Exclusive Matt Costa - Interview

16-03-2006 10:10

With his thoughtful, heartfelt lyrics and rolling, country infused melodies, California's own, Matt Costa is the newest star to be born from Americas emerging folk inspired indie scene.A keen skater until an accident which involved a broken leg and almost 18 months of rehabilitation put an end to that, Matt decided to go back to his first love, music.And while the skating industry may have lost an up and coming talent, where Matt probably would have made a lot more wedge, music gained a genuine singer/song-writer brimming with heart and soul. Helped along the way by No Doubt guitarist, Tom Dumont, who took Matt under his wing after listening to his early demos, Dumont went on to help with the release of Matt's 2003 self-titled EP, and produce Matt's 14-track-strong, debut album, 'Songs We Sing.'With a beautiful album on the shelves, a new single 'Cold December' on the airwaves and a current European tour supporting Brit nominee Jack Johnson, Matt is doing more than making musical waves in his home state, so naturally, its only a matter of time before he does the same here.

Hi Matt, tell us a little about yourself?

Matt I'm 23; (laughing) and I feel like I'm on a dating hotline! Yeah, I write songs and I'm on tour with Jack Johnson right now in Cardiff.

Are you enjoying the tour?

Matt Yeah, It's been really fun. I've had a good response so it's good.

So with you, ALO and Jack on tour is it like one big happy family?

Matt Were like one big happy family, like a travelling circus!

Do you have any interesting stories to tell us about the tour?

Matt I do actually. When I was in Dublin I ran into Donovan Lietch (major influence to Matt's music) at the hotel. I got really star struck and super weird because I wanted to talk to him and I just told him how much he meant to me.

Did he give you any words of wisdom?

Matt He gave me his email address to get in touch. But he was super nice and it was great to meet him.

If you keep in touch maybe one day you could collaborate?

Matt Yeah, that would be a dream!

Is it true before music, you were on your way to becoming a pro-skater?

Matt Yeah I was. I had a few sponsors but nothing too crazy. I had a couple of clothing sponsors one of them was TSA and a couple of other random sponsors. I wasn't pro or anything so they would just give me free stuff and hope that I'd wear it.