Former Woodlands resident to play with band at Austin City Limits

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Singer and songwriter, Matt Hines, claimed he was rarely bored while living in The Woodlands. With his own car and his friends, Hines thought he had everything he needed, until he entered the world of music.

“I had a fairly good time living there” Hines said. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without going through a few years [there]."

Hines started playing music when he graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 2005. While living in The Woodlands, Hines’ experimental creations were properly showcased at local musical venues such as Java Jazz and Carrie’s Coffee Mill.

After high school, Hines moved to Austin in pursuit of a degree from St. Edward’s University. While at St. Edward’s, Hines’ musical project, The Eastern Sea, began to grow at an exponential rate. Hines rehearsed and began recording music with other musicians by 2007.

In October of 2009, The Eastern Sea released their first self-titled album consisting of nine songs. Despite technical limitations during studio production, Hines claimed the entire process was an extremely fun experience for the entire band. Songs off of the album such as “The Snow” gained The Eastern Sea a credible platform of opportunity. New music forums, such as Absolute Punk, praised the self-titled release.

After touring in support of the self-titled album in 2010, The Eastern Sea moved back into a new studio to begin recording a new album. Unlike the self-titled release, the recording process for the new album took on a more traditional and suited route.

“Our studio and equipment allowed us to track four instruments at the same time to get the live feel and we focused more on getting ideas straight onto tape instead of piecing things together one by one,” Hines said. Much of the recording process for the new album aimed on melodic features and harmonious orchestration.

In 2011, The Eastern Sea released their sophomore album titled, “Plague." In the same fashion as the first album, “Plague” also received favorable reviews among critics and fans alike. Through June and July of 2011, The Eastern Sea traveled across the country on tour in support of the album.

Soon, The Eastern Sea will embark on an August tour throughout various locations across the United States.

“I definitely look forward to it because it’s a chance to play for a completely new audience, and from a performer’s standpoint there is nothing more exciting,” Hines said. “Trying to convince people to take a chance on us and to invest in our art is what this tour is all about.”

In October, The Eastern Sea is scheduled to play one of the most anticipated music festivals in the United States: Austin City Limits. Ranging from artists like Neil Young to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Austin City Limits showcases the best that music offers on a yearly basis.

“It’s amazing to be on that list,” Hines said. “Some really amazing talent is performing at that festival and we’re hoping to really make a statement.”

Although Hines is flooded with touring, recording, and promoting his band, he is routinely reminded of the genesis location of his musical endeavors - The Woodlands.

“I haven’t found the right time to bring down the entire band to The Woodlands for a show, but when I do it will be a very special experience at a unique place,” Hines said.