Set Me Free

The Zoo Crew is spinning the funky, soul-drenched track "Set Me Free" by Matt Pearce & The Mutiny from their debut album Gotta Get Home, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving along. This song is a standout, described by reviewers as a "classic in waiting" with "sublime blues" that showcases Pearce’s ability to blend gritty vocals and tasteful guitar work. According to a review from Classic Rock Magazine, "Set Me Free" was the winner of their Tracks of the Week, highlighting its infectious energy and broad appeal. The track has racked up over 143,000 streams on streaming platforms, a testament to its resonance with fans of blues-rock with a funky edge. In a 2019 review from Rockposer, critic Peter Scallan noted the song’s “edgy vocals” and “great keyboard touches,” emphasizing its departure from formulaic blues, making it a perfect fit for the eclectic vibes of THE ZOO radio station.

Delving into the song’s creation, Matt Pearce shared in an interview with Get Ready to ROCK! that "Set Me Free" was born from his desire to merge rocking blues with soulful grooves, calling it part of his “Funky Soul-a-delic Blues Rock Jam Thing.” The track features a dynamic arrangement with contributions from keyboardist Jon Moody, whose electric piano adds a layer of retro cool, as noted in a Blues Rock Review piece. Pearce’s performance on the song is particularly intense, with vocals that find a raw honesty, pulling listeners into its emotional core. The song’s success is also tied to its live performances, with Pearce and The Mutiny captivating audiences at festivals like Winterstorm in Scotland, where the band’s chemistry brought the track to life, as mentioned on their Facebook page.

Matt Pearce, the mastermind behind The Mutiny, kicked off his musical journey in Glasgow, Scotland, before making waves in London’s vibrant music scene. As a founding member of the hard rock band Voodoo Six, Pearce honed his guitar skills, releasing five albums with the group, including one recorded at Steve Vai’s Mothership Studios in L.A., as detailed on his official website. His love for diverse genres—blues, funk, soul, and even Prince’s eclectic stylings—pushed him to explore beyond the confines of hard rock. Before forming The Mutiny, Pearce played with the Tracie Hunter Band and even dabbled in tribute acts for Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty, showcasing his versatility, according to a Rockpit review. His solo project, Matt Pearce & The Mutiny, launched with the 2019 release of Gotta Get Home, which hit #1 on the Amazon Best Selling Blues Albums chart, cementing his place in the blues-rock world.

Pearce’s musical roots are deeply collaborative, drawing on top-tier talent from London’s blues scene, including drummer Joe Lazarus and vocalist Acantha Lang, who added gospel-infused flair to tracks like "Set Me Free." His passion for music that uplifts and transcends genres is evident in his mission statement, shared on Instagram, where he describes wanting to create “somewhere to go to be happy, laugh, sing, dance.” Fans can connect with Pearce and The Mutiny through their active social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where they share tour updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and fan interactions. For dedicated Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the Matt Pearce & The Mutiny Facebook page serves as a hub for fans to discuss shows and share their love for tracks like "Set Me Free," while Bandcamp offers exclusive releases and merch for the ultimate fan experience.