In the weeks since release, 'Go Easy On Yourself' is fast-approaching 40,000 streams and has already been played on numerous BBC Local stations, TotalRock Radio, UKCountryRadio and Downda Road Radio in Ireland.
'This is the only time I’ve written a song for someone else's voice to sing: in this case Johnny Cash,' shares Owens. 'It’s hoping that at the Pearly Gates that you get points for trying.'
Other songs from the album, which was co-produced with Robert Vincent and cut live to tape with a seven piece band in Devon, have been heard on Planet Rock, BBC Stereo Underground, Absolute Radio Country, RTÉ Radio One, CountryLine Radio and more.
Known for his work as a founder member of indie-folk band Noah and The Whale, who he toured the world with for almost ten years, Matt’s solo releases have drawn attention to his own songwriting, allowing him to explore an edgier side to his music.
Owens has also spent recent years developing his skills as a producer and co-writer, including on triple UK Americana Award-nominated artist Elles Bailey’s radio hit 'Sunshine City', which appears on her album Shining In The Half Light, in the running for UK Album of the Year 2023.
Throughout the last few months, Matt’s 'Pretending That Nothing Has Changed At All' tour has taken him - and often, members of The Delusional Vanity Project - across the South, performing to packed audiences in London, Cardiff, Bristol, and more. Over the next two weeks, he is due to play two more shows with frequent collaborator Thea Gilmore, before returning to Bath for a hometown album launch on Fri 25th November.
2023 is set to kick off with his own curated 7 Hills Spring Festival across three stages at Komedia, Bath, on 19th March, where Owens and the band feature on a lineup headlined by Ethan Johns’ Black Eyed Dogs, alongside UK Americana/roots favourites such as Ida Mae, Beth Rowley and Hannah White - tickets and info here - full tour dates below.
Sat 19th November 2022 – Swindon Arts Centre, Swindon*
Fri 25th November 2022 – The Chapel Arts, Bath (Beer for the Horses Hometown Show)
Sun 19th March 2023 – The 7 Hills Spring Festival, Komedia, Bath
(*w/ Thea Gilmore)
*
For more information about Matt, visit his website.
