Matt Corby – An Enigma Wrapped In A Puzzle, Wrapped In A Vest

By John Bones on February 7, 2012 in Arts

Matt Corby has certainly carved a unique path for someone who started his career aged 16 on a reality TV talent show in 2007. In 2009, he independently released his debut EP ‘Song For…’ before relocating to London and signing with renowned UK indie label Communion after capturing the attention of the label’s owner, Ben Lovett of Mumford and Sons fame.

He has since released another two EPs to critical acclaim, Transition in Colour (2010) and Into The Flame (2011), and he is now on the road, selling out shows wherever he goes.

Despite only being 20 years old, Matt’s songs and vocals elicit a sensation that is nothing short of captivating. Having previously been compared to legendary artists such as Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley, Matt’s songs continue to deliver a uniqueness and maturity well beyond his years while his live performances have become renowned for bringing large audiences to a complete stand still.

In late February and March, Matt will be playing a series of four shows at the Oxford Art Factory, the first two of which had sold out at the time of print (tickets at Moshtix).

The Beast fired a few questions at Matt Corby during the month…

Matt Corby in a sentence is… I’m an enigma wrapped in a puzzle, wrapped in vest… also, my sense of humour is somewhat lacking.

First memory of music… When I was three years old, Big Audio Dynamite’s ‘Rush’ came on Rage and I couldn’t help but rock back and forth to the beat. My parents still pull out the footage of it on the odd occasion to embarrass me.

First album you bought… Outkast – ‘Stankonia’. When I heard ‘Miss Jackson’ for the first time it blew my 12 year-old mind.

Song that gives you goosebumps… Every time, without fail, Nina Simone’s ‘I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free’.

Fave driving album/s… Patti Smith’s ‘Horses’ or Otis Redding’s ‘Definitive Collection’ – two artists that I will never get sick of especially when I’m on the road.

A Matt Corby highlight… Supporting Elbow last year was pretty incredible. They are some of the most gracious and humble humans and incredible musicians you will ever come across.

If you could pick a supergroup its members would be… Rick Danko (bass), Chris Dave (drums), JJ Cale (guitar/ vocals), Dr. John (piano and vocals) and Beyonce (doing whatever she wants).

Sydney bands giving you the good tingles at the moment… WIM – Go listen now!

Fave Sydney venue… Brass Monkey in Cronulla.

Band or genre that gives you an ice-cream headache… No comment.

Your dream bill for a night (yourself included of course)… Buddy Guy, Radiohead and Joanna Newsom.

An unknown Matt Corby fact… I like turtles.

What next for Matt Corby… I’m off around the country on tour again and I’ll hopefully make an album that doesn’t hurt people’s ears.

To find out more about Matt Corby visit www.mattcorby.com.au.