Artist Spotlight: Mateus Asato – The Master of Modern Melodic Guitar and Solo Era
Artist Biography
Born in Campo Grande, Brazil, Mateus Asato is widely celebrated as one of the most influential and imitated guitarists of the modern era. Fusing sophisticated jazz harmony, R&B phrasing, pop sensibilities, and fluid Latin-inspired grooves, Asato first rose to global prominence through his masterclass-quality Instagram video clips, which revolutionized how a new generation of players consumed and studied guitar. After studying at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, he quickly became an elite first-call sideman and collaborator, touring and recording with global superstars like Bruno Mars, Tori Kelly, and Jessie J, while establishing a distinct voice defined by immaculate touch, soulful double-stops, and supreme emotional depth.
Ensembles & Key Collaborations
While operating primarily as a solo artist and premier session player, Asato frequently collaborates with world-class rhythm sections and artists across the global pop, R&B, and fusion circuits:
- The Mateus Asato Trio / Live Band: Dynamic touring lineups featuring elite contemporary session drummers and bassists bringing his complex instrumental arrangements to life on international stages.
- High-Profile Pop & R&B Collaborations: Extensive live and studio work alongside artists such as Bruno Mars, Tori Kelly, and Alessia Cara.
- Guitar Icon Partnerships: Frequent guest appearances and musical summits alongside modern guitar peers like Tim Henson, Cory Wong, and Matteo Mancuso.
Notable Album & Single Releases
Having spent years as a featured guest and instrumental contributor on various projects, Asato officially stepped out as a solo frontman with monumental releases:
- Dezembro (2020) – An intimate early instrumental project showcasing his signature atmospheric tone and intricate chord melody work.
- "Cryin'" (Single, 2025) – His milestone first official solo single marking a deeply personal creative reset.
- ASATO (Debut Studio Album, 2026) – His highly anticipated, critically acclaimed full-length debut album released via Concord Records, featuring the Hendrix-inspired lead single "Hendrix"—a track written as a heartfelt homage to his ultimate musical hero.
Recent News & Major Endorsement Shifts
It has been a massive year of transition and triumph for Mateus Asato. Following a celebrated 12-year partnership, Asato officially parted ways with Suhr Guitars, sparking immense speculation across the industry before officially announcing his landmark partnership as an official Fender Artist. Teasing custom prototypes straight from the Fender Custom Shop (including a stunning sage-green Stratocaster variant) alongside the massive success of his debut solo record ASATO, he continues to set the gold standard for modern guitar artistry.
Full Setlist:
0:00 - Intro
1:37 - Otsukare!
6:00 - Rush
9:41 - Mellow
16:44 - We're cousins, right?
21:31 - Maria
28:33 - Cryin'
36:54 - Mateus on tour
41:17 - Don't Dream It's Over
48:16 - How Deep is Your Love
53:29 - (Change) + The Bridge
57:50 - North
1:03:19 - Goodbye
1:09:18 - Blessed Assurance
1:11:36 - The Breakup Song
1:17:57 - Kawaii
1:24:15 - Empty Hands
1:29:57 - K
1:34:36 - HENDRIX Encore:
Encore:
1:43:50 - Human Nature
1:45:39 - Kyoto's Jam
1:50:25 - Dragonbomb (Cha La Head Cha La)
1:52:26 - Robot Rock
1:57:40 - too nerdy for pop, too pop for nerds