Matthew Roberts

Name, where are you from?
Matthew Roberts, London.

Describe your style in three words?
Brown, bond, '70s.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Editors.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
John Denver and John Prine. Growing up in East London, folk was a major part of my musical adventure. Learning how to sing and play the guitar was thanks to them both. 

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Punk folk subculture. I like how someone can adopt traditional forms of folk music like banjos, washboards etc with a touch of hard rush punk elements and boom; punk folk! When I first listened to this subculture, my mind was just blown...

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
John Denver. John has played a major part in my music career and just to sit in a room with him is good enough. I would like to know how he went about creating songs like 'Rocky Mountain High' and 'Fly Away' and what were his main influences growing up.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
Have two places, my bedroom and a little place called Tooting Tram. My bedroom weirdly enough is my time. Time to think, create and go all outlandish. Tooting Tram is a nice, relaxed bar in South London and it gives such a warm environment.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Jim Croce. Jim Croce was a talented singer/songwriter from the '70s. Great melodies, hooky acoustic chords and amazing style! His best track by far is 'I Got A Name'.