Critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter and Broadway veteran Matt Zarley has plenty to sing about these days.  The title song from his upcoming sophomore release, “Here I Am,” was recently chosen as one of the 2008 “American Idol Songwriter” competition’s Top 20 finalists in the prestigious national contest.  The CD, “Here I Am” is available for pre-order online (www.MattZarley.com) and will be available nationally on July 29, 2008. 

Matt’s passion for songwriting resulted in his first solo album, “Debut,” which was released in 2002 and received critical acclaim, The set featured the Billboard dance hit, “You Always Want (what u ain’t got)” and “Say Goodbye”; which is also featured on the all-star Human Rights Campaign (HRC) benefit CD, “Being Out Rocks,” alongside such artists as Sarah McLachlan and Rufus Wainright, among others. All of Matt’s current music catalog including his most recent music video “Had I Known” (featured on the new “Here I Am” CD) can now be found on iTunes.

Zarley is also an internationally published songwriter and has had numerous songs recorded and released overseas by some of the biggest names in international music.  He also has the distinction of being named the first openly gay bachelor in People Magazine’s “Hottest Bachelors” issue in 2002 – opening the door for other openly gay men to be featured in the mainstream publication.

Matt Zarley began his career at 12 years old, dancing with Tony The Tiger in a Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes commercial. He hasn’t looked back since. He made his Broadway debut, while still a teen, in A Chorus Line. He’s also been featured in Cats, Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and played the title roles in both Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Who’s Tommy….all on the Great White Way. In addition to several television appearances, he has worked with numerous recording artists; such as Brandy, Usher, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Reba McEntire, Vanessa Williams, Peabo Bryson, Melissa Manchester, Billy Porter, and Sheena Easton, among others. His labor of love and first solo album, Debut, was released thru Universal distribution in 2002 to critical acclaim. It’s lead single, “You Always Want (what u ain’t got)” was a Billboard club hit. The second single, “Say Goodbye” was featured on the all-star HRC benefit CD, “Being Out Rocks” alongside such artists as Sarah McLachlan and Rufus Wainwright, to name just a few. Matt is also an internationally published songwriter. He has also had the distinction of being named one of Hollywood’s hottest bachelors in People Magazine’s annual Bachelor issue.