his comedic storytelling, or the heartfelt connection to his lyrics, Nathanson ensures every performance is one to remember.