Songstress: Wendy Matthews returns to Geelong next week.
By Cherie Donnellan
ARIA award winner Wendy Matthews might share the spotlight at her upcoming Geelong gig with her border collie, Bear.
“Bear usually travels with me on tour,” Matthews told the Independent.
“She’s so clever that she brings me my set list while I’m on stage and she even waits until the end of the song.
“Audiences love it. She steals the show.
“It’s like ‘When in doubt, send the dog out’.”
The Canadian-born Australian singer-songwriter hoped to wow her Geelong audience at Gateway Hotel next week with music from new album The Welcome Fire.
“It’s a really different-sounding record. It’s been a new experience for me.”
Matthews cringed when asked to describe her latest work.
“I just can’t do it,” she said.
“I don’t know. I guess it’s a bit more indie than I’ve ever done before.
“I wrote all the songs, so it’s a personal album for me.”
Matthews promised to also play some of her classic hits on the tour.
She enjoyed a series of Australian top-20 hits in the ’90s with songs like Token Angels, Let’s Kiss (Like Angels Do), The Day You Went Away and Friday’s Child. Matthews has enjoyed her greatest success as a solo artist but also performed with high-profile Australian bands Models, Rockmelons and Absent Friends.
She listed three tour staples for travelling Victoria: Bear, her own pillowcase and thick bed socks.
“It’s freezing. Right now I’ve got three heaters going.”
Regardless of the weather, Matthews said she had fond memories of Geelong and was looking forward to returning.
“I feel I’ve gotten to know Geelong over the years. I find regional places are more fun and accepting.
“Sometimes people come up to me after the show and tell me some great stories of how one of my songs applied to their life. To realise you’re a part of something without ever knowing it is strange but nice.”
Matthews said she still found time away from work while on tour.
“After shows we (Matthews and her band) go back to the hotel, make cups of tea and go onto YouTube to play songs for each other,” she revealed.
“Then it’s back on the road in the morning.”
Matthews described herself as “comfortable with” her relatively staid touring lifestyle.
But she revealed eclectic tastes when listening to music.
“I like different people for different reasons. I love singers like Joni Mitchell for her love of poetry and way with words; just the way she expresses the serious stuff through her music.
“But then I like dance music artists like Nicki Minaj. It’s good to hear that music in the morning and do housework and bop around,” Matthews laughed.
“I just love great voices – and unusual productions and great sounds.”
Matthews plays Gateway on June 15.
