M. Ward performed on "The Late Show with David Letterman" Matthew Stephen Ward, known by his stage name M. Ward, is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who rose to prominence in the Portland, Oregon music scene. In addition to his solo work he is known as a member of She & Him and Monsters of Folk. In 2006, Ward recorded a duet with actress Zooey Deschanel, a collaboration which resulted in the formation of the band She & Him.[3] The duo's album Volume One â€" which Ward produced â€" was released on Merge Records on March 18, 2008. Ward and Deschanel performed (along with Yo La Tengo) on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on April 22, 2008. Returning from She & Him duties, M. Ward has released his sixth solo studio album, Hold Time,[4] on February 17, 2009. Ward has said that he doesn't enjoy playing shows very much: "In general I like it. I don't like being away from home that much. So it's OK It's a part of the job."[5] He has also taken steps recently to restrict fans' use of ca! merasâ€"even point-and-shootsâ€"during his live shows.[6] Both Ward and Deschanel also agreed to be judges for the 9th annual Independent Music Awards. In doing so, She & Him are using their growing influence to assist upcoming independent musicians' careers.[7][8] [9] Ward's music has influenced subsequent singer-songwriters such as Jesse Marchant of JBM.[10] Monsters of Folk, the project Ward and Oberst began, finally released their self-titled debut album in September 2009. The band also includes Jim James
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