Project Description
Interview with
MATT WARD
Interviewer – Dave Bruce
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How did you first get into music?
I learnt music from a young age, mainly piano, a bit of theory and also singing. However I was more into lighting bonfires, throwing eggs at cars and kicking the footy to myself. I started playing guitar and writing songs a bit later in life. Sad cliché – break up – guy starts writing country songs!
When did it become a serious concern?
I recorded my first EP with a band in 2011. I was then in a variety of bands with a variety of styles, but there were always strong country foundations. When I felt confident enough to call myself a solo artist things got more serious. I recorded my first EP as Matt Ward in 2016, started touring, hit up my first Tamworth, played in the US and started to get some momentum.
Where did you develop your interest in performing music to an audience?
I have always loved live music – the opportunity for both the artist and the audience to reflect, release, influence and tell stories. When I started to get a few songs under my belt, I just wanted to share them. Plus of course playing music was an excuse to hang out with mates, make new friends, tell some stories and have plenty of fun along the way. It makes for a rich life.
What kind of music did you grow up on?
I was actually exposed to a lot of opera, classical music and a bit of classic country growing up. I was then also exposed to what my sisters were listening to – Dire Straits, Iva Davies, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John. Towards high school definitely developed my own taste in Australian bands and artists – Midnight Oil, Paul Kelly, Hunters & Collectors.
What artists inspired you and which do you still look to now for ideas?
I listen to a huge range of music and there is no doubt that it all influences me as an artist. Whilst I have my favourite listens at different points in time, there is no one particular artist that has inspired me more than others to be honest. But there’s no doubt I draw inspiration from those musicians and friends closest to me and what I’m listening to currently – from the Australian Country music community as well as friends and artists coming from Texas, Arkansas.
With your debut solo album, Heartland, can you describe its origins and evolution?
Heartland is a collection of songs from different origins but with one common theme – matters of the heart. The first full song (Better Man) is inspired by a true story I heard on the radio many years ago during the millennium drought – about a man who lost his farm and his family. This sets the scene for the remainder of the album, and the songs and album could be taken as his journey of loss, love and redemption. The songs vary in their origins – some were written a number of years ago – some were written recently whilst I was living and touring out of Austin.
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Heartland is dedicated to your nephew who passed away, can you tell us about the reasons behind dedicating the album to him and what it has meant to your family?
That’s true – my nephew passed away when he was 4 years old form a rare genetic condition. Like many people (everyone?) who have suffered loss of some form, the pain of that always sits there and makes up who you are as a person. It’s what you do with that that makes you grow or suffer. There are a couple of songs on the album telling stories of my family and how they’ve dealt with Sam’s passing. It’s a tribute to their strength – so I just hope they like the songs.
What shows do you have coming up?
I have a range of shows for the rest of the year, including some shows for Adelaide Guitar Festival’s Guitars in Bars. I’ve had a lot of focus on the album launch and two months of shows for that. Now I need to regroup!
If you could pick absolutely anyone to bring on tour with you, whom would you pick and why? (Dead or Alive)
My manager – good support! If it were an artist I’d say Kasey Chambers. Incredible woman, artist, grew up on the far west coast of SA where I still do a lot of work.
We all live busy lives and seem time poor. How do you find the balance between your everyday life and your musical one?
I’m not sure I do find the balance! Fortunately these days you can actually be a lot more productive with connectivity and flexible arrangements etc. However I work hard and don’t have a lot of downtime between 6am and midnight. Oh and no kids might help!
What are your major goals or milestones for the future?
I’d love to use Heartland as a foundation to play more festivals in Australia and get back to the US for another tour. But in general, keep working hard to to connect with more Australian audiences so that more people get to know Matt Ward and hopefully enjoy my music.
Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Harvest, Neil Young
Artist – Robert Ellis
Movie – Paris, Texas
Place to visit – The Midnight Special, Enmore.
Venue to play – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
Food – Sea Salt Chips. All the salt.
Drink – Coffee, Tequila
Person in History – Nanna Richards.
Tattoo – Yep. Of a Mistletoebird
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Matt Ward & The Rising Sons
Harvey Russell & The Widowmakers
*Stein’s Taphouse Fri 26/7 – 7pm
**Grace Emily Hotel Sat 27/7 – *4pm* (Family Friendly show)
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Check out MATT WARD below
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