Matt Kean (musician)

Kean was born on 2 June 1986 and was raised in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.^[2] Growing up, he wanted to be a footballer, but figured "that was never going to happen." He attended college to study A-levels in biology, physics, and chemistry.^[3]

Kean first picked up bass guitar in his college years out of boredom; on his days off, wondering what to do apart from playing on his computer, he decided to purchase a bass. Kean largely played along to songs from bands Blink-182 and Green Day, as well as "anything mainstream...I would go over and over those tabs."^[3]

Before joining Bring Me the Horizon, he would watch bandmate Lee Malia and former guitarist Curtis Ward perform in a Metallica tribute band.^[3] He ended up joining the band in 2004, after he finished college and leaving local bands he previously played for.^[3][4]

Bring Me the Horizon formed in 2004, and they released their debut EP, This Is What the Edge of Your Seat Was Made For, later that year.^[4] The group released their debut studio album Count Your Blessings, on 30 October 2006.^[5] The album peaked at number 93 on the UK Albums Chart.^[6] Their second studio album, Suicide Season was released on 29 September 2008.^[7] The album reached number 47 on the UK Albums Chart.^[6] Their third studio album, There Is a Hell Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven Let's Keep It a Secret was released on 4 October 2010.^[8] The album debuted at number 13 on the UK Albums Chart.^[6] Their fourth studio album, Sempiternal was released on 1 April 2013.^[9] It peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart.^[6] The group's fifth studio album, That's the Spirit was released on 11 September 2015.^[10] The album peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart,^[6] as well as number two on the Billboard 200, making it the band's first top ten in the US.^[11] Their sixth studio album, Amo, was released on 25 January 2019.^[12] The album topped the UK Albums Chart.^[13] Their seventh studio album, Post Human: Nex Gen was released on 24 May 2024.^[14]

Kean, along with Oli Sykes' mother Carol Sykes, also served as the de facto managers of the band during the group's early years until 2008.^[4] On 12 December 2016, Kean was selected for the front cover on the 138th edition of Bass Guitar magazine, featuring an exclusive interview with the bassist.^[15]

The first bass guitar Kean owned was a Peavey starter pack. He later bought an Ibanez bass and used it on tour during the band's early years.^[3] Additionally, Kean owns a few Fenders and Sandbergs, as well as an endorsement through Gibson.^[3] The brand suggested him try their EB14, which he "immediately liked" because of its sound.^[16] On tour, Kean uses four basses including the EB.^[3] He also has a blue non-reverse Gibson Thunderbird bass, which is based on a 1965 model.^[16] His amp setup consists of an 8x10' cabinet, an Ashdown head and an Ampeg SVT-VR reissue.^[16][3] Kean also uses an EMG Ja Set Pickups.^[17] He uses an Ernie Ball Hybrid Coated bass strings with an individual 135.^[18] Kean generally does not use effects while playing, preferring to "keep it simple";^[3] however, he has a Tube Screamer pedal and used a plugin from SansAmp on recording "What You Need" from the band's fifth studio album, That's the Spirit.^[16] He also used an Empress compressor effects pedal on the song "Oh No".^[3]

Kean never took bass lessons nor learned music theory, and is entirely self-taught. He has remarked that he was "far behind" in his technique compared to the other Bring Me the Horizon members when the band first formed.^[3] On writing bass lines, Kean usually follows along with Malia's guitar parts.^[3]

Kean has stated that has no specific influences on bass, but that he was simply interested in music; however, he has expressed appreciation toward bassists such as Billy Sheehan and Matt Freeman of Rancid, as well as Cliff Burton and Jason Newsted of Metallica.^[16][19]

Kean is a vegan.^[2] He moved to Manchester in his early 20s.^[20] During the recording of Sempiternal, Kean lived with former bandmate Jona Weinhofen in a hotel as neither member had a place to stay. ^[21]

Kean is an avid football fan, and supports Premier League club Manchester City.^[20]