Joe Matera’s Kyabram upbringing features prominently in his new book, Louder than Words, giving readers an insight into exactly what set the high-energy musical journalist and singer-songwriter on his path to rubbing shoulders with the world’s most well-known entertainers.
And if anyone doubted just how connected the bandana-wearing guitarist actually was, then the man he used to launch the book, renowned musician Bryan Adams, would put those doubts to rest.
He has always remembered where he is from.
“This new book definitely focuses on my growing up in Kyabram, the music I listened to, the influence on my childhood and youth and the relationships I developed through my passion for music,” he said.
Adams, who wrote the foreward in the book, had hits with Summer of 69, Run to You, Please Forgive Me and (Everything I Do) I Do It For You.
The last of those was the title track for the smash hit movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves with Kevin Costner in 1991.
Matera said the second book follows on from his first book, but takes a whole new direction and angle.
“It delves more into the artists and music that shaped my life, so a lot more personal, but also, does a deep dive into the artists and music, by exploring their music and their life,” he said.
He said an example of this “deep dive” was a chapter on supergroup ABBA’s success in Australia and how it opened the door to him working with their guitarist Janne Schaffer.
“It explains how I became part of that ‘ABBA’ circle, so to speak,’’ he said.
Matera is arguably Kyabram’s most well-known musician, or entertainment personality, and his new book takes a deeper dive into life before the stories he shares in his first book.
That first book, Backstage Pass: The Grit and the Glamour, which was released only 18 months ago, shared stories from the various interviews and experiences Matera had enjoyed with the world’s biggest names.
Of his Kyabram family, he said while nobody in his family was musical, his parents used to always play vinyl records around the house and used to have a transistor radio always on.
“That’s where I first developed my love for music. From there, it led to me receiving my first instrument, which was a small piano accordion that I got when I was around seven years old,” he said.
Matera has kept diaries all his life, so there was always going to be a second book.
“The success of my first book surprised me, so I took some time to decide whether I was going just do a sequel or something different,’’ he said.
“I began writing it in mid-2022 and finished it just before Christmas last year, so it took a solid 18 months to write.
“I also spent many hours personally interviewing everybody who is featured in my book.’’
Just like he did with his first book, Matera will be taking his book to the Goulburn Valley audience.
“I will be officially launching my book at Shepparton library on Thursday, May 9, then head to Echuca the following day for another book event,’’ he said.
“I will be visiting libraries (including in my home town Kyabram) all over Victoria over the coming months to promote the book.’’
Becoming an author was not on the radar for Matera, until COVID-19.
“Due to the cessation of touring and live music caused by the pandemic in 2020, it forced me to return to my writing career, and from that, with the time available due to no touring, it led me to writing my first book,” he said.
Matera also excelled in music during his secondary school education at St Augustine’s College.
It was, in fact, his initial inspiration for keeping diaries and consideration of writing a book of his own came after reading English rocker Ian Hunter’s book, Diary of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.
It detailed his touring experiences in the early 1970s with the band Mott The Hoople’s.
“I always loved it and after reading that book, I decided to keep diaries of every gig, tour and artist I interviewed and worked with, and continue to do so,” he said.
As for his own music, Matera will finally return to Europe later this year.
Plans are being finalised for a November United Kingdom tour, which will be a combination of live shows and book events.
“On the local scene, I have regular support slots happening in Melbourne throughout the year,” he said.
In the meantime, he is busy writing his popular fortnightly music page for the Shepparton News, Musical Musings and is no stranger to Kyabram.
“I try and get back to Kyabram/Shepparton a couple of times a year, depending on my schedule, especially to visit my mother who still lives here,’’ he said.
“No matter where I go around the world, or where I live, Kyabram/Shepparton will always be home for me,” he said.
Matera paid tribute to his wife Liz, to whom his new book is dedicated.
“She is a never-ending source of support and has always believed in me,’’ he said.
“She has given me wings to fly, so that I can achieve all my musical aspirations.’’
The title of the new book is a 2015 song written and performed by Matera. If you’re interested in having a listen go to this link 'Louder Than Words' - Joe Matera - YouTube
Matera will be at Echuca library, 310 Hare St, Echuca, on Friday, May 10, at 4pm. Book via www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1212191