I have a feeling this may be the first time we’ve had an artist from Warkworth, Ontario. Rob Howard from Kingston Live told me about him, and so we decided to look him up and invite him to play an Original Thursdays party show on Thursday, July 3 from 5 to 8 pm. Come and check him out! Details and reservations here: web link

Seamus Cowan: Matthew, we haven’t even met yet! Great to hear that you will be playing at The Cove patio. What gets you most excited about playing your music in front of audiences?

Matthew Holtby: I love the idea of something that started as a thought or a melody in my mind has been translated into a song, and then performed to an audience. It's like a thing we share together, from performer to music lover. I've also learned over the years where exactly I won't play. Simply meaning, I try to play venues where I know people are there specifically to listen to the artist instead of watching the game and having someone sing covers in the corner. Sharing that vibe is something that really means a lot to me.

Q: Working through your musical career over the years, you have been a member of a few bands. What has changed over the years in terms of how you approach songwriting and performing as a solo artist?

Matthew: I've always been a people pleaser in life, and I've really tried to stop doing that with my music. Not everyone is going to get it, and that's totally fine. Staying true to how I approach songwriting and letting it flow naturally instead of thinking about whether or not people will love it is a big deal to me. I'm constantly writing and doing what I can to stay true to the song itself. At the age of 45, I've got nothing to hide you know? I'm a heart on my sleeve type of writer. Some songs are about other people, and some are about my life and my family. I don't shy away from serving the song. I truly have nothing to prove.

Q: Writing and producing music is a process that can be very rewarding! It seems like your music these days is very carefully crafted and produced well! Who have you been inspired by in this regard?

Matthew: That's the ultimate compliment, so thank you. I've worked with a few really great Producers including a friend in Peterborough named Mike Phillips who's put in a lot of time with me on this stuff. More recently I've moved the studio into my own home so I can work on ideas a little quicker and try my hand at tracking and producing with my best friend and drummer Toots (Craig Toutant) In terms of inspiration, I've always been a fan of songs that just sound big and expansive. It's kind of crazy, but we've also had Guided By Voices Producer Travis Harrsion mix a song called "Give Me A Reason" back in February, and his stuff always sounds brilliant. They're my all time favorite band, so to have him in the liner notes on anything is just amazing. There's much brilliant music out there. It's easy to feel inspired at every turn.

Q: I also had the pleasure of opening up for David Wilcox on Canada Day almost 20 years ago at the Fort Henry celebrations. What was it like opening up for him in your hometown of Oshawa? He is legendary. Are there some other amazing acts you have opened for?

Matthew: David Wilcox was a lot of fun for sure. Especially with a crowd like that in my hometown. Devin Cuddy was really lovely too, as we opened for him in Hamilton. We're also good buddies with Cuff The Duke, and I'm doing a couple shows with them coming up in September. I also have to give a shoutout to Kingston local, Christopher Jackson, who had us out to open his record release last year, and I've toured a little with him since. He's the funniest guy I know, and I love his vibe.

Q: I know you are a former on air personality and CBC has picked up some of your music to spin on air as of late. What do you find are the biggest challenges in getting your music out there these days? Seems it is so singles based now, sort of like the late fifties and early sixties! Looking forward to your show on July 3 at The Cove!

Matthew: Seems it is so singles-based now, sort of like the late fifties and early sixties. It's funny, because I have so many songs waiting in the wings, but the entire world is consuming songs one at a time. Straight up, if I could afford to be in the studio all day everyday crafting full length records, I'd be in there right now. But the truth is, I've got a full time job, a family, and 1000 other things happening at all times.

I trust the universe will bring me to a place where I can focus on this more, but for the time being, I'm happily releasing a new song every 2-3 months. In terms of reach, a little airplay certainly helps, but as always, getting out there and playing seems to be the way to connect. I'll be doing this until I simply run out of ideas, and I don't see that happening anytime soon. Work hard, keep your head down, and just never stop writing and releasing. I don't know any other way to live. Posted: Jun 27, 2025 Originally Published: Jun 26, 2025