About Matt Humphreys
“The
music of Matt Humphreys brings a folk/roots vibe to adult contemporary
pop. The singer/songwriter bubbled just under the Top 30 on Canadian Idol,
but places much higher in this estimation for songs that are once original
and highly reminiscent of the classic pop of James Taylor and Billy Joel.
This is a debut album that bodes well for a long career...”
~Mark Rheaume, Fresh Air, CBC Radio
“Every once in a while, a singer comes along that demonstrates
to the music industry that he means business. Well, this time it is Canadian
singer-songwriter, Matt Humphreys. I can confidently say that he is one
of the most talented singers that I have ever witnessed. Matt, even as
a young vocal student or choral singer with the Timmins Youth Singers,
exuded a prodigious talent that I knew, with time and patience, would
carry him very far in the music industry.”
~Rosanne Simunovic, Founder/Conductor, Timmins Youth Singers
Online Blogger/Reviewer, MasterClassLady.com
“This artist abounds with potential that is only outweighed by
his skill as a singer and songwriter. His accuracy is impeccable, and
his professional attitude is a welcome relief. A pleasure to work with.”
~Paul Milner, Producer & Recording Engineer, A Major Sound, PEI
“...he has a voice for which road show productions of Godspell
are launched.”
~Rick McGinnis, Metro News, Toronto
“Not only is this guy a great guitar player and sideman for my
artist Bianca, but he’s got some killer tracks, reminiscent of Daniel
Powter, with a hint of Elton John. I can’t wait to work on some
of the production for his next records.”
~Adam H. Hurtsfield, Executive Vice President, RockSTAR Music Corp.
“(Everything Changed On The Way...) is an easy-going pop rock affair
of well-written songs. Humphreys was smart enough to enlist session players
like axe-man Kevin Breit and bassist Fergus Marsh. Songs like the excellent
“Mrs. Carter,” the mostly acoustic and laid-back “Bailee”
and the rootsy “Carson’s Grove” should be a natural
fit to Canadian audiences across Canada and abroad.”
~ John Emms, Timmins Daily Press, Osprey Media
'Everything
Changed On The Way...' the new EP from Matt Humphreys is more fact than
fiction for this singer/songwriter from Toronto. Having grown up in a
Northern Ontario town, Matt brings a folk/roots vibe to his brand of adult
contemporary pop. His songs speak of growing up, experiencing life, and
finding (and losing out on) love.
The EP, produced by veteran Paul Milner who's previous credits include Queensryche, Eddy Grant, Sass Jordan, and the Doughboys, is backed by a band of stellar musicians including Kevin Breit (Celine Dion, Norah Jones), Mark Rogers (Kazzer, Edwin), and Jamie Oakes (Amy Sky, Tom Cochrane). 'Bailee', a song about breaking free from an emotionally negative relationship, highlights Matt's soaring melody over layered instrumental arrangements.
Born in Sudbury and raised in the town of Timmins, Ontario, Matt studied piano and voice privately before moving to Toronto to complete a Bachelor of Music in Voice. He continued to embrace the popular side of music as a frequent performer in pubs and clubs in the Toronto area, joining the ever growing Irish pub circuit of the late-90s.
From 1998 - 2003, Matt founded the successful celtic/folk ensemble Urban Folk with his brother Beau. They toured extensively across Canada, releasing two albums both containing original material penned by Matt. Post-Urban Folk Matt continued to play solo, building on the relationships he established at dozens of venues across the province.
Matt was recognized for his vocal abilities by being a featured contestant on the first season of the CTV television show 'Canadian Idol', battling his way to the top 48 singers in Canada, and more recently, in the third season, reaching the TOP 32.
After his TV appearances, Matt decided to concentrate on creating a solo persona that melded together the piano-pop greats of the 1970s with a much needed urban feel. Striving to break the mold of the contemporary pop singer, Matt draws inspiration from artists like Billy Joel, Elton John, and James Taylor. His EP 'Everything Changed On The Way...' has received national radio play in Canada.
