The Matchstick Architects

The Matchstick Architects are a New England-based indie rock band influenced by an eclectic mix of artists ranging from Lucinda Williams to purveyors of the American indie scene such as The Decemberists. The band is fronted by Dar Maloney on guitar and vocals. Her hard-driving vocal style is often compared to that of Melissa Etheridge – although she has her own unique style.

The Matchstick Architects play in and around New England and beyond and are working on material for their second album, a follow-up to 2016’s All That’s In Between.

For those wishing to dig a little deeper…

Dar Maloney and Tom Conklin formed The Matchstick Architects as a duo in 2010. With the idea of adding bandmates always a persistent desire, they played small venues and festivals for a couple of years and continued to write songs. Bassist DiDi Davis came along shortly thereafter. That was a stroke of luck. She was the perfect fit and she added the pulsating low end that they were desperately missing. From there, a search for the right drummer began. That search would prove to be a challenge. After going through several drummers that didn’t work out for one reason or another, they found Paul Unsworth. Paul was the final piece to finishing the band’s debut album. Over his professional career, Paul has played with legendary ex-Rolling Stones guitarist, Mick Taylor, and the legendary Ronnie Spector. Paul played drums on all the album tracks except for one - the soulful blues-rocker, Ready. Band friend and Arlo Guthrie drummer, Terry A La Berry, had already laid down the drum tracks for that one.

The first single off the debut album, Little Things, enjoyed a steady rotation on The Exit 97.7 WEXT, a radio station based in Troy, NY which serves the greater Capital District of Albany, NY. The song also came in at #12 on the radio station's Top 60 Local 518 Songs of 2016. The album's second single, The Moment, also placed in the Top 60 in 2017.

Paul Unsworth relocated his family and had to leave the band in 2015, once again leaving a hole in the line-up that has been hard to keep filled. Dave Willey entered the picture shortly thereafter and remained with the band until the fall of 2017.

In March 2018, Dennis Cotton came on board as the band’s drummer. He joined the band after having recorded more than 40 albums, touring with legendary British blues band Savoy Brown for the better part of a decade (1999-2007), and having played with countless top artists including J. Geils, John Sebastian, Levon Helm, and a lot more. Unfortunately, Dennis decided to leave the band in September of 2023 to concentrate on projects closer to home. He did however record a handful of songs with the band before his departure.

In February 2024, the band welcomed Tom Joyner as its new drummer.

The Matchstick Architects' music has been played on several radio stations in the Northeast and is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and most popular streaming services.


Dar Maloney - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Tom Conklin - Guitars, Backing Vocals
DiDi Davis - Bass, Backing Vocals
Tom Joyner – Drums, Percussion

Booking and Press Contact: Tom Conklin 413-281-6018

Email: contact@matchstickarchitects.com