Terry Matsuoka

Terry Matsuoka is a singer-songwriter with intricate musicianship, tight pop songwriting and a soulful voice.  His songs are easily relatable because he writes about scenarios that come up in his personal life.  While the base of his style is in rock/ pop, he draws on his own musical tastes which also include the blues, reggae, classic soul, jazz, classic country, punk and hip hop.    

Whether solo or with his 3-piece band The Ingredients, Terry Matsuoka's live show is an entirely unique experience in itself.  In addition to performing his songs with enthusiasm and passion, his shows can sometimes enter the realm of a variety show.  Musically he will improvise, loop musical phrases and play percussion on his guitar.  In past performances, Matsuoka has also performed stunts like drinking poison, getting possessed by Elvis' ghost and doing dances choreographed by audience members.  He delivers hip hop spoken word and human beatboxes with remarkable ability.  He has shared billing with artists as diverse as Steve Poltz, Patricia Barber, Gregory Page, Tim Flannery, Far East Movement, Vienna Teng and Jewel at storied venues like LeStat's, the Viper Room, Java Joe's, Twiggs and the Casbah and events like the San Diego Music Awards Acoustic Festival, Kollaboration, Street Scene and the San Diego Asian Film Festival Gala.

“Matsuoka’s effect on the audience is akin to that of a cool cousin you only see twice a year, yet wished would never leave.”
- Fernando Ramos of The Daily Aztec