Who is Joe Matera?
I’m a Singer/Songwriter, recording artist, music journalist, published author of the recently published book, Backstage Pass: The Grit and The Glamour which is published by Empire Publications in the UK, (distributed by John Reed Books in Australia) which went to #1 on the Amazon Music Book Charts in Sweden, and am also a radio broadcaster. I have more than one string to my bow that’s for sure.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
To be honest, I wouldn’t do anything differently, as I love what I do and the people I get to meet, interview and perform with. I’s because it’s these people that I have met along the way on my life’s journey where each one has contributed to every step I’ve taken with my life, along with the decisions I’ve had to make along the way.
Who inspires you and why?
I think anyone who stands their ground against the maddening crowd that are constantly throwing at you, ‘you can’t do that!’ – yet quietly continues to toil away until they achieve their goals in life, inspires me totally. As the late American broadcaster David Brinkley once said, “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him”.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
If my writing can bring some enjoyment into people’s everyday lives whether that is by providing an entertaining story which enlightens them while at the same time, they’re learning something different about their musical heroes, then I feel I’m making a small difference. Or if my own music helps people to forget their troubles by losing themselves in the music and they are connecting with the song, and it brings a smile to their face or whatever, then to me I feel that I am making a difference in their lives in that way too. What I would like to see that will really make a difference especially within the music industry, is a level playing field where no mater your age, gender or level of experience, you are given the same equal opportunity as everyone else.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Berlin, Germany. There is so much history there and because it also has quite a lot of similarities to Melbourne in regards to its cultural and cuisine diversity and its thriving arts community.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take them to Centre Place in Melbourne. Why? For its selection of eateries, boutique shopping and street art. It’s certainly one of Melbourne’s hidden gems amongst the many of others that are scattered throughout the city.
What are you currently reading?
Sound Man by Glyn Johns who was a producer and engineer of some of the biggest bands of the 1960s and 1970s such as Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles. It’s an insider’s look at the behind the scenes of some classic recording sessions that Johns manned, with some fascinating insights and revelations.
What are you currently listening to?
My listening tastes are so diverse; I can listen to everything from folk to hard rock on any given day, but at this precise moment I’m listening to Shawn Mullins’ 1998 album Soul’s Core. It’s the album with the two big hits (Lullaby and Shimmer), but the other tracks are just as fantastic and are rich with story telling and some great acoustic guitar playing.
Happiness is?
Being married to my wife Liz, as she’s my rock and every day I wake up with a smile, I am grateful for her being in my life.
What does the future hold for you?
Lots more writing and more recording, and hopefully as things get back to some normality post-Covid, more gigging and at some point, I will be able to resume my international touring.
Joe is the Author of Backstage Pass: The Grit and The Glamour – which is published by Empire Publications, distributed in Australia by John Reed Books and available from all leading book retailers.
Image: Joe Matera (supplied)