Originally from Sydney, guitarist, singer, band leader and award winning song writer Matt Dwyer became an established and respected veteran of the roots music scene while still in his twenties. As a member of seminal blues outfit ’The Bondi Cigars’ , Matt cemented his reputation as one of the best guitarists in the country, picking up a RYTHYMS magazine award for best live Australian blues band in 1996.
After leaving the 'Cigars Matt played an important role in swing kings ’The Louisville Sluggers’ for two years while at the same time fronting the 'Matt Dwyer Quartet'. During this time 'The Louisville Sluggers' appeared on every television network in Australia and served as the house band on short-lived Channel Nine sports/variety show ‘Sam and the Fat Man’ for which Matt was the musical director (MD - MD).
Studio work also beckoned, making use of Dwyer’s versatility in just about all forms of roots music and any stringed instrument that he ever layed his hands on. This phase culminated in soundtracks for film and television, receiving two ARIA nominations for his guitar contributions to Samantha Lang’s feature
‘The Monkey’s Mask’
and the ABC TV miniseries ’Afrika – Capetown to Cairo’ . In 2001 the Australian Screen Sound Guild Award for Best Soundtrack was won by 'The Monkey's Mask'.
In 2001 Matt moved from his hometown Sydney to Melbourne, a life changing decision which has proved to be one of the best he’s ever made. In the seven years he’s been in Melbourne, Dwyer has established himself not only as a sideman, playing with Louis King’s Liars Club, Nina Ferro, Bob Valentine , The Shuffle Club, Eugene Hamilton, Chris Wilson, Matt Taylor and Angry Anderson, and the 80s Brat Pack, but as a talented, award winning band leader, singer and songwriter.
In 2007 Matt won 'Album of the Year' at the Victorian and Tasmanian Blues Music Awards for his long awaited recording 'Who Loves Ya?'. Matt also scooped Best Solo for 'Every Girl I Meet' off the same record.
In 2008 Matt stole the show at the Apollo Bay Blues Festival playing a version of 'Amazing Grace' on the resonator guitar that just has to be heard. It is THAT good. :-)
If you like what you hear you can buy the 'Who Loves Ya?' CD online at ’Black Market Music’ and help fund the much anticipated second album.
When not writing, teaching or recording, this old school entertainer can be found playing private parties and solo shows 'round the traps, fronting The Magnatones or his jazzy, blues organ trio as well as fronting 'Matt Dwyer’s Little Big Band' featuring some of Melbourne’s finest musicians. Keep up to date and get your dancin' shoes on with Matt's myspace gig listing.
Mr Dwyer is a musician for all occasions. Leave a message if your think you could do with some well dressed people puttin' on a show at your party and he'll get back to you.
For information see Matt's yellow pages listing, or his other myspace profile
Snail Mail c/o PO Box 135 Elwood Victoria AUSTRALIA 3184
