Not every day do you get to interview music legends — not going to lie, it’s a great perk of my job!
Joe Matera is a music institution from the Goulburn Valley — Kyabram, to be exact. Over the years, he has distinguished himself musically, with his latest album, The Lone Runner, debuting on the Australian ARIA Jazz and Blues chart at number four.
He has also collaborated with big names such as Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, Smokie and the Korgis. One of his instrumental tracks, Starry Night, was featured in the Australian movie Ricky! The Movie.
But Matera’s accomplishments extend beyond his musical career. His passion for writing has made him a prolific rock journalist, with over 600 published articles.
His dual nature as a musician and writer has allowed him to combine the best of both worlds. He has interviewed Aerosmith, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Kiss, Queen, Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi and Black Sabbath, to name a few.
His work has appeared in many rock magazines, and you probably recognise his name from his ‘Musical Musings’ column in The News.
“I enjoy expressing myself with sounds and words,” Matera said.
“When you write, you’re creating a sound, too.”
“I’ve always written, and I’ve always loved the written word.”
After the success of his first book, Matera is back with more. He recently launched his second book, Louder Than Words: Beyond the Backstage Pass, in which, for the first time, he weaves his own story alongside the ones of artists such as Bryan Adams, who loved the chapter on him so much he wrote the foreword, ABBA session guitarist Janne Schaffer, and even dives into what truly happened to Billy Squier’s career — “not the myth of a music video killing his career”
“Many artists want to talk to me because I can connect with them on a different level. I understand their mindset because I have the same one,” Matera said.
“I’m not after a tabloid headline. And they can tell.”
Louder Than Words honestly depicts what it’s like to be a performing artist — warts and all. According to Matera, people tend to idealise the glamour of being on stage and touring. Louder Than Words is a window into what it truly takes to get there.
“The book gives you an insight into the human side of being a musician,” Matera said.
“Creating is a solitary process that requires hard work, dedication, focus on deadlines and everything in between to make it happen.
“People say, ‘Dream it to make it happen’, but you can’t just dream; you must work at it, too.”
And Matera knows a thing or two about dedication. “When there’s a will, there is a way” could be his life motto. Although he didn’t come from a musical family, Matera started teaching himself the guitar by listening to his parents’ record collection when he was 15.
He started playing in bands in Shepparton in the 1980s and has played over a thousands gigs since:
“I’ve played some of the worst gigs to some of the best gigs,” he said.
“I’ve played to one person as well as 10,000 people. It’s all character-building.”
When asked for advice about turning dreams into reality, Matera emphasised the importance of nurturing your imagination.
“Consistent dedication is key. Break down your goals into small, achievable steps,” he said.
“For instance, it will take time to put together a good book, but believe in yourself and your passion.”
Now that Louder Than Words is out, one might think Matera would be resting for a while, but that couldn’t be further from reality. He will be touring Europe in November with British pop band The Korgis.
“What drives me is wanting to share and connect with other humans through my passion,” Matera said.
“Music is my life, and I breathe it.”
“Musicians don’t retire. If you love what you do, why should you retire?”
If you’re a fan of bands from the ’70s and ’80s, do yourself a favour and grab a copy of Louder Than Words.