Matthew James is an Australian-born singer-songwriter known for his emotionally charged storytelling and unflinching exploration of personal struggle. His debut single, Monsters, struck a chord with listeners worldwide, earning 2nd place in the Rock category of the 2024 International Songwriting Competition—selected from nearly 14,000 entries across 112 countries. The track introduced his raw, introspective style, delving into themes of inner conflict and quiet resilience. His latest release, Solace In The Silence, continues that journey, offering a haunting yet comforting meditation on finding calm amidst life’s noise. Now based in Canada, Matthew is steadily building a body of work that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, with more releases on the way.
Name:
Matthew James
Genre:
Alt/pop-rock/indie/singer-songwriter
Founded:
2024
# of Albums:
2 singles
Latest Single:
Solace In The Silence
Latest Video:
Monsters live at Festival Hall, Calgary
Favourite musician growing up:
Oooo as a kid… I remember buying my first two Green Day albums. I was obsessed with Bon Jovi and remember uploading them to my first iPod shuffle. I thought Steve Earle was cool, Robbie Williams got played in my house a lot, and Savage Garden. According to my mum, Blink-182, Queen, andLee Kernaghan, a country singer from Australia.
Favourite musician now:
Sam Fender / Dermot Kennedy / Hozier/ Matt Maeson
Guilty pleasure song:
Shania Twain-Man I Feel Like a Woman haha
Live show ritual:
I almost always open with Tennessee Whiskey, it’s a comfort song that pleases the masses, breaks the ice for them and me.
Favourite local musician:
ARKELLS, I’m currently reading the lead singer Max Kerman’s book, TRY HARD. He’s so honest and insightful.
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird for creative/get-to-work solo café sessions. Night owl in the studio or at a concert. I can have a rubber arm and follow the vibe. Also, late-night walk home from a show? Love it. I love late-night walks and early morning blue hour, where I can think and the world is calm.
Road or studio?
Probably road. The studio is awesome, but being able to bring what I’ve created to people is better.
Any shows or albums coming up?
I’m playing a writers’ round at Canmore Folk Fest. The new single Mother I Know is coming out soon.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Newcastle pub, 17th Ave- Smash Burger on the weekends
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
17th Ave- I am a foodie
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
North Glenmore Park. It became my thinkspace for songs on runs.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Palace Theatre, I hope to play there one day
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Long & Mcquade 58th ave. I never felt comfortable in music stores, like an impostor, and this place helped suppress those feelings.
