Tag: Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Woodshed Sessions” – Matt Joe Gow

While his next official studio album is some time away, Matt Joe Gow has dropped a special treat for his fans online. Exclusively available online, The Woodshed Sessions is a beautiful collection of Matt’s best loved songs stripped back to their very essence.

This is a live album with a difference. Instead of recording it in front of an audience, Matt recorded the stripped back, acoustic versions of these songs in the studio in just one take. It’s a brilliant idea. While I love the energy of live recordings, the crowd noise can get distracting and the sound quality is often poor. There’s an energy to these songs too, but that comes from the dynamic between Matt and the members of his long-time band The Dead Leaves. You can feel the chemistry as their voices combine in beautiful three-part harmonies. Hearing the way the vocals sat alongside the piano and strumming of an acoustic guitar, I thought this is what music should be. It’s organic and pure, coming from the soul so naturally, free from studio “enhancements” like autotune and drum machines.

If you’ve listened to Matt’s music before, you know these songs are ripe for this kind of treatment. In acoustic mode, their introspective lyrics and perfect melodies come to the fore. If you’re new to Matt’s music, this compilation of career highlights makes the perfect introduction. It’s really like a greatest hits with a beautiful acoustic twist. I can’t wait to hear new music from Matt, but this release will keep me satisfied until that time comes. I’m going to leave you with this video of “Grand Ambition” from The Woodshed Sessions; check it out and I’m sure you’ll want to discover the rest of the tunes. You’ll find The Woodshed Sessions on all your favourite streaming services. If you’d like to purchase a physical CD copy, head to Matt’s Bandcamp page.

Main photo credit: Lucas Packett

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields Team Up For “Your Heart of Gold”

After wowing me with his stellar catalogue of solo songs, Matt Joe Gow is taking on a new challenge and teaming up with Kerryn Fields. “Your Heart of Gold” is their first single as a duo, and it’s just as fabulous as fans of these artists, who’ve both won Music Victoria Awards for their solo material, might expect. I’ve always loved the interplay between starkly different male and female voices on a good duet, and that’s exactly what we get here.

Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields have already been named finalists in the New Zealand MLT songwriting awards for three more songs of their upcoming album, so it sounds like we’ve got plenty of quality material on its way. Tomorrow they’ll play the Tussock Stage: Moonlight Session in Gore before heading to Hawke’s Bay for the Small Halls Sessions from June 9 to 11, so if you’re in that part of Aotearoa/New Zealand make sure you don’t miss these gigs.

Image used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jeremy Beggs Teams Up With Matt Joe Gow For “Hurtful Ways”

Jeremy Beggs has blown me away with his latest single “Hurtful Ways.” I’m not surprised though, as Jeremy cowrote the song with one of Sounds of Oz’s favourite local artists, Matt Joe Gow.

“I feel so fortunate to have met Matt and am grateful for all the things I have learnt from him so far,” Jeremy enthused. “Before being thrust up on stage with Matt & The Dead Leaves in Tamworth last year, my music was really just floating around like a dream. Sharing the stage and watching and meeting wonderful artists made me really understand what this journey is all about.”

He said they wrote “Hurtful Ways” about the search for balance as a travelling musician.

“My family always comes first but the reality is as a musician, sometimes we are taken away from the ones we love. I’m constantly trying to find and keep that balance but unfortunately that sometimes tilts too far one way and requires recalibration.”

You can see Jeremy perform “Hurtful Ways” at the following shows:

6 May 2023 – Daylesford Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Daylesford
13 May 2023 – Red Door Pizza, Wathaurrung Country/Buninyong
28 May 2023 – Cinnamon Grove Cafe and Catering, Nillumbik/Greensborough
4 June 2023 – Edinburgh Castle, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Between Tonight & Tomorrow” – Matt Joe Gow

It’s taken more than four years for Matt Joe Gow to release the follow-up to his last acclaimed album Break, Rattle and Roll. It’s been time well-spent though, with Matt showcasing some of the most accomplished songs of his career in his latest album, Between Tonight & Tomorrow.

When you have such accomplished songs in your arsenal, they don’t need bells and whistles. Organic arrangements ensure the lyrics shine. Songs feel like they’re captured in the moment, with instrumentalists and backing vocalists joining Matt for a jam.

