Tell us a bit about your music journey. How has it shaped you?
I would say that my journey in music has made me hell bent on writing the best songs that I can. I’ve been surrounded by music all my life. Both my parents are classically trained, and my brother was a cathedral chorister. I played classical music throughout my youth, and I didn’t pick up a guitar until I was about 13. My friend from school (who is now my manager) George showed me how to play my first chords, and from that point on, I was obsessed with getting better at the guitar. In our latter school years, we formed a band called ‘south by zero’ before we moved to Manchester to study at BIMM university. At this point I was getting a taste for writing and creating music, by myself and with others. I personally feel that the songs I was writing in this period of my life (with others, or alone) were very good, and I’ve forever been trying to make songs that at least are on a par with them.
How would you describe your sound to someone unfamiliar with it?
If the genres of midwest emo and classic rock had a baby, you’d probably get something close to my sound. In other words, there’s probably too many guitars!
What drew you to the genre/instruments you’re playing right now?
I’m not sure, I just feel as if they’ve the most authentic to me. I’ve always been fascinated with the guitar, even before I actually started playing it. I still don’t even really see myself as a singer, it kind of started as a ‘functional’ thing, I sang in several ensemble groups as a kid, and when I actually started branching out doing things like busking, I was the only one who could hit the higher notes, so that’s how that happened.
What inspires you to write music?
Ive been asking myself the same question for about 5 years now! I don’t know, it usually comes from dealing with stressful life situations, like breakups or my struggles with anxiety. It’s definitely a form of therapy for me. I’m always jotting ideas down, in the hopes that one day I’ll be able to piece something together.
Would you tell us about your song you’re promoting?
I’m currently promoting my first upcoming single, called ‘starting line’. And it’s about the decline of my relationship with my ex-girlfriend. The lyrics display a great deal of my overthinking and the general instability of my mental health at that time. All that being said though it’s quite an upbeat number and certainly one you can bop your head along to!
What do you want listeners to take away from listening to your music? I want them to listen to it and go, ‘that was a really good song, I’m going to listen to it again’
Who are your top three artists right now?
My top three artists right now would be:
Pinegrove
Paul Simon
Joni Mitchell
What is the easiest way for fans to connect with you?
People can connect with me on Instagram and TikTok! It’s @mattbawtree on both of them!
Connect with Matt Bawtree:
Instagram
TikTok
What’s next for you?
I’ll be releasing new music throughout the year. And then hopefully a £1,000,000 record deal!
Bio:
Matt Bawtree is a singer/songwriter from the south of England. He got his start by busking in Canterbury, Kent, before moving to Manchester to study music, where he continued to busk in and out of the city as a part of the 4-piece indie band ‘South by Zero’ during the 3 years he lived there. Now embarking on his solo project in London, Matt is channelling this exciting change into his music. Characterised by hooky pop melodies, infectious guitar riffs and powerful voice. Matt writes about feelings of displacement and anxiety, taking themes from his family life, relationships and internal dialogue.
