Whether it is a basement concert for his closest friends or an arena of thousands, Matt Blais lives to share his sound with the world. Over the past year, Blais has begun to make a serious charge into the Canadian music scene. In September 2008, competing against hundreds of Canadian bands, Matt was selected as the winner of the Big Rock Star Talent Competition (in which he was awarded studio time, publicity photos, new equipment, management and tour support totaling $200,000) thus launching his music into the hearts and minds of people across the country.Additionally, Matt has been chosen as a Big Rock UNTAPPED Artist in 2009, leading to the inclusion of his song “Beautiful Thing†on fifty thousand CDs distributed across the country in cases of Big Rock Beer, thus essentially reaching Canadian Gold status. Having played professionally for the last seven years, Matt’s list of accomplishments continues to grow. In the last year he has opened for such acts as K-OS, The Dudes, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald and Lindsay Ell. He has also taken the stage at the Stampede Grandstand, Big Valley Jamboree and was included in several events for the 2008 Juno Awards in Calgary.A cutting edge artist, Matt Blais combines elements of fiery rock and roll with smooth vintage soul to form a sound so uniquely his own that one can’t help but become emotionally charged. The combination of a stellar live show and a passion for songwriting is Blais’ formula for success, which thus far has been very well received by critics and the audiences that continue to grow in number.His debut record, “In the Room, Through the Fire†is produced by Juno nominated all-star Canadian producer Mark Howard whose discography reads like a veritable who’s who of the world's finest musical talents. This includes artists such as Bob Dylan, U2, The Tragically Hip, Sam Roberts, Avril Lavigne, Daniel Lanois and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, to name a few. The album also features a star-studded cast of live & studio musicians including Doug Pettibone, Daryl Johnson, Steven Nistor and David Kalish. Recorded at the renowned “Sonora Recorders†in Los Angeles and “Music Centre Canada Studio†in Calgary, Matt Blais’ debut album is a fusion of diverse influences, sounding more like a journey than just another rock record.
“Each footstep brings me closer to you†rasps Blais in his new single "(Oh!) What Can I Do?". . . and only time will tell where his steps will take him. With a recipe like this, they’re heading in the right direction.
