Matt Fairley is a name quickly becoming synonymous with raw, authentic storytelling in the world of folk and Americana music. Hailing from the North East, Matt has carved out a niche for himself with his heartfelt lyrics, honest performances, and a captivating stage presence. As he embarks on his September tour with Joey Wit from the USA, he’s ready to connect with audiences across the UK and Ireland, including a much-anticipated performance in Newcastle on the 11th at The Cluny 2.
A Storyteller at Heart
At the core of Matt Fairley’s music is a commitment to “three chords and the truth.” His songs are rich with folky Americana storytelling, where every lyric is carefully crafted and the music serves as an accompaniment to the words, rather than overshadowing them. Describing himself as an “oversharer,” Matt’s solo performances are deeply personal, though he plans to eventually bring a full band into the mix. For now, he takes the stage alone, claiming it all for himself, which only adds to the intimacy of his shows.
“I love having the whole stage to myself,” he laughs, though the seriousness of his intention is clear. “The plan is to have a full band eventually, but right now, this setup feels right.”
Influences: From Father John Misty to Pop Punk
Matt’s influences are as eclectic as they are impactful. A huge fan of Father John Misty, Matt admires his intelligent lyrics and unique storytelling. He’s also drawn to the raw energy of pop-punk bands like Blink-182 and Green Day, and the lyrical genius of Pete Doherty. Add to that a deep appreciation for the legends like Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, and it’s clear that Matt’s musical landscape is diverse and wide-ranging.
But Matt’s tastes aren’t confined to traditional influences. He’s also a fan of musical theatre, a passion that may seem unusual in contemporary music circles but one that fuels his creativity. This open-minded approach to music allows him to spark inspiration from a variety of sources, ensuring that his sound remains both unique and deeply personal.
Overcoming Adversity: A Testament to Resilience
Matt’s journey hasn’t been an easy one. In 2014, he suffered a freak accident at Disneyland, fracturing his back and spending the next several years recovering in a wheelchair. The experience was life-altering, and at his lowest point, Matt overdosed on Tramadol. But he emerged from this dark period stronger than ever, celebrating ten years of sobriety.
During his recovery, Matt inadvertently taught himself to play the guitar in an unconventional style—left-handed, but using a right-handed guitar with the low strings on the bottom. This unique approach has given his music a distinctive sound, one that’s easier for him to fit into the full arrangement of a song. The resilience Matt has shown in overcoming these challenges is reflected in the self-reflective nature of his music, particularly in his latest release, Fallen, which marks the ten-year anniversary of his accident.
Music as Therapy: Connecting with Listeners
For Matt, music is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a form of therapy. His songs delve deep into his personal experiences, often touching on themes of mental health, a topic that has become more open in society but is still deeply personal for him. “I’m wired to be unhappy,” he admits with a laugh, “but music helps me process that.”
His songwriting process is slow and deliberate, often taking months or even years to fully capture the emotions he wants to convey. “Some of the subject matter in my songs now has taken me four to five years to process before I could write about it,” he says. The honesty in his lyrics resonates with his audience, who often find comfort and solace in his words.
At a recent gig, a woman broke down in tears after hearing one of Matt’s songs. “She said that’s exactly how she felt, and it was touching,” Matt recalls. “That’s why I do this—to connect with people on that level.”
Looking Forward: A New Album on the Horizon
As Matt looks to the future, he’s working on a new album that promises to be his most honest work yet. “I want people to listen to the album in tears, laughing, and feeling like they’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster,” he explains. This “sad boy music,” as he calls it, is designed to capture moments in time, reflecting the ups and downs of life.
Matt is committed to creating a full album experience, one that doesn’t just focus on individual songs but offers a cohesive narrative from start to finish. “It’s like life—up and down—and I really want it to be something special,” he says.
For those new to Matt’s music, he suggests starting with Sunday Morning, his first solo release, which he wrote and recorded in just four hours. “It sets you up for the vibe I’m going for,” he says. And for a deeper dive into his work, his latest single Fallen is a powerful testament to his journey and the resilience that defines his music.
Join Matt on His Journey
Matt Fairley is an artist who wears his heart on his sleeve, and his music reflects the highs and lows of his life’s journey. As he prepares to share his stories with audiences across the UK and Ireland, his fans can expect nothing less than raw, unfiltered emotion in every performance.
Don’t miss the chance to see Matt live on tour this September:
- Leeds – Santiago’s, September 10th
- Newcastle – The Cluny 2, September 11th – [Get Tickets]
- Dublin – Fibber Magee’s, September 17th
- Belfast – Deer’s Head, September 18th
- Omagh – Bogan’s, September 19th
To stay updated with Matt’s journey, follow him on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mattfairleymusicuk/
Here’s his latest single, Separate Ways:
