Matt Walters

Matt Walters (born 31 December 1985) is an independent singer/songwriter from Melbourne, Australia. His music is a blend of folk and pop influences.   While studying film at University in Melbourne, Matt began recording demos in his bedroom for a debut album. The demo recordings were passed around and eventually found their way to A&R representatives in the Australian music industry. In a chance meeting with A&R rep Peter Karpin of Mercury records, Matt pulled out his guitar and played Conversation (on 2011 release Farewell Youth) and was offered a recording contract on the spot.   In 2008, he left University and signed to Mercury Records (Universal Music) where he released two EP's, Echo On, in 2009 and Talking in My Sleep in 2010. His debut album, Farewell Youth was released by Mercury records in May 2011.   Whilst Farewell Youth was critically acclaimed, the album was not considered a commercial success in Australia. However, Walters found an international online audience numbering in the millions when his song I Would Die For You, a 6 and a half-minute ballad that features Australian singer/songwriter Megan Washington, was posted on YouTube by a fan alongside a portrait of a young French man. The song has been streamed over 6.2 million times (as of March 2014) through sheer word of mouth.   In early 2012 Matt was released from his contract with Mercury Records and re-released his debut album Farewell Youth online through CD Baby. The album has sold several thousand copies online and I Would Die For You has now been downloaded over 100,000 times.   In early 2012 Walters recorded The Vacant Heart EP in Brooklyn, New York with friend, songwriter & producer McGowan Southworth. It was released in January 2013 through BandCamp & CD Baby.   I Would Die For You was also featured in the Season 4 Finale of ABC's ABC's Rookie Blue TV series on 12 September 2013.   In Australia, Walters has toured with Ben Folds, Jenny Lewis, Paul Kelly and Jeff Beck.   Walters is currently working on his sophomore album to be released independently in 2014. In May 2014 he released the title track and video from his forthcoming album, NightWalk.