Matt Corby

Matt Corby

Matt Corby performing in Hamlyn Terrace in February 2012
Background information
Birth name Matthew John Corby
Born 7 November 1990
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Genres Indie rock, folk, blues
Occupation(s) Musician
singer-songwriter
Instruments Vocals, guitar, piano, banjo, harmonica, glockenspiel, keyboard
Years active 2007–present
Labels Scorpio, Communion
Website mattcorby.com.au

Matthew John Corby (born 7 November 1990) is an Australian singer-songwriter and musician. He achieved his commercial breakthrough with his fourth EP, Into the Flame (2011), which peaked at No. 3 on the ARIA Singles Chart and by April 2012, was certified 6× Platinum by ARIA. His 2011 single "Brother" and his 2013 single "Resolution" both won ARIA Music Awards for Song of the Year.

Biography

Early life and career beginnings

Matthew John Corby was born on 7 November 1990 and raised in Oyster Bay, New South Wales.[1]

Corby attended Inaburra School in Bangor, New South Wales.[2] There, he was involved in the school stage band and the school choir.

Career

2007: Australian Idol

At age 16, Corby auditioned for the fifth season of Australian Idol, where he finished as runner-up.

2009–early 2011: Song For... EP

On 5 June 2009, Corby independently released his debut extended play, Song For..., on Scorpio Music. He then relocated to London and was signed with the indie label Communion by the label's owner, Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons fame.[3] Corby has been compared to Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley. On 28 May 2010, Corby's second EP, My False, was issued by Communion. On 20 October, after recording with Ian Grimble (The Libertines, Seasick Steve) and released his third EP, Transition to Colour. From late 2010 to early 2011, Corby played numerous live shows in London and in February, he performed at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas. He returned to Australia to play 'Secret Garden' shows in fans' backyards throughout the country. In July, he supported UK band Elbow on their tour of Splendour sideshows.

St Stephens Church, London, September 2010

Corby's track "Made of Stone" was featured on an episode of Underbelly: Razor in 2011 and on Brothers and Sisters. "Lighthome" was in an episode of Home and Away in 2011, and "Song For..." in 2012 on the same TV series. Corby recorded a cover version of INXS's "By My Side" for the band's album, Original Sin, (bonus track on the iTunes edition). He featured on a track on Julia Stone's debut solo album The Memory Machine and on UK singer-songwriter Passengers' title track "Golden Thread". Also featured in Blacklist starring James Spader(Daniel in Stargate the movie).

Late 2011–2012: Into the Flame EP and "Brother"

After spending a few months writing, Corby spent September 2011 recording his fourth EP, Into the Flame, with producer Tim Carr (Ernest Ellis). The EP showcased a new direction for Corby, including soul-influenced growling vocals along with a bluesy melody, coupled with Corby's signature folk style. The title song has been described as "lyrically raw and endearingly honest". The EP also features a duet with keyboardist Bree Tranter, previously of Australian band The Middle East. The EP provided Corby's first entry on the ARIA Charts when it reached No. 46 on the ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart on 4 December 2011. It subsequently peaked at No. 3.[4] Upon its release, Corby posted a message on his website and Facebook page:

After 12 months of lots of ups and downs, I'm so excited to share this EP with you. I honestly felt like giving up music back in April but all of you inspired me again. It's been an incredible few months re-connecting with all of you in gardens around Australia. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support. It's been said by others before... but you guys really are the best fans ever. Let's stay close on this journey.

By December 2012, Into the Flame achieved 6× platinum certification by ARIA, making it Corby's most successful release to date.[5] Corby supported the release of his EP and its single "Brother" with a national Into the Flame Tour. It included a mini 'Secret Garden' Summer Tour around New South Wales. In January 2012, Corby was named the 'Next Big Thing' and won 'Song of the Year' for "Brother" at FBi Radio's annual SMAC Awards in Darlinghurst, Sydney. He premiered his rendition of The Black Keys' song, "Lonely Boy", for radio station Triple J's segment, "Like a Version", with hosts Tom and Alex, along with an acoustic rendition of his own song, "Brother". Both have since received significant attention online. Corby secured a support slot with Feist in Adelaide on her 2012 Australian tour. Early in 2012, he toured throughout the US and UK. Corby's song "Brother" was voted into the No. 3 position for the Triple J Hottest 100, 2011, and his cover of "Lonely Boy" was voted at No. 69 in the Triple J Hottest 100, 2012. Corby released a Digital iTunes Session EP on 7 December 2012 playing 5 of his songs from his Previous EP's acoustically on guitar and one on piano, as well as a rendition of "Amazing Grace". Corby has spent the first half of 2013 in Los Angeles, working on his upcoming record, due for release later in the year. Corby was nominated for three 2012 ARIA Music Awards, including two nominations in industry voted categories, Breakthrough Artist and Best Male Artist.[6] He won the publicly voted Song of the Year category.[7] The newly recorded version of track 'Made of Stone' can currently be heard on the "NCIS" television promo in the USA.[8]

