Matthew an economy of emotion

Scott Matthew is a man of ambiguity. He may resemble a Hasidic death metal artist with his long beard and dark appearance, but it’s a contrast to his soft harmonious sound.

Shielding half of his face in the cover art of his latest release is quite a contradiction to the raw music he writes and performs, revealing his innermost sentiments.

Unlike many of today’s emerging artists there’s a notion of truth and frugality with this Australian-born singer. His self-titled debut album is a voyage through his deepest emotions, but Matthew says it is his intention to create music that comforts the soul, not bring undealt-with feelings to the surface.

I really don’t have the desire to make anyone depressed. I have been through a few incarnations musically already and feel like I have found a real comfort zone with this sound, he told Sydney Star Observer.

All the songs are autobiographical as I only wrote from life experience.

It would be a natural assumption that my life is plagued with sadness, which is totally not true. I just am drawn to the melancholy experiences when it comes to writing.

Since Matthew followed his heart to New York more than 10 years ago he has been involved in a string of bands and released a number of EPs as a result.

But it is as a soloist he is taking his biggest shot at fame and popularity, thanks in no part to his appearance in the cult movie Shortbus.

It was this appearance, and the stunning, mystical theme song he wrote for the production, In The End, that placed him firmly in international consciousness.

Although Matthew’s lyrics reveal his sensitivity, the cover art for the album also plays a part in his storytelling abilities. It not only symbolises his distinctiveness as an artist, but also pays homage to his ex-boyfriend.

There is a story behind the cover art. It was beautifully done by my ex-boyfriend Cameron Dailey, who is an amazing artist, Matthew said.

We had broken up after the album was made, but considering he was an important part of my life and a few of the songs were written about him, it seemed natural that he would still do it.

Obviously the image has symbolism that refers to the both of us.

But don’t attempt to use this knowledge as a tool to pigeonhole Matthew as a gay artist -” he is not one to adhere to labels.

I have never considered myself a gay singer-songwriter, though of course I never hide my sexuality, Matthew said.

In the touring we have done in Europe, it has been really interesting to see the vast cross-section of people who come to our shows -” that makes me proud.

info: For more information on Scott Matthew, check out his website on www.scottmatthewmusic.com.