I already raved about the singles, “’Til My Whole Heart Bursts”, “Sweet Collapse,” and the title track, but every song here is so strong. They’re introspective, with lyrics that explore weighty subjects like our memories, the loss of loved ones, and rebirth, but the jangly guitars and Matt’s easy, reassuring voice ensure the sound never gets too heavy. I found new favourites, like the captivating opener “Shipwreck,” the poetic “Go Ahead, Celebrate,” and the poignant closer, “Closing In.” But everything here is so good. This is Americana at its finest.

I was so impressed with Break, Rattle and Roll, but Matt Joe Gow has raised the bar even higher with Between Tonight & Tomorrow. It’s a masterclass in songwriting and proof positive that when you craft quality songs, less is more.

Between Tonight & Tomorrow is out now. Matt Joe Gow is currently touring the album around the country. Catch him at one of these venues near you:

26 March 2023 – Memo Music Hall, Naarm/Melbourne (matinee album launch)
31 March 2023 – Palais-Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs (with The Dead Leaves)
2 April 2023 – Hydrant Food Hall, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
7 April 2023 – Baroque Room, Dharug and Gundungurra Country/Katoomba (with The Dead Leaves)
8 April 2023 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with The Dead Leaves)
9 April 2023 – Hiway Enmore, Eora/Sydney (with The Dead Leaves)
15 April 2023 – Sandy Point Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Sandy Point (with The Dead Leaves)
21 April 2023 – Star Hotel, Dhudhuroa/Yackandandah (with The Dead Leaves)
22 April 2023 – Mt Beauty Festival, Dhudhuroa and Yaitmathang Country/Mt Beauty (with The Dead Leaves)
25 April 2023 – Arrowtown Festival, Otago

Images used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow Releases Album Title Track “Between Tonight & Tomorrow” & Tour Dates

Few singer-songwriters produce such consistently good material as Matt Joe Gow. Like a fine wine, he also somehow seems to get better and better. Whether it’s wisdom or maturity, his trajectory as an artist is unmatched. Take a listen to his incredible new single “Between Tonight & Tomorrow” and you’ll hear exactly what I mean. I love the way its introspective lyrics play with that haunting guitar refrain. This is about as close to perfection as you’ll hear today.

The release of “Between Tonight & Tomorrow” is the start of a pretty exciting chapter for Matt’s fans. It’s the title track from Matt’s new album, which drops on March 10. He’ll also play a string of shows to celebrate its release.

16 March 2023 – George Lane, Naarm/Melbourne
17 & 18 March 2023 – Majors Creek Festival, Walbinga Country/Majors Creek
18 March 2023 – The Tea Club, Wandiwandian Country/Nowra
26 March 2023 – Memo Music Hall, Naarm/Melbourne
31 March 2023 – Palais-Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs
1 April 2023 – Saints & Sailors, Wadawurrung Country/Portarlington
2 April 2023 – Hydrant Food Hall, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
7 April 2023 – Baroque Room, Kedumba/Katoomba
8 April 2023 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle
9 April 2023 – Hiway Enmore, Eora/Sydney
15 April 2023 – Sandy Point Centre, Brataualung Country/Sandy Point
21 April 2023 – Star Hotel, Dhudhuroa/Yackandandah
22 April 2023 – Mt Beauty Festival, Dhudhuroa and Yaitmathang Country/Mt Beauty
25 April 2023 – Arrowtown Festival, Otago

Image used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love With Matt Joe Gow’s Newie, “‘Til My Whole Heart Bursts”

When you press play on a new Matt Joe Gow track, you know you’re in good hands. His latest single “’Til My Whole Heart Bursts” is another sublime slice of Americana. From Matt’s easy, earnest vocals to the cool sounds of the slide guitar, it ticks all the boxes for me.

“’Til My Whole Heart Bursts” comes from Matt’s forthcoming album Between Tonight & Tomorrow. He’s got a couple of local shows before he heads across the ditch to wow crowds in his homeland. Catch him at the following venues:

16 July 2022 – Shady Palms, Kincumba/Kincumber
17 July 2022 – Bayview Country Arts Club, Boonwurrung Land/Bittern
30 July 2022 – Radio Luna, Bunurong Land/Portsea
5 August 2022 – Bark, Dunedin
6 August 2022 – Peace Memorial Hall, Ophir
7 August 2022 – Thomas Green Pub, Gore
12 August 2022 – Maheno Hall, Oamaru
13 August 2022 – Luggate Hotel, Luggate
19 August 2022 – Hilltop House Concerts, Wellington
21 August 2022 – Wine Cellar, Auckland

Image used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow Releases Gorgeous New Single, “Sweet Collapse”

You can always trust Matt Joe Gow for classic Americana tunes that just make you feel good. There’s a quiet confidence about what he does that puts you at ease. His latest track “Sweet Collapse” is no exception.

