BIOGRAPHY
"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
'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. He follows the success of 'Everything Changed
On The Way...' which has received national radio play on CBC,
and regional commercial radio play.
LINKS
www.matthumphreys.ca
www.myspace.com/matthumphreys
www.youtube.com/matthumphreys
www.cdbaby.com/matthumphreys
www.garageband.com/matthumphreys
NOTABLE APPEARANCES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Toronto Independent Music Awards Nominee
- 2008 Best Adult Contemporary Artist
- 2007 Best Pop Artist
- 2007 Best Live Acoustic Artist
APCA (Association for the Promotion
of Campus Activities)
- 2007 Mainstage Showcasing Artist
Midpoint Music Festival
Dewey Beach Music Festival
Canadian Idol Finalist
CONTACT INFORMATION
Matt Humphreys: matt@matthumphreys.ca,
416.996.1978
Promotions and Publicity: Brian Farquharson, radiovp@netsurf.net
Bookings and Inquiries: bookings@urbanfolk.ca
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