Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Matt Walters gained a global following when his 2011 single “I Would Die For You†was posted on YouTube by a fan. The track went viral – as of August 2014* it had been streamed over 7 million times, with no marketing or promotional support, and Walters sold tens of thousands of copies independently.
Moved by the response, Walters called on friends and local musicians and returned to the studio to record sophomore release, NightWalk, an album both inspired by his new international following, and crowd-funded by the fans themselves.
Prior to finding independent success, Walters was signed by Mercury/Universal Australia after a chance encounter with an A&R representative while at university. Walters released two EP’s on the label (Echo On in 2009; Talking In My Sleep in 2010) along with his debut album, Farewell Youth (2011). Although the album was a critical success, the label did not consider it a commercial hit. Disillusioned, Matt left the label and decided to take a break from the industry. Later that year, a fan posted the song on YouTube and a global, organic fan base was born, along with a demand for new music.
Walters previewed the new material for audiences in 2014, selling out living room shows in Australia and packing venues for Canadian Music Week 2014 in Toronto and a show in New York. In October, Walters returns to New York for his debut at CMJ Music Marathon where he will perform two official showcases for fans and industry partners, including a featured performance at Sounds Australia’s Sound Gallery.
Walters’ music has been featured in prominent North American TV series, including the 2013 and 2014 season finale episodes of ABC/Global hit drama Rookie Blue, among others. Walters has toured with notable artists such as Ben Folds, Jeff Beck, Jenny Lewis, and Paul Kelly. Additional tour dates will be announced for 2014-2015 to support NightWalk.