Feature Artist: Joe Matera

Joe Matera’s new single ‘Only One’ has just been launched and released to the public, 2nd October 2020. The single was recorded across two countries.. Australia and Sweden.. in a time of Covid-19 Pandemic.. A time when so many musicians feel restricted and isolated.. The release of the single acts as a declaration to what can be achieved, despite the challenging time we are in.

This artist, Joe Matera is no stranger to the music world and we will spend this article, digging into what makes up this experienced and talented artist and music industry professional.

A little background about Joe Matera

Joe Matera is a singer/songwriter/guitarist, based in Melbourne, Australia. His release follows a line of four albums and three EPs, that he has launched within the course of the past decade of his solo career. He has been signed to various record labels over Europe and until Covid-19 hit, he was touring Europe each year.

As well having a worldwide presence and a world of experience that many artists can learn from, Joe has been involved within the music industry, outside of performing.

He says “Aside from my playing, recording and performing career, I am also, and have been, a music journalist. I’ve interviewed hundreds of major rock, pop and metal artists during my career – from Metallica to Queen – and written for major magazines such as Guitar World, Rolling Stone, Australian Guitar to name but a few.”

How would you describe your sound?

“I’m very much a child of the 1970s, so my music definitely has a classic rock-retro vibe and feel to it and is very guitar driven. I’m also very much inspired by new sounds and a variety of different modern musical styles.”

“The past few years I have mainly focused on releasing acoustic based singer-songwriter material, while my new single and moving forward, I’ve made a return more to my electric guitar rock roots.”

Inspiration behind ‘Only One’

As we mentioned earlier, ‘Only One’ was created during a time of lockdown.. Joe’s vocals and guitars were recorded in Australia while the band comprised of Swedish musicians.. Janne Borgh on bass and Manne Åström on drums recorded their parts in Stockholm, Sweden. The track was co-produced by Joe Matera and legendary Swedish producer Tomas Skogsberg (Backyard Babies, The Hellacopters, Entombed).

“I’m always inspired by life and my many observations and experiences of life and the people I’ve met along my journey that is life. The pandemic and the effects on the world has certainly inspired some moments musically for me, and my new single ‘Only One’ is one of those songs that has come out of these uncertain times we’re living in.”

Meaning behind ‘Only One’

Joe Matera reflects, “It represents a mission statement of sorts to who I am and how my life has been up to this point. As for the meaning of the song, aside from it being a song with a positive message and that it will relate to anyone who hears it, I like to leave it up to the listeners’ interpretation.”

“The beauty of song writing is allowing the song to have whatever different meaning it has for someone and what it connects with in that person. The song will mean something different to each and every person.”

What’s next for Joe Matera?

As we have seen to date, Joe Matera doesn’t allow much to slow him down.. not even a pandemic! Joe has let us know what is next on the horizon for his music..

“Lots of cool things, I am continually writing and working on new music, and have more releases scheduled for release in 2021. One of the after effects of this pandemic and the lock downs, has been the opportunity to branch out into collaborations with other artists.”

“The first of these has been my recent collaboration with Martin Cilia (Mental As Anything, The Atlantics) who is this country’s finest surf instrumental guitarist. We got together and co-wrote and recorded some feel good 1960s surf music inspired instrumentals.”

“Hopefully once the pandemic is over and life can get back to some normality, and live music is permitted again, I can get back on the road and play shows again, as I’ve been missing the stage and the audiences.”

What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

For aspiring artists, Joe has revealed a few of the secrets that have helped him get to where he is today..

He says “Keep at it, work hard, and understand, it’s not an easy road, and that it’s a very different way of life. It is certainly unconventional and a very tough business to be in too. If you’re doing it for money, I highly recommend you find a different line of work, like maybe become a lawyer. I hear that it pays really well! If you’re only looking to become famous, I advise that you will have better success with being an Instagram celebrity.”

“I do music because it’s my calling, it’s something I need to do, and have to do and is who I am. And I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Where to Find Joe Matera