Interview with Matthew Holtby

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

MH - Music was always on in my house and in my parents car. My Dad played piano and bass guitar, and loved to play along to records and songs he loved. My Mom sang her heart out and danced to Billy Joel and Huey Lewis. I was just constantly surrounded by great songs that made us happy. I expressed interest in playing guitar, but started playing drums in public school for the band, then moved to bass guitar and finally teaching myself Morrissey and Lemonheads songs on an acoustic guitar. There was no YouTube or internet for that matter. I just played tapes and cd’s and tried to figure out how to do it.

If I wasn’t playing music, or went into the career I did, I’d of probably taken a  culinary program because I love food and restaurant culture. Also, had I known this was going to be my path, I’d of looked into a tour and tech program like they offer now. Maybe a tour manager or something in the industry. Just something to immerse myself in music.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

MH - Lately my thing has been to turn everything off. The lights, the TV, and anything distracting other than maybe an old jazz record, and battery powered candles. I love listening to my kids tell me about their day, and trying to breathe a little. Walking and taking in my surroundings. I live in the country somewhat, and it’s an ideal place to just “be.” I think that calming influence lends itself to a clear mind when writing and forming songs etc. It allows Melodie’s to enter my mind, and I catch them and run to the piano or my guitar. You just have to be ready and know when they arrive. That’s hard to do when Henry Danger is blaring from the TV all the time.

How long have you been making music?

MH - For over 20 years, in one form or another. Longer if I include high school and college.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

MH - I live in Warkworth Ontario. It’s a tiny town filled with creative and inspiring people all around me. I’m a newbie here but I love the people and walking through the little village here. I think it’s influenced my mental state more than anything. That seeps into the music one way or another, I’m sure.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

MH - Last March we were invited to open for legendary Blues Rocker David Wilcox in my hometown of Oshawa at The Biltmore Theatre. Although we sound nothing like him, it was an honor to play to a sold out room full of love and support. The staff and crew treated us like we belonged, and the crowd was just with us. We shot a video that night for our single, “Big Mouth.” Pure magic.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

The Biltmore in Oshawa is just an amazing venue and stage to play. The artifacts and art scattered throughout the venue is a bit of a trip, and the people running the venue are the kindest in the business. Jordan who does our sound there also does full time sound for Elliott Brood. He has us dialed in every time we play there. It’s just super comfortable. We also played a stripped down show at Westben theater here in Campbellford. It’s an outdoor venue on a little hill surrounded by the countryside and farmland. They treated us so beautifully and even had dinner waiting for us outside our private dressing rooms etc. As for a place I’d love to play? I think I just want to experience as many new places as possible. We haven’t properly toured yet, so I think these stories are soon to be told.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

MH - The last 2 years, I was lucky enough to see Ron Sexsmith play a really intimate private stage out near where we live. Twice. He’s just so brilliant with his voice and acoustic guitar, and meeting him felt like an old friend. I’d love to be on a bill with an artist like that. I’d also love to play with some of the other artists I grew up listening to, but feel like our sound is connected. Maybe Blue Rodeo or something. Knowing me, if I could, I’d invite my friends who are artists or in bands, because they should all truly be stars. I’m finally playing with Christopher Jackson from Kingston Feb 10th, and he’s someone I’d put on every bill possible. He’s just brilliant.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

 MH - Be patient and stick with it. Learn from everyone you can. Listen to their stories, read all the books and watch the documentaries. Be inspired by everyone and everything around you and then make it your own. My kids are learning piano and my son is already better than I am, and he’s almost 10. Just don’t stop playing and writing. I’m 43 and just finally getting started.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

 MH - I just wrote a little batch of new songs that I really love and I’m excited for. The next single we’re putting out in March is probably the best thing I’ve written, but the lead off from this latest EP is called “A Cerain Place In Time” and it’s pretty great in its simplicity. I remember writing it and recording it on my phone with a clear vision of how it should sound and our Producer Mike Phillips just nailed it. I’m really proud of that song and production.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

MH - I wish we got requests lol. We just kind of plow through and chat later. I really enjoy some of the slower songs if I’m honest. We released a country sounding song called “Lonely Town” and my friend Caitlin O’Conner covered it once in front of me. I considered that such a huge honor because she’s brilliant and crushed it. That was sort of a request in a way I guess lol.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

MH - They fall out of the sky really. There’s no process other than listening to a melody that floats by and running to the phone to record my idea. Words normally come after the melody. I work very fast in that regard.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

 MH - I’m a story teller. It’s rare that I write about my own life really. I see a lot of loss and heartache around me, but truth be told, my own life is a dream. I have a beautiful healthy family, and my wife and I have been together for over 20 years. I write about life and loss, but love is mostly the theme. It just comes easily when you’re surrounded by it.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

 MH - 2024 will see a new single being released every 2 months, without question. More shows, and hopefully a booking agent. This is a weird industry and I’m trying to become relevant and stick around. Feb 10 at Doghouse Studios in Napanee will be special. Come and see Christopher Jackson. His latest record is perfect.

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

MH - All of them. Search Matthew Holtby Music, and the. come say hello at a show. I’m a hugger and love to listen. Xo