You may have seen Matthew Dames busking at Salamanca or being part of a session at The New Sydney but you may not know this former UK resident is singing, literally, the praises of his chosen home of the last 2 and a half years, Tasmania.
Tasmania’s wilderness is a big draw card for Matthew who is a keen bushwalker. He is a member of the Launceston walking club and tells me last weekend he walked to Meander Falls with the club whom he considers his second family. As for his first family well, he is aiming to get back to the UK to visit them in the next year or so.
Matthew started out in traditional careers in carpentry and joinery and has completed a print making diploma from TAFE.
It is however music that inspires Matthew and in October he will release his first album ‘Cold Stars’. The album has been in the making since December and will mostly comprise his own material with the addition of some traditional Irish folk music. Although his genre and love his contemporary folk he does dabble in other genres and is open to introducing new musical styles to his repertoire.
Every Saturday you can hear and see Matthew in session at the New Sydney Hotel and twice a month busking at Salamanca market.
Matthew has additional talents to his music. He is also a gifted oil painter and photographer.
Music career wise he was recently asked to join the Celtic Force spectacular which encompasses The Caledonia pipe band.
He has been singing a cappella in Rosebery with the band he formed with a friend and caught the attention of the Caledonia band who asked him to perform with them.
Last weekend Matthew was performing with Celtic Force at the Civic Theatre Burnie and this Friday and Saturday he will perform with them at Launceston Country Club.
Paula Xiberras
