Are you at home at the moment or touring?
On tour right now. I’ve just wrapped up a quick solo run in the UK and am starting the first of five nights with my band in the Netherlands.
How do you feel about touring?
I love being on the road. I always get itchy to get back out when I’ve had too much time off. Having the opportunity to travel and play music is something I can’t take for granted. I feel quite fortunate to be able to do what I do.
Last time we spoke you were starting off a 62 show tour with your band, The Bona Fide. How did that go?
It was a fantastic tour. Great crowds, lots and familiar faces and lots of new ones. It was a change for me to travel with a band. It was a real treat to have such great musicians to share the stage with. We covered a lot of ground through North America. Saw more of the US than I ever have before. And no fights on the bus. A grand trip from all points of view.
Being on the road for so long, do you ever feel like the “walls are closing in” as suggested in your song “Break Away” from Honest Man?
Not on the road. That song refers more to being at home and needing a change. Being on the road is a very liberating way of life.
What is the story behind “Tell me who are you listening to?”? Who do you think people are listening to? When should people be supported in making up their own minds?
That story was pretty much inspired by people who seem to get their opinions from others, instead of forming their own. The biggest culprit to me is the copy-and-paste mentality of social media. Folks will spread information without even questioning where it’s coming from. People should always be supported in making up their own minds.
What are the stories behind some of the other songs on Honest Man?
One Good Song— all about how we as songwriters are always trying to write that song that everybody can connect to. Most of us will never have it but we all love to keep trying.
Honest Man— more of a politically charged tune on how it seems people get more excited by the “circus” side of politics than actually wanting to hear what the honest man has to say.
Which track was your most challenging/rewarding, and why?
I don’t know that rewarding is the word that describes it but recording “I’m Giving In” is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’ve never had a piano ballad on one of my albums before. I really love that moment on the album when it comes down to just the piano and my voice.
Who were your influences growing up?
Jim Croce, John Fogerty, Eric Clapton, Stan Rogers and Bonnie Raitt were all favorites of mine. Some for their vocals, some for their songs and some for their playing. I was a bit of a musical sponge growing up, still am really. Trying to soak up what I can from who I can.
How would you describe your music?
Roots and soul. It’s a combination of all the different influences I had growing up. I’ve never tried to associate myself with one genre, I find it restricting to think within that kind of box.
What was it like working with Santana and Quincy Jones?
Never have. Commissioner Gordon, who produced Honest Man, has worked with them.
What were your impressions/favourite moments in Australia?
I was lucky. My first tour of Australia was pretty extensive. I got to see a lot of the country. It felt a lot like home really. Long drives between shows with a variety of landscapes to take in.
What can your Australian fans expect from this tour?
I’ll be touring solo on this run. Playing songs from Honest Man as well as from my other albums. I always have fun with the crowds there. I’m excited to be coming back.
What’s next for you?
I’ll take a bit of time off after this tour then hit the road again in the new year. I’ll most likely be recording in the fall, so I’ll be working on songs in between stops along the way.
What is your scene?
Family, friends, food and music. Any mix of those is when I’m at my happiest.
“a powerhouse voice that could pack a football stadium” – The National Post
Canadian singer/songwriter Matt Andersen has enjoyed a busy 2016. His latest album HONEST MAN, released back in February, received much critical acclaim and led to extensive tours in the US and Canada where he performed headline shows alongside numerous festival appearances.
“His stunning voice contains obvious traces of delta blues, but also the bawdy swagger of Stax and Motown, and his backing band complement it with gloriously peppy horn playing” – Exclaim! 8/10
“Andersen’s soulful baritone is a gorgeous cross between Joe Cocker and Marc Cohn and yet that doesn’t completely do it justice. Andersen’s voice is pure greatness and Honest Man beautifully showcases his talents as a vocalist and a songwriter.” – Blues Rock Review
The late Northern summer saw him opening shows for the great Buddy Guy and Beth Hart, while October sees him head to the UK and Netherlands for another run of headline performances. After that, he embarks on the long trip downunder for a very welcome return to Australian shores – including, for a first-time visit to Tasmania.
Apart from appearances for Mullum & Queenscliff Music Festivals, Matt has announced a run of solo shows on the East Coast and Tasmania – taking in Brisbane, Hobart, Devonport, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle throughout November and into early December. It’s a terrific opportunity to catch up with one of Canada’s very finest performers.
MATT ANDERSEN TOUR DATES
Thur 17 Nov The Milk Factory
With guest Claire Anne Taylor
48 Montague Rd, West End QLD Ph 07 3217 2061
www.themilkfactorybar.com.au Doors 8pm. Tix $20 + bf / $25 @ door. Tix Here
Fri 18 – Sun 20 Nov
Mullum Music Festival
www.mullummusicfestival.com
Wed 23 Nov Republic Bar
With guest Shaun Kirk
299 Elizabeth St, North Hobart TAS Ph 03 6234 6954
www.republichotel.com
Doors 7.30pm. Tix $20 + bf standing / $25 + bf seated / $25 @ door. Tix Here
Thur 24 Nov Red Hot Music
With guest Shaun Kirk
10-12 Edward St, Devonport TAS Ph 03 6424 2286
www.redhotmusic.com.au Doors 7.30pm. Tix $25. Tix Here
Fri 25 Nov Memo Music Hall
With guest Shaun Kirk
88 Acland St, St Kilda VIC Ph 03 9534 3556
Doors 7.30pm. Tix $25 + bf standing / $30 + bf seated / $35 @ door. Tix Here
Sat 26 – Sun 27 Nov
Queenscliff Music Festival
www.qmf.net.au
Tue 29 Nov The Front Gallery & Café
With guest Mercy Seat
1 Wattle Place, Lyneham ACT Ph 02 6249 8453
www.frontgallerycafe.com Doors 6.30pm. Tix $20 + bf / $25 @ door. Tix Here
Thur 1 Dec Brass Monkey
With guest Shaun Kirk
115A Cronulla St, Cronulla NSW Ph 02 9544 3844
http://brassmonkey.com.au Doors 7pm. Tix $20 + bf / $25 @ door. Tix Here
Fri 2 Dec The Music Lounge
With guest Shaun Kirk
Wollongong Town Hall, Wollongong NSW Corner Kembla & Crown Sts
www.merrigong.com.au/shows/the-music-lounge.html Doors 7.30pm. Tix Here
Sat 3 Dec The Basement
With guest Shaun Kirk
29 Reiby Pl, Circular Quay NSW Ph 02 9251 2797
www.thebasement.com.au Doors 7.30pm. Tix $20 + bf / $25 @ door. Tix Here
Sun 4 Dec Lizotte’s
With guest Shaun Kirk
31 Morehead St, Lambton NSW Ph 02 4956 2066
www.lizottes.com.au Doors 6pm. Tix $20 + bf / $25 @ door. Tix Here
Find our previous Q&A Scene with Matt here.
For more information:
www.mattandersen.ca
https://www.facebook.com/mattandersenofficial/
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