Matt Walters (musician)
Matt Walters (born 31 December 1985) is an independent singer/songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. His music is a blend of folk and pop influences.
His sophomore album, NightWalk, will be available for presale on October 15, 2014 with a full worldwide digital release to follow on October 21 to coincide with Walters' debut at CMJ Music Marathon.
Biography
While studying film at University in Melbourne, Matt began recording demos in his bedroom for a debut album. The demo recordings were passed around and eventually found their way to A&R representatives in the Australian music industry. In a chance meeting with A&R rep Peter Karpin of Mercury records, Matt pulled out his guitar and played Conversation (on 2011 release Farewell Youth) and was offered a recording contract on the spot.[1]
In 2008, he left University and signed to Mercury Records (Universal Music) where he released two EP's, Echo On, in 2009[2][3] and Talking in My Sleep in 2010.[4] His debut album, Farewell Youth was released by Mercury records in May 2011.[5]
The Herald Sun said, "Matt Walters accomplishes something wonderful….each track is as sweetly expressed and as charming as the one before…★★★★"
Whilst Farewell Youth was critically acclaimed,[6] the album was not considered a commercial success in Australia. In early 2012 Matt was released from his contract with Mercury Records.
Soon after, Walters found an international online audience numbering in the millions when his song I Would Die For You, a 6 and a half-minute ballad that features Australian singer/songwriter Megan Washington, was posted on YouTube by a fan alongside a portrait of a young French man. The song was streamed over 7 million times (as of August 2014) through sheer word of mouth before it was taken down for copyright infringement.[7]
Inspired by the grassroots response online, Walters re-released his debut album Farewell Youth through CD Baby. The album has sold several thousand copies online and I Would Die For You has been downloaded over 20,000 times.[8]
In early 2012 Walters recorded The Vacant Heart EP in Brooklyn, New York with friend, songwriter & producer McGowan Southworth. It was released in January 2013 through BandCamp & CD Baby.[9]
I Would Die For You was featured in the Season 4 Finale of ABC's ABC's Rookie Blue TV series on 12 September 2013.[10] Music from Farewell Youth was also featured in the 2014 season finale of ABC's Rookie Blue and in the 2014 season finale of Nickelodeon's teen hit drama Degrassi.
Walters has toured with notable artists such as Ben Folds, Jenny Lewis, Paul Kelly and Jeff Beck. He will be announcing additional tour dates for 2014-2015 to support the new release.
In May 2014 Walters previewed the title track and video from his forthcoming album, NightWalk.
NightWalk was released on November 4 Worldwide on Everyday Rebellion Records.
In November Walters supported Grammy nominated Tori Amos on her Unrepentant Geraldines tour around Australia.
Discography
Studio Albums
- NightWalk (2014)
- Farewell Youth (2011)
EP's
- The Vacant Heart EP (2012)
- Talking in My Sleep (2010)
- Echo On (2009)
References
- ↑ http://www.tonedeaf.com.au/features/interviews/72259/georgia-fields-vs-matt-walters.htm
- ↑ http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/reviews/music/19980/Matt-Walters--Echo-On
- ↑ http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/45768/matt-walters-echo-on/
- ↑ http://www.getmusic.com.au/mattwalters/news/detail?id=2160
- ↑ http://www.getmusic.com.au/mattwalters/store/detail?id=111868
- ↑ http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/ths-weeks-music-cds/story-e6frg8n6-1226061152050
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6cTLc0rB4w
- ↑ http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/music/random-act-helps-turn-a-life-around-20121216-2bhg5.html
- ↑ http://mattwalters.bandcamp.com/
- ↑ http://watchabc.go.com/rookie-blue/SH5564832/VDKA0_qtk00zv2/you-can-see-the-stars