This track ticks all the boxes for me. I’m going nuts for the exquisite three-part harmonies and that piano solo. The track is a sequel to Matt’s song “Georgia Rose”, from his 2016 album Seven Years. How exciting to catch up with the story so many years later!

“Sweet Collapse” is the latest single lifted from Matt’s upcoming fourth album, Between Tonight & Tomorrow. Expect to hear a few more new tunes and all your old favourites at his upcoming New South Wales shows.

20 Apr 2022 – Peel Inn, Nundle
21 Apr 2022 – Outlaw Luncheon At The Dag, Nundle
23 Apr 2022 – MJG & TDL Showcase @ Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth
24 Apr 2022 – The Railway Hotel, Cowra
29 Apr 2022 – Occasional Wine Bar, Boorowa
30 Apr 2022 – Tomerong Hall, Tomerong
1 May 2022 – Golden Barley, Sydney

Image used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow and Ben Mastwyk Prepare for Victorian Tour

Victoria, I am jealous of you right now. Not only are you probably in one of the safest places in Australia right now while I’m in lockdown, but two of my favourite artists, Matt Joe Gow and Ben Mastwyk, have teamed up for shows near you. Yes, as I’m awaiting the imminent cancellation of all my upcoming events, you guys have these two high-quality acts coming your way.

The gigs will showcase their unique takes on Americana music. Most dates are acoustic, but the Brunswick Ballroom show will see Matt reunite with his band The Dead Leaves while Ben plays as a trio. Catch these acclaimed artists doing what they do best at the following shows:

2 July 2021 – Music On The Hill, Red Hill
11 July 2021 – Brunswick Ballroom, Brunswick
16 July 2021 – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon
18 July 2021 – Archies Creek Hotel, Archies Creek
24 July 2021 – Major Tom’s, Kyneton
25 July 2021 – Bittern House Concert, Bittern
30 July 2021 – Saints & Sailors, Portarlington
31 July 2021 – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong

Image used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow and The Weeping Willows Join Forces For “Too Far To Go”

Before we all hit pause for the pandemic, singer-songwriter Matt Joe Gow laid down some music with his pals The Weeping Willows. He planned to release the song at the start of his next tour, but of course COVID-19 put the kybosh on those plans. Understanding that we need good music now more than ever, Matt Joe and The Weeping Willows have decided to release the track anyway.

“Too Far To Go” is a beautiful, gentle piece of folk music, perfect for calming your fears and soothing your soul. With its delicate layered vocals and subtle slide guitar, it reminds me of a lullaby for grownups, or those kids you wish would just get to bed already. The poetic lyrics add to the beauty of this subtle but arresting single. “Too Far To Go” is available on all your favourite streaming platforms now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow Strips Back “Light My Way”

Break, Rattle and Roll was one of my favourite releases of 2018. I still find myself coming back to it periodically, like an old friend that’s comforting, familiar, and so good to spend time with. Now Matt Joe Gow is reminding us just how good one of its tracks, “Light My Way” is with an acoustic reimagining.

If you’ve read my blog for any period of time, you’ll know just how up my alley this is. When you strip a song back you get to appreciate its essence, its lyrics, its simple melody without the big production. Recorded in Matt’s new studio “The Woolshed,” this single does down easy.

Matt Joe Gow is ringing in the new year with a string of headlining slots and festival appearances. Catch him at the following venues in the coming months.

6 December 2019 – Music On The Hill @ Red Hill Pavilion, Red Hill (with The Dusty Millers)
7 December 2019 – Bayview Country Art Club, Bittern (with Andrew Swift)
21 December 2019 – Buster Greens, Dunedin
3 January 2020 – Western Weekender @ Spotted Mallard, Melbourne
4 January 2020 – Bayview Country Picnic Festival @ Bayview Country Art Club, Bittern
14-16 February 2020 – Riverboats Festival, Echuca