Joe Matera is an Australian guitar player and musician. Joe recently released a new album entitled “Creature Of Habit” and as you will read in this article, he is going to release a new single CD in Europe soon.
I had good reason to have another interview with Joe, due to his new album release.
Hello Joe, how are you doing?
I am doing well thank you.
You seem to be very active and busy recently, Can you tell me are you back home now and what are you working on at the moment?
Yes, things have been very hectic of late and since I have returned home from Europe in October. I have been busy continuing to promote my latest studio album Creature Of Habit. Also the label (W.A.R Productions) and I have been readying the release of my next single ‘Fallen Angel’ which is getting a special CD single release in Europe in January. It is a vocal track – the sole non-instrumental track off my latest album – and on my tour, it was one of the songs that really surprised lot of people since it’s not the usual instrumental outing from me, but it received so much positive feedback from all.
How was the European tour and what kind of feedback did you get from the European rockers?
It was a great success. The rockers seemed to like it and enjoy it, that’s for sure! The feedback has all been positive and encouraging. My proudest moment was doing the first show of the tour, in Linz, Austria as it was my first ever live show outside of Australia, so it had a lot of special emotion and memory attached to it. The UK shows were also great, I had a fantastic crew with me in the UK, (Alex from W.A.R Productions and David my tour manager/driver) a great rockin’ backing band and the audiences were great and embraced me with open arms. I also had a couple fans fly in from other countries which made the whole tour even more memorable.
What do you feel are the differences in Rock music between Europe and Australia?
I think each country and culture has a unique spirit and style that informs their respective rock music. Rock music the world over shares very much the same spirit, which at its core is comprised of a driving 4/4 beat, loud guitars, pounding drums and bass and lyrical subjects that tackle everything from love to sex to partying everyday life. Wherever the rock music comes out from, its own respective environment and geographical conditions will inform its uniqueness and stamps its own “cultural” touch to it.
In our last interview you said you feel young every time you strap on your guitar, do you still feel the same?
Absolutely! It still keeps me feeling young and energetic. The guitar is part of who and what I am. Always has been and always will. It’s like another body limb. The fire and passion is probably stronger than ever, and I have so much more I want to achieve, so I am not done yet. I think the moment I decide I strap off the guitar, is the moment that it’s time for me to leave this world and start my journey in the next world. Though I think the guitar will probably be strapped to my body as I depart this world.
How was the year 2012 for you? Would you tell us about your new experiences during this last year?
It has been a huge year for me, professionally and personally. Professionally, the experiences have been amazing. Looking back over the past 12 months, I’ve managed to fit in quite a lot such as writing, recording and releasing my 2nd CD, tour Europe for the first time, travelled to new countries, met some amazing people and artists, played guitar with British musical icon Steve Harley on his Australian promo tour, worked with some amazing musicians and last and not least, finally met and performed for all my loyal European fans. I see 2013 being an even more adventure filled year, so stay tuned.
You recently released a new album, “Creature Of Habit”, what kind of reaction did you get from the fans and critics?
It’s been humbly to receive such a warm and positive reaction to the new album especially the reaction to the sole non-instrumental track ‘Fallen Angel’ which features my lead vocals for first time on a recording. Just knowing that people are enjoying the new album, it’s what every artist aspires to achieve and desires.
Would you also tell us more about your upcoming single “Fallen Angel” which is set to released in January, 2013?
The CD single is a European only release and will have four tracks; ‘Fallen Angel’ b/w ‘Slide’ as well as a live acoustic version of ‘Fallen Angel’ recorded and taken from my live show I performed in Linz, Austria during my ‘Slave To The Fingers’ tour in September and as a bonus track, the official promo video clip. The CD comes in German and English formats in regards to the CD’s liner notes, text and information and is released through W.A.R Productions.
How do you see yourself in 2013? Can you tell us about your plans for the next year?
The plan is to heavily promote the new single and continue the album’s promotion. Also plans are being laid for my return to Europe for another tour for the later part of 2013, this time adding shows in other countries as well. I am also writing and recording new material that includes more vocal tracks along with the usual instrumental material for release at some point in the future.
What you are going to do this Christmas and New Year holidays?
Just making it a quiet one and spending some time with family and friends.
Any final word, Joe?
Just thank you to everyone who has bought my new album and continues to support my music and enjoys it. It’s really all about the fans, without whom one has no career. So a big personal thank you to them and of course, to your good self for the continued interest in my music and for this interview. Thank you. See you on the road somewhere in 2013.
Thank you Joe, Merry Christmas!
And you too.
* For more information about Joe Matera click here.
Interview by Mohsen Fayyazi