Matt featured on a Hunters & Collectors Tribute album Collaborating with Australian artist Missy Higgins recording a version of "This Morning".

2013–present: "Resolution", Resolution EP

On 21 May 2013, Corby released another single titled "Resolution". It became his first charting single, reaching third on the ARIA Charts under the category of the top 50 Australian artist singles of 2013. The song also charted in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, becoming his first charting material in those countries. On 12 July 2013, the Resolution EP was released, containing the single and three new original songs. One of which, "Lay You Down" entered the ARIA Charts at number seventy-five despite receiving no independent promotion,

In December 2013 "Resolution" won the ARIA Award for Song of the Year. On December 13, Corby released "Live on the Resolution Tour EP" 5 original songs were recorded live at the recent Australia and New Zealand shows including a cover of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young "Almost Cut My Hair".

Resolution was voted in 8th place in Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2013.

Corby is involved in a Brisbane-based arts collective called "Museum Collective", described on their Facebook page[9] as an "Audio Visual Sensory Experience". The band also features Rohin Jones (who is Museum Collective's musical director), Bree Tranter & Michael Haydon, formerly of The Middle East, as well as Lyndon de la Cruz, Kahl Wallis (of The Medics), Bud Rokesky and Tom Wearne. Museum Collective ran free performances at Brisbane's Old Museum building in September & December and also at Woodford Folk Festival on the 28th of December, 2013.[10]

In January 2014, Corby released his song "What The Devil Has Made" Arranged especially for the 'Spirit Of Akasha’ soundtrack, the surf documentary was inspired by the 1971 film 'Morning of the Earth. He recorded all parts of the track – harmonies, flute, guitar etc. – on his own in his home studio. The soundtrack also features a version Tamam Shud's "First Things First" (originally used in the 1971 film) by Corby.

Matt recently joined good friend Matthew Heggarty from "Matthew And The Atlas" to record backing vocals on his new track "Another Way" Both vocal parts on the song were recorded separately.

Matt is managed by Matt Emsell, a UK based Artist Manager.[11]

Personal life

Corby has falsley been reported as being a member of the Hillsong Church.[12]

Matt stated that he enjoys surfing and reading.

Some of Corby's musical influences include Jeff Buckley, Lauryn Hill, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Sufjan Stevens, Patrick Watson, Scott Mathews, Nick Drake, Nina Simone, Otis Redding, Radiohead, Bob Dylan and Sam Cooke. He said that one of his all time favorite songs is Tina Arena's song "Chains".

Corby has an older sister Grace, whose name is tattooed on his left rib.

Discography

Extended plays

List of extended plays, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing album details
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
AUS
[13]
Song For... —
My False
  • Released: 28 May 2010[15]
  • Label: Communion
  • Format: CD, digital download
 —
Transition to Colour
  • Released: 19 October 2010[16]
  • Label: Communion
  • Format: CD, digital download
 —
Into the Flame
  • Released: 11 November 2011[17]
  • Label: Communion
  • Format: CD, digital download
 3
Resolution —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
AUS
[13]		 NL
[19]		 NZ
[20]		 UK
[21]
"Letters" 2009 — — — — Song For...
"My False" 2010 — — — — My False
"Made of Stone" — — — — Transition to Colour
"Brother" 2011 —[A] 32 — — Into the Flame
"Resolution" 2013 5 — 16 150 Resolution
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charting songs

List of songs, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
AUS[24]
"Lay You Down" 2013 73 Resolution – EP

Music videos

Year Title Director
2009 "Letters"[25] Matt Hart
2010 "Lighthome" (Live at Studio 301)[26] —
"Made of Stone"[27] Alex Roberts
2013 "Resolution"[28] Bryce Jepson

Notes

A ^ In Australia, the Into The Flame EP appeared on the Australian Singles Chart. Sales of songs on the EP, including "Brother" went toward the sales tallies of Into The Flame EP and therefore could not chart individually.

