At the start of February, Matt Gresham dropped his brand new single “Home”. Since then he has released a new single towards the end of March, titled “Highwire”. We were lucky enough to interview him about his new music and his career.
He first came to the attention of Australians when he appeared as a contestant on season three of the Australian version of The X Factor. He made it as far as the Top 24 before he pulled out of the competition on his own terms. He was later replaced by Dami Im who later went on to win the show.
He is signed to Trigger Records, which is what he released his latest singles under. “Survive On Love” is his most streamed song at three million Spotify streams. His latest single is “Highwire” and we’re excited to see where his career will take him. He spoke to us about his music, The X Factor Australia, touring with Guy Sebastian, and his inspirations.
Hi Matt, we hope you are doing well today, what have you been up to lately?
Thank you, a lot actually. I just released another single, “Highwire”. This one is very personal to me having dealt with mental illness in my family it’s a song I feel really resonates with the world right now. I have also been rehearsing flat out for my up-and-coming European show dates followed by a huge three-month Australian tour!
You also recently dropped your new single “Home”, can you tell us more about it?
“Home” for me is a self-reflection song about finding home in myself. It really has connected with a lot of travellers around the world. I’ve been moving for so long and it’s such an interesting lifestyle seeing so many things in such a short amount of time. “Home” is definitely my personal favourite and has been going so well. Last year, I performed it at 50 concerts with the incredible James Arthur… Such a blessing!
Do you have any favourite lyrics?
“Home is not a place it’s a feeling.”
That for me sums up the growth in myself as an artist, having to be on the road six months of the year. Finding comfort in uncomfortable situations, moving from a town with 80,000 people surfing twice a day, to Berlin! 80,000,000 in Germany was a shock to my system… but a good one.
A music video for the song has also been released, what was that like to film?
My close friend, Dan Flegler, and I didn’t sleep for a week! Haha, joking, we filmed the whole music video in my hometown of Rockingham. It was incredible for me having such a strong connection to Point Peron where the beach shots were filmed. It was such an amazing experience, during the filming me and my mate connected so well and it was almost like I was introducing him to my home while we were filming. It felt like a welcoming ceremony almost, if that makes sense.
You are building quite the career for yourself, having over five million Spotify streams, to date; what’s it like knowing that, that many people have listened to your music?
It’s honestly such a blessing, I’ve always loved storytelling through songs and knowing that people are hearing my words is my ultimate goal in life. I’ve always used music as a vehicle to travel and see more things and to gain more knowledge about life. So it’s an honour for me that its connecting.
You were also a contestant on the fifth series of The X Factor Australia, where you made the top 24, but then left the show. What was going through your head at the time?
It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I remember thinking this dream they are selling me, isn’t mine, but everyone thinks it’s a good idea… Everyone but me! I felt so much pressure from people who I didn’t even know. It just didn’t add up for me personally, although I absolutely loved the experience. The crew are so nice and made me feel so good about myself and music.
https://youtu.be/sGxfyvy_Odg
What’s it like knowing that Dami Im replaced you and later won the contest?
She deserves it, she’s such an incredible singer. I was blown away thinking, woah, I quit the show, she came back in and won, how cool is that and such a coincidence!
What was it like being the opening act for Guy Sebastian?
Touring with Guy Sebastian last year was the best tour of my life. His new album “Conscious” is one of my favourite Australian albums of all time. I was also lucky enough to co-write one of the tracks on the record [called “Something”]. Guy has been like a brother to me, a true mentor in the industry. We quite regularly have phone calls about music and surfing… Big love for that man.
We loved “Conscious” too, the album is just on-point. Who inspires you both personally and musically?
Well, I first started music because of my family. My mother has always had a huge connection with music so I naturally did too. My older brother had an acoustic guitar and I remember him singing Cat Stevens songs and Nirvana… I was so inspired by him being the older bro I wanted to be just like him!
And, finally, do you have a message for your fans?
To tell everyone your amazing just the way you are! We are living in a world with such social pressures. Honestly, just be yourself, love yourself, you are beautiful just the way your mumma made you!
Thank you so much, Matt Gresham, for finding the time to answer our questions. We look forward to seeing where your career takes you. We are loving “Home” and “Highwire” and can’t wait to see what you release next.
Matt Gresham’s latest singles, “Home” and “Highwire” are available to download and stream right now, through Trigger Records. Check out all his music on Spotify below.
What do you make of our interview with Matt Gresham? Tell us all your thoughts on Twitter @CelebMix.
ncG1vNJzZmiblaGyo7nIsWWcp51ksrmvy66qoq6VYravwMSrraKdp2K6osDTZp6rnaOdrq5505qjpKtdp7Kksc2to7Jlopq5pq3Snptmq5mjtK2xjKGmpp1f