Friday 3 October will see Sheffield indie rock performer Mat Hook headline The Foundry, in what promises to be his biggest solo gig to date. Mat will be supported by The Tivolis, Revert and Sons of the City, three bands that each carry significance for him. Formerly part of the band Kartica, Mat reflects on his achievements as a solo artist and looks back on the journey that brought him here.
Hi Mat! So, 3 October at Foundry will be your biggest headline gig in 14 years, what can audiences expect?
Well, it goes without saying that it’s lining up to be a special night. The biggest headline I’ve been involved in since Kartica at The O2 Academy back in 2011. There’s 350+ tickets gone already and we’re still a fair way away.
There’s about that many of us on stage too, so expect a kinda wall of sound! I’ve got 9 in the band for it and the odd surprise joining us too. There’ll be a few big covers thrown in, but it will mainly be my solo work and some Kartica tracks too. So, expect anthemic tunes, roaring guitars and I’ll be there singing my little head off!
How does it feel to achieve this as a solo artist?
Anyone who knows me will know that to come back and have nights like these is extra special because of everything that happened in between the Kartica days and now. I never thought I’d sing live again, never mind sell out headline gigs. So, everything now I take as a little victory.
I gotta mention some of the lads who’ve formed my live band over the majority of the last few years, especially Dave (Howard), Kyle (Sales) and Ewan (Knight) they’ve played numerous gigs for me pretty much since the get go and helped propel nights like this into fruition.
Tell me about the support for the gig!
The supports were really important to this gig, I wanted groups that have a presence in their own right. ‘Revert’ are indie lads from Sheffield and Donny, they’ve got a bit of a garage rock sound and a real charm about them. They’re already making huge strides in a short timeframe.
‘The Tivoli’s’ are a great band from Rotherham fronted by a brother and sister, I first saw them when I was judging a festival entry competition last year. It’s no surprise to have seen them grow in stature and play large stages already (Dev Green at Tramlines/Supporting Bromheads at Leadmill).
And anyone who remembers Kartica will remember Section 60, they’ve now evolved into ‘Sons Of The City’ with a couple of different personnel and a more psychedelic sound. We shared a musical path together from the get-go, it’s gonna add a real ‘back where we belong’ feel to the night. At their peak they sold out a 900-capacity gig at Plug (now Network) and supported the likes of Courteeners.
50 early bird tickets sold out for the first weekend! How does it feel to have such a demand for your live performances?
I think first and foremost people just know they’re in for a good night at my gigs. Once that vibe is set, it’s contagious and when the ball gets rolling with a big gig, the momentum soon snowballs. It’s funny cos really any gig is probably 30% band and 70% crowd. The band are gonna play like they always do, it’s the crowd that can make it memorable.
Your single ‘Runaway Road’ will be the new walk-out/entrance song for Hallam FC – how did this come about?
I’ve been to watch them plenty of times. And I know loads of people who either go to the match or are involved at Hallam, even a few of the players. I’d been approached about playing a gig there in the past, so there’s always been talks about a link. The club are one of the oldest in the world and play at officially the world’s oldest football ground in Sandygate. So, it’s a pretty special connection to have.
How does it feel to have your music be used in this way?
Football is a huge part of my life. I was obsessed as a kid and still play, so to have my music associated with football and a match day experience is great. I think the song fits the bill well too, it’s a vibe. Hopefully it can form a strong association with the fan base.
Can we expect any upcoming releases from you or other exciting plans for the year?
I’m recording a new single next week that should be released just in time for the Foundry Gig. I’m also recording some live tunes for OV Live (Original Voice Media) soon that will be released in some form.
I think to perform a headline gig as a solo name in front of at least say 400+ in those circumstances is pretty magical and it’s a testament to the work I’ve put in, the music I make and the support people show me. So, I treasure the lead up to events like The Foundry gig, it’ll be one to remember.
Buy tickets to Matt’s headline gig here
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