Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Matthew: Swansea, Wales, born and bred. I’ve always liked music since I was a kid and started having a go at writing my own songs when I was in college.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Matthew: I think it’s great, there are so many bands and artists I’ve became a fan of due to stumbling over their songs online. I put my music on youtube because it’s a great way to get exposure as an unsigned artist.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Matthew: Firstly, enjoy playing music, otherwise give up! Don’t be afraid to write your own material because every local band I’ve seen plays covers all night. Play your own music. If I wanted to hear Bryan Adams sing the summer of 69 I’d put it on the jukebox.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Matthew: No, I just compose music. There aren’t many bands locally that welcome original music, its just a covers scene. The only way for original compositions to be heard is through sites such as youtube.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Matthew: Most of my songs are stories of true life events. A lot of my lyrics have come to me whilst walking on Swansea bay! I have one song called “the mad man in the bungalow” which was written about a guy I met whilst walking my dog. My usual songwriting process is usually the music first then slaving over lyrics. I hate writing lyrics, the best songs are the ones where the music and lyrics flow at the same time. I have so many unfinished songs, which are just instrumental and a few verses of lyrics.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Matthew: I have my youtube channel and a christmas song on itunes thehitman2001ukPeace on Earth for Christmas – Single by Matthew D
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Peace on Earth for Christmas – Single by Matthew Davies on Apple Music
Listen to songs from the album Peace on Earth for Christmas – Single, including “Peace on Earth for Christm…
thehitman2001uk
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Matthew: Definitely some of the Wham songs. They were already on there when I bought it……
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Matthew: Fast cars and faster women.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Matthew: I would love a Roland Jupiter 8. Nothing beats the analogue synths. I have a Yamaha keyboard which I love, Â and a mac.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Matthew: Twitter and youtube, huge audiences!
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Matthew: Queen at live aid, the best a band has ever played live, in the history of music anywhere! In fact, Id probably like to be Freddie for that one day! But just for the performance, nothing else after it!
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Matthew: I have a lot of songs I need to record, There are probably about 20 unfinished or missing lyrics, I’m aiming to get an album of the best ones on itunes.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Matthew: Making beer!
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Matthew: I think I had Bad by Michael Jackson on cassette for Christmas 1987. It’s still one of the best albums ever. In fact, I watched the 25 year anniversary documentary last month, and its fantastic.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Matthew: It’s hard making time to sit down and record music, it’s such a long process, I can think up a song in 5 minutes, yet take 12 hours to record it.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?
Matthew: Definitely more songs on my youtube channel and hopefully an album for itunes.
