From large festivals to boutique gatherings, from supporting Chris Isaak to Justin Townes Earle, Matt Joe Gow has built a reputation as an earnest performer to go along side the authentic Alt country tones. Also a producer and consistent songwriting collaborator, Matt grew up in the deep south of New Zealand in a town with bad weather and good music: Dunedin. Surrounded by music, he was encouraged to pick up a guitar at an early age. After traveling the world, Matt moved to Melbourne, Australia, drawn by its vibrant music scene. In 2009 he released his debut record The Messenger, produced by multi-Aria award-winner Nash Chambers. As Alternative Country continued to grow in popularity, Matt toured and supported acts such as Chris Isaak, Justin Townes Earle, The Jayhawks, Kasey Chambers, Grant-Lee Phillips, Melissa Carper and Marlon Williams.
"Joe Gow’s world-class songs show once again he is essential listening.”
– Rhythms Magazine
Whilst regularly working on other projects in the studio, it would be his 2018 album Break, Rattle and Roll, an ambitious self produced sprawling Americana record which would go on to win the Music Victoria Award for Best Country Album solidifying his place on the Australian independent Country music scene. . After the rewarding but demanding process of making and touring that album, Matt headed back into the studio in 2020 with the concept of this time making a stripped-back album, however midway the world was hit by the pandemic.
The result was a unique record which, although laborious to make during a dark time went on to be perhaps the most pure expression of Matt's songwriting. This album titled ’Between Tonight & Tomorrow’ in its first week of release went on to chart on the ARIA and Australian Independent Release charts, whilst garnering 5 star reviews, feature album spots and high rotation on ABC national radio. The album further went on to win the Music Victoria Award for best Country Album once again. The critical acclaim didn’t end there however, with Matt also taking home the prestigious MLT songwriting award at the New Zealand Country Music Awards in the same year, delighting longtime fans and supporters in both countries.
Matt Joe Gow