Matt Humphreys
 Age: 27 "Achieving success in the music industry isn't easy. It has taken a lot of conviction to keep giving my best shot at every opportunity." Matt Humphreys' mother is a reformed rock star. "In the 70s, she sang in a rock band," he says. "Then after I was born, she tried something a little more subdued – directing the church choir." Regardless, Humphreys was singing by the age of two and encouraged by his mother, he has charted out a career in music. As a youngster, Matt sang in choirs and competed at music festivals. Later, studying music at the University of Toronto, Matt started playing in pubs on weekends which led to him forming the Celtic-acoustic/folk ensemble Urban Folk with his brother Beau. In addition to being an accomplished graphic design artist and web designer, the singer/songwriter also has experience as a recording producer/engineer. Matt says he couldn't live without his guitar and feels most comfortable playing his piano. He would love to meet David Foster. "I've always been impressed by his ability to write and produce for so many different artists." Matt is a self-described "science fiction nerd" who loves Star Wars, peanut butter and belts. The song title that best describes him? "At one point it would have been Billy Joel's Angry Young Man, but I think nowadays it would be Sloan's If It Feels Good, Do It."
Matt's fun facts: Which musical act would you most like to see in concert? Paul McCartney.
What has been the biggest accomplishment of your life? Receiving my Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Toronto. What are you the most proud of? I am most proud of my perseverance. Achieving success in the music industry isn't easy, and it has taken a lot of conviction to keep giving my best shot at every opportunity. Which item could you not live without? My guitar. I can take it anywhere and there's no electricity needed. What's been the best day of your life? I try to make every new day better than the last – so, the best of my life is tomorrow. If you could meet one person, living or dead, who would it be and why? I'd really like to meet David Foster. I've always been impressed by his ability to write and produce for so many different artists over the years. What do you think has gotten you this far in the competition? Talent, and my ability to adapt to differing styles of music. What will it take for you to become the Canadian Idol? I think it'll take a whole lot of determination and a little bit of luck. What has been the most challenging part of the competition so far? The most challenging part of the competition has been seeing so many great people being sent home. I've been there, and I know that it can be a devastating experience. Whose career path would you like to follow and why? I'd love to have a career like Billy Joel's. He has been able to keep up with the times for 30 years without sacrificing his creativity. What part of the Canadian Idol experience has surprised you the most? How supportive everyone is. It's great to see so many great singers helping each other and getting along. What did you learn about yourself during the Top 100? I learned that humility is a powerful character trait. What was your reaction when you made the Top 32? I was obviously excited but also I was caught a little off guard. You think about what you'll do when you reach a point like this, but you're never really prepared. Who has been the greatest inspiration of your life? When I was 18, I was given the opportunity to work under one of Canada's best known choral conductors, Elmer Iseler, as part of the 1996 Ontario Youth Choir. To say I was inspired by Mr. Iseler's passion for music is an understatement. His words of wisdom gave me a newfound understanding of what music could accomplish. His personal encouragement allowed me to develop as a singer and a person. He is greatly missed. Who has