Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-09-11
Matt Jalbert has announced Somebody’s Child, his debut album arriving November 20 via ELM Records. The eight-song collection marks a new chapter for the founding TAUK guitarist, who writes lyrics and sings for the first time. The title track arrives September 18 with an official video, with pre-saves available now through Jalbert’s website.
For more than a decade, Jalbert has been known as the founding guitarist of TAUK, the instrumental rock outfit that carried him from Bonnaroo and Hulaween to the stage at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. With Somebody’s Child, he steps forward as a lead vocalist and songwriter, bringing groove-forward indie rock, psychedelic color and blues influence into concise, lyric-centered songs.
Across its eight songs, Somebody’s Child follows people looking for meaning, direction and solid ground in a world where certainty can be difficult to find. The record moves through imposter syndrome, stalled momentum, the noise of information and other people’s expectations, and the search for a clearer relationship with one’s own instincts. At its center is the title track’s simple realization: no matter how old, successful, lost or put-together we become, we are all still somebody’s child.
“There have been times as a guitar player when I’ve been jealous of someone just picking up the instrument for the first time, because there’s something exciting about not knowing what you’re doing yet. Writing lyrics and singing has given me that feeling again. I’ve never done either before, so everything feels like unexplored territory—playing with words, finding meaning in random thoughts and figuring out how to use my voice as an instrument. I’m just having a lot of fun being a beginner again,” says Jalbert.
Recorded at Tone Town in Los Angeles, Somebody’s Child was produced by Jalbert, Curtis Kelley and Devin Runco. Kelley and Runco engineered and mixed the album, which was mastered by Joe Bagale. Jalbert handles guitar and vocals, with Kelley on drums, percussion and vocals; Runco on bass; and Steve Watkins on keys.
“Spell Number 6” features Jonny Kosmo on vocals, Jordan Lewis on Rhodes, Alvin Jones on trumpet, Cynthia Vollmer on tenor saxophone and Josh Moore on trombone. Tommy Shugart contributes additional keys to “Feet on the Ground.”
Jalbert will bring the new music to the stage as the Matt Jalbert Band, featuring Ben Atkind on drums, Eli Winderman on keys and vocals, Jonathan Colman on bass and Adam November on guitar. Live dates will be announced soon.
“Somebody’s Child” will be available on all major streaming and download platforms September 18, with the full album following November 20 via ELM Records.
Songs and lyrics: All songs and lyrics, except “Spell Number 6,” written by Matt Jalbert, Curtis Kelley and Devin Runco. “Spell Number 6” lyrics by Jonny Kosmo; song by Matt Jalbert, Jonny Kosmo, Curtis Kelley, Devin Runco and Jordan Lewis.
Produced by: Matt Jalbert, Curtis Kelley and Devin Runco
Engineered by: Curtis Kelley and Devin Runco
Mixed by: Curtis Kelley and Devin Runco
Mastered by: Joe Bagale
Recorded at: Tone Town in Los Angeles
Musicians:
Matt Jalbert — guitar and vocals
Curtis Kelley — drums, percussion and vocals
Devin Runco — bass
Steve Watkins — keys
Jonny Kosmo — vocals on “Spell Number 6”
Jordan Lewis — Rhodes on “Spell Number 6”
Tommy Shugart — additional keys on “Feet on the Ground”
Alvin Jones — trumpet on “Spell Number 6”
Cynthia Vollmer — tenor saxophone on “Spell Number 6”
Josh Moore — trombone on “Spell Number 6”
Matt Jalbert Band is the new project from the guitarist and founding member of TAUK, marking a move into song-driven territory for an artist known for instrumental work. The band features Ben Atkind on drums, Eli Winderman on keys and vocals, Jonathan Colman on bass and Adam November on guitar. Somebody’s Child, the debut album, arrives November 20, 2026, via ELM Records.
ELM Records is the independent label founded in 2026 by Eric Lense, CEO of New York-based artist management company Eric Lense Management. Built to give ELM’s artist roster an artist-first home for their recordings, the label’s releases include Nestor Torres’ The Poet’s Revolution, Bonzo Squad’s Full Strength and Matt Jalbert Band’s Somebody’s Child.
