Mat McHugh Summer Come Save Me Interview

Mat McHugh Summer Come Save Me Interview

Mat McHugh has always worn his heart on his sleeve. From the fateful evening on which he decided that playing an open mic night was the way to win the girl of his dreams, his path as a musician has been adventurous, winding and often unexpected.

Now Mat's musical odysseys will see the acclaimed artist performing an expansive series of shows across regional New South Wales and Victoria throughout January and February 2014 for the 'Summer Come Save Me Tour'.

Mat is known for his pivotal role in Sydney's The Beautiful Girls, the outfit who provided the vehicle for his initial musical musings. His role in the band lead to glowing reviews, tours, international travel, meetings with heroes, dalliances with villains and an exploration of what was important as a human being, an artist and a man.

Earlier in 2013, Mat toured the USA and his beloved South America for a series of live performances off the back of his debut album Love Come Save Me. Combining elements of his solo-acoustic live set with hard hitting electronic and beats driven arrangements, Mat found a variety of comfortable ways further evolve his live performances and has begun performing new material which will form the basis of a forthcoming 2014 sophomore release.

Says Mat 'To me, music is far too precious to exist in a box, I think a song is born and dies in a moment and in that, becomes a new definition. Playing live, I never know what's going to happen and that's exactly the way I like it. As long as there is love though, everything will be okay'.

The Summer Come Save Me Tour 2014

Friday, 7th February 2014: Torquay Hotel, Torquay VIC
tickets available via oztix.com.au
Saturday, 8th February 2014: Westernport Hotel, Hastings VIC
tickets available via oztix.com.au

Interview with Mat McHugh

Question: What should audiences expect from the Summer Come Save Me Tour?

Mat McHugh: Onstage we have an old sampler for the drums, an analogue synth for the basslines, a couple of guitars, a horn section and some delay pedals. Basically we come correct in a Soundsystem fashion.


Question: How has the tour gone, so far?

Mat McHugh: It's been very amazing. So much dancing and singing and love and sweat.


Question: Do you write your own songs? What's your inspiration?

Mat McHugh: I do. My inspiration is the commonality of us all and the amazing creativity human beings are capable of. I see and hear so many amazing, creative things every day that I feel the need to contribute in my own little way.


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Mat McHugh: I listen to a lot of early 80's dancehall, 70's dub and 60's jazz.


Question : What's next? Tour/Album/Single?

Mat McHugh: More touring overseas and then a full album sometime in the middle of the year. I'm taking my time with this one because I want it to be the very best that I'm capable of.


Question: Was there a moment you contemplated throwing in the towel?

Mat McHugh: No. I'll never stop playing music. If people stop coming then I'll still be playing. I'll just find something else to do to pay rent.

Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Mat McHugh: Both actually. Recording is exciting because it's fun to hear music being pulled from thin air. Live is good because it's a blessing to be able to feel such positive energy coming from people every night.


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Mat McHugh: My dad got me into music super young. He passed away when I was ten but is still my biggest inspiration.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Mat McHugh: I don't find it challenging. It's music.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Mat McHugh: Surf, hang with my son, eat, surf, write music at night.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Mat McHugh: I just think it's lucky to be able to put out positive things into the World and have them be received by people. It's good karma.

Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Mat McHugh: Fiona Apple or Diplo.


Question: What message would you like your music to say to your fans?

Mat McHugh: Thanks you for all the support and for supporting independent music. It's means you have been thinking for yourself and not eating whatever fast food was served up last. Respect and love.

60 Second Quiz

Full Name: Matthew Sammy Davis Jnr McHugh
Nickname(s): The Beautiful Girls
Star Sign: Double Rainbow
Favourite Food: Rice
Favourite Film: Girl On A Bridge
Favourite Actor: Christopher Walken
Pet: Nah
Person You Would Most Like to Meet: I've met enough people, I shouldn't be greedy.
Hobbies/Interests: Anything in the sea
First Job: Parking cars for rich people
Are you a Pub, Bar or Club kind: Nah, beach
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Perspective
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning: My family and how lucky I am

Interview by Brooke Hunter