The Aron Theatre is excited to welcome local musicians Melissa Payne and Matthew Holtby to our stage on April 3, for a fantastic concert. Buy your tickets here. 

In the meantime, we caught up with Matthew Holtby, who lives just down the road in Warkworth, to ask him about his music, his songwriting process, and how the local area inspires his music. 

HOW YOUR MUSICAL CAREER GET STARTED AND WHO ARE YOUR MUSICAL INFLUENCES?
I’ve been writing and playing for over two decades now. I first wrote an album and then needed to put a band together to play the songs. I just never stopped. I was heavily influenced by the people around me making music. Artists like The Stables, Trish Robb and Patrick Dorie were hitting really hard at the time. I was always just trying to keep up with them, while making my own mark on the local scene in Oshawa. 

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO PLAY WITH MELISSA PAYNE, WHO IS ALSO PRETTY LOCAL HAILING FROM ENNISMORE? HOW DOES SHARING THE STAGE WITH A FELLOW MUSICIAN HELP TO PUSH YOUR OWN MUSIC FORWARD?
I’ve been saying this for years. Melissa should be a household name in this country and beyond. It’s an honour. Just watching and hearing what she does inspires me on every level. I get kind of starstruck around her. I think she has a voice all her own. I don’t know anyone else who sounds like that.
 
YOU LAST PLAYED THE ARON AT OUR RENOWNED ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT. WHAT IS THIS SPACE LIKE FROM A MUSICIAN'S PERSPECTIVE?
A seated theatre is a remarkable experience from both the performer, and spectator’s perspective. People are there to listen, and really get drawn in. It’s got a lot of wonderful history here in our own backyard. It feels really cozy and comfy to be on that stage. I can’t wait. 

WHAT'S YOUR PROCESS AS A SONGWRITER AND IN MAKING YOUR MUSIC?
Songs and melodies fall out of the sky. I run to my phone and play piano or guitar, just to get the melody recorded. Then I’ll sit when I have alone time, and play back some of my notes and expand on them. Sometimes songs come to me in my dreams. It’s a race out of bed sometimes.
 
YOU'RE FROM WARKWORTH, JUST DOWN THE ROAD FROM THE ARON - HOW DOES THIS AREA INSPIRE YOU AND YOUR MUSIC?
I’m originally from Oshawa which differs from here drastically. This place I live in now is calm and serene. We have 5 acres, 12 chickens, 3 cats and a dog. It’s safe and quiet and my kids love it. I think the frame of mind that allows me to breathe and feel free of anxiety just lends itself to my music. I’ve been really mellow in my vibe with the last few releases. That’s about to change though. 2025 is the year of the electric guitar! Lots of rockers coming your way after these solo shows. Life is good in Warkworth. 

Sample Matthew Holtby’s song Reading This Now on YouTube and check out more of his music at https://www.matthewholtbymusic.com.

Find  Melissa Payne online at https://melissapaynemusic.com