Matthew C. Whitaker is a Manchester-based musician and composer whose solo work unfolds in quiet contrast to his day job fronting cosmic prog-rave outfit HENGE, with whom he has released four acclaimed albums and toured extensively across the UK and Europe. Where the band trades in high-energy, maximalist spectacle, Whitaker's solo practice is something else entirely: hushed, patient, and built for close listening. His debut, Man With the Anvil Hat (2016), introduced his flair for intricate harmony and richly textured soundscapes. His latest release, Songs for the Weary (2026), continues this exploration with eight gentle pieces for classical guitar, lush string arrangements, and subtle electronics. Singles from the album have found a home on BBC Radio 6 Music, with "Lucid Dreamer" championed by Radcliffe and Maconie and "Chestnut Tree" picked up by Craig Charles.

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