Matthew Edwards

Matthew "Ted" Edwards is a UK-born singer and songwriter and previously led the San Francisco-based pop group called The Music Lovers and art-pop band Matthew Edwards and the Unfortunates. Edwards now records as a solo artist.

Early life Originally from Small Heath, Birmingham, England, Edwards attended university to study English literature. In 1991, Edwards left his hometown and relocated to San Francisco, California, where he worked as a compere in the city's premier 'variety' evening at The Mad Dog.

Music career

The Hairdressers Edwards' rock band The Hairdressers released the album 'Our Lives in Showbusiness' in 1999.

The Music Lovers While working as an MC, Edwards met bassist Jon Brooder and brought in an old friend from Birmingham, Paul Comaskey on drums, completing the first lineup of the band. In 2003, Edwards formed The Music Lovers for whom he was the singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Between 2003 and 2009, Edwards released three albums and Italy (Sleeping Star). The band toured the East and West Coast of the US and Italy. Each record had distinctive sleeve designs by Matthew Jacobson, incorporating images by Albert and David Maysles, Elliott Erwitt, and Alan Crawford. The records received much critical acclaim. Edwards dissolved the band in 2010.

Matthew Edwards and the Unfortunates In 2013, Edwards formed the Matthew Edwards and the Unfortunates, a six-piece group from San Francisco, California, which featured current and previous members of Ladybug Transistor, Assemble Head in Sunburst Sound, and The Music Lovers. The Unfortunates borrowed its name from the cult book by English writer B.S. Johnson.

The first Unfortunates album 'The Fates' (2013) was released by Last Tape Recordings (CA) The album featured Fred Frith on Guitar. Also featuring on keyboards and vocals was Sasha Bell The album was recorded and mixed by John A. Rivers at Woodbine Street Recording Studio.

In 2019, the group signed to Parisian label December Square who released their third album 'The Birmingham Poets.' Edwards promoted the record with tours of France and the UK (with Nouvelle Vague). The album featured the contribution of Dagmar Krause.

A second Futurists single, 'Suit/Kindness', was released on Last Tape Recordings in 2024.

Matthew Edwards (solo) During COVID lock down, Edwards wrote and recorded a solo record, 'Hark', where he collaborated with long-time confederate Isaac Bonnell. The album was released on Last Tape Recordings in October 2025.

Discography

The Hairdressers

1999 – 'Our Lives in Showbusiness' – Musette Records. MUS4 2017 – 'Folklore' (Gare Du Nord Records) GDNLPo14 2019 – 'The Birmingham Poets' (December Square Records FR) DESQ002

Matthew Edwards and the Futurists

2020 – 'The First Song of the Revolution' EP (Static Caravan Records) VAN 348 2024 – 'Suit/Kindness' – 7 inch single (Last Tape Recordings) LTR02

Matthew Edwards (solo)

2024 – 'Hark' (Last Tape Recordings) LTR03 LP, CD and cassette