Matthew Garrod This Town Interview

Upcoming Aussie Composer Matthew Garrod Shares Enormous Pop Anthem This Town

"We often become aware of wrong-doings when in the midst of manipulative environments, but rather than calling out the issue we are encouraged to look the other way." Matthew Garrod

It might focus on themes of restraint, uniformity and powerlessness, but Matthew Garrod's 'This Town' is an unashamed example of classic widescreen pop, with more hooks than your average fishing fleet. Propelled by driving acoustic guitar, heavily reverbed synth stabs and melodic bass runs, 'This Town' is fresh and immediate; the memorable vocal melody of its verse is only topped by the singalongability of the chorus.

That feelgood refrain directly counteracts the cynicism of the lyrical content, forming an uplifting juxtaposition to a track that, as Matthew Garrod explains, "explores environments where manipulation and scandal block creativity and innovation. It's about how people tend to deal with these issues of monotony and captivity."

A well-deserved finalist in the 2018 International Songwriting Competition, 'This Town', released on 22 March, is the lead track from the Australian singer-songwriter's debut solo EP, 'Canyons'.

Ever since he first sat at a piano as a boy and began to tentatively craft his own music, Matthew Garrod instinctively understood the long-lasting appeal of honest songwriting and how a distinctive, personalised tune will remain such, regardless of prevailing trends. It's a philosophy that the Perth singer-songwriter carried into his role as frontman of much-loved city band Oak Tree Suite – who reached the semi-finals of Australia's prestigious J Music Awards – and, having developed a style that would challenge conventional songwriting through sometimes ambiguous, sometimes universal and sometimes spiritual storytelling, Matthew Garrod approached his solo material in the same spirit.

Producing thoughtful songs that aim to provoke discussion, Garrod's first release was 'Bad Memory Blaze', which promptly reached the semi-final of the International Songwriting Competition, evidencing the Australian musician's potential global reach. Forthcoming single, 'This Town' – the lead track from 2019's exceptional EP 'Canyons' – has gone one better, reaching the final of the same celebrated contest and reflecting the unstoppable upward trajectory of this talented artist.

Garrod's vocal style has been likened to Death Cab for Cutie and Henry Jamison among others, while his conversational storytelling has found him mentioned in the same breath as nu-folk troubadours such as Mumford and Sons. In truth, as the 'Canyons' EP demonstrates, Matthew Garrod is a songwriter of much wider scope.

Interview with Matthew Garrod

Question: How would you describe your music?

Matthew Garrod: My music falls somewhere between pop and neo (electronic) folk. I think I would sit in the middle of a Venn Diagram that consisted of Mumford and Sons, Death Cab for Cutie and Coldplay.


Question: What inspired the track, This Town?

Matthew Garrod: I've often found myself observing environments that tend to be so bubble-like and uniform that they (often unintentionally) lose sight of their original purpose and in turn block creativity and innovation.

I've found that as a musician, the pressure to fit into a very specific mould (or these days 'playlist algorithm') is huge and in some cases can stunt the creative process. Perhaps This Town is, for me a reflection and statement that whilst it can be the more difficult path to take, I will write for the sake of creativity and my love for the art.

I started writing This Town about four years ago and then shelved it as I couldn't write a chorus that didn't sound dark and a little morbid. When I came back to it in 2018 I decided to counteract the cynicism of the track with a much more uplifting melody.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Matthew Garrod: Whilst I tend to merge storytelling and reflection, recently my song writing has become a little more conversational. If I hear someone say something or observe a situation I tend to articulate my thoughts in form of a lyrical conversation.

My songs usually start with a single thought or word and then evolve into something totally unexpected. My first track on the EP, "April" began as a song about the name April purely because I thought it's a nice potential name for a daughter however by the end of the writing process it became a song about not losing sight of things that matter when things are going well only to lose them when it comes crashing down.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Matthew Garrod: The last track on my Canyons EP, "Older Brother" would have to be my favourite song to play live. The tail-end of the track has so much energy and it has one of those bridges that people can turn and sing to each other.


Question: What should we expect from Canyons, your soon to be released EP?

Matthew Garrod: I'm very excited about Canyons. As my first EP as a solo artist (outside of my band Oak Tree Suite), the six tracks are quite special to me.

Expect six unique tracks that have just enough consistency to know they belong together. I tracked the EP with James Newhouse (produced The Waifs "Ironbark") in rural WA, so it is a very relaxed, raw sound with plenty of synth hooks, glimmering ambience and big choruses.

Also be sure to put the EP on repeat - it is an endless loop. The intro track and end of the last track fade into each other.

Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Matthew Garrod: I'd have Will Champion (Coldplay's drummer) attend and sing the group vocal parts of my EP like he does so well live.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Matthew Garrod: I love the creative process of recording but there is nothing like watching people respond to my music in a live setting.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Matthew Garrod: My favourite artist at the moment is without a doubt Henry Jamison. His writing is next level and I have probably contributed to 80% of his Spotify streams. Other than that I've been really enjoying The War on Drugs and The National's latest track You Had Your Soul with You.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Matthew Garrod: Having been brought up in church as a kid I've always played music and been involved in it to some extent. It has also given me a lot to think about which probably contributes to some of my reflective song writing.

I think memories of the laughter and joy that my Granddad brought to the family whilst sitting by the keyboard playing his renditions of ridiculously old songs also played a role in making me want to pursue music.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
Matthew Garrod: I would absolutely love to collaborate with Arcade Fire and write a track that would comfortably fit the grand orchestral vibe of their Neon Bible album.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Matthew Garrod: I'm currently based out of London with my wife Olivia and whilst the end goal is full-time musician, I currently work in Marketing for an Australian software company. I spend the majority of my day working out of London cafes (as I am right now), and then make time for writing and music admin in the late afternoons/evenings.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Matthew Garrod: My music career is still very much in its infancy, but I'm extremely grateful for where I am right now. Canyons is a fully self-funded independent EP and I think the best part of my musical journey thus far is to see my hard work pay off and people relate to the music. It's all very exciting.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Matthew Garrod: Matthewgarrodmusic.com
@matthewgarrodmusic
Facebook.com/matthewgarrodmusic
Triple J Unearthed
Spotify

Interview by Brooke Hunter