Awards and nominations

APRA Awards

The APRA Awards are presented annually from 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), "honouring composers and songwriters".[29] Matt Corby has received two nominations.

Year Recipient Award Result
2012 Matt Corby Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year[30] style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
"Brother" – Matt Corby Song of the Year[31] style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated

ARIA Music Awards

Year Recipient Award Result
2012 "Brother" Song of the Year[7] style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won
Matt Corby Breakthrough Artist[6] style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
Matt Corby Best Male Artist[6] style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2013 "Resolution" Song of the Year[32] style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won
"Resolution" directed by Bryce Jepson Best Video[32] style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
Matt Corby Best Male Artist[32] style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
Matt Corby Best Live Act[32] style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated

Other awards

Year Type Award Result
2009 Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition Final 12[33] Nominated
2011 FBi Radio SMAC Awards Next Big Thing[34] Won
Song of the Year ("Brother")[34] Won

References

  1. ↑ Byrne, Holly (13 November 2007). "God, girls, bookies: everyone loves Matt Corby". News.com.au. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
  2. ↑ Hornery, Andrew (17 November 2007). "Taking sides for the idol cause". Sydney Morning Herald.
  3. ↑ "Matt Corby to Release Second EP". Luna Magazine. 2010. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  4. ↑ Hung, Steffen. "Matt Corby – Into the Flames (EP)]". Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien. Retrieved 9 December 2011.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2013 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Nominations > Breakthrough Artist – 2012". Triple J | Triple J. 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 2012 Winners announced.Australian Recording Industry Association. 29 November 2012. Archived from the original on 29 November 2012
  8. ↑ Gather Entertainment: NCIS Promo Gather Entertainment. Retrieved 30 September 2012.
  9. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/museumcollective
  10. ↑ http://www.museumcollective.com.au/
  11. ↑ http://wondermgmt.com/
  12. ↑ Harris, Amy (5 October 2007). "Ten, Hillsong deny Australian Idol talk". Courier Mail.. He also used to sing at Hillsong Church London. However, Corby is no longer Christian.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Discography Matt Corby" Australian charts portal. Hung Medien. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
  14. ↑ Matt Corby – Song For... (iTunes) iTunes – Retrieved 14 January 2012
  15. ↑ Matt Corby – My False (iTunes) iTunes – Retrieved 14 January 2012
  16. ↑ Matt Corby – Transition to Colour (iTunes) iTunes – Retrieved 14 January 2012
  17. ↑ Matt Corby – Into the Flame (iTunes) iTunes – Retrieved 14 January 2012
  18. ↑ Matt Corby – Resolution EP (iTunes) iTunes – Retrieved 22 September 2013
  19. ↑ "Discografie Matt Corby". Dutch charts portal. Hung Medien. Retrieved 28 September 2012. Note: Some information in Dutch.
  20. ↑ "Discography Matt Corby" New Zealand charts portal. Hung Medien. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  21. ↑ United Kingdom charts portal. Chartsplus. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  22. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2014 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  23. ↑ "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart - 11 November 2013". NZ Top 40. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  24. ↑ http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20130819-0001/Issue1221.pdf
  25. ↑ Matt Corby – Letters video YouTube – Retrieved 14 January 2012
  26. ↑ Matt Corby – Lighthome: Live at Studio 301 video YouTube – Retrieved 14 January 2012
  27. ↑ Matt Corby – Made of Stone video notes – Retrieved 3 August 2010
  28. ↑ Matt Corby – Resolution video notes – retrieved 23 May 2013
  29. ↑ "APRA Music Awards 2012". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  30. ↑ "Nominations > Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year – 2012". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  31. ↑ "Nominations > Song of the Year – 2012". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). 2012. Retrieved 28 May 2012.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 "2013 ARIA Awards Winners By Year". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  33. ↑ APRA/AMCOS Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition – 2009 Final 12 Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition – 2009 Final 12. Retrieved 14 January 2012
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 FBi SMAC Awards 2012. smacawards.com. Retrieved 14 January 2012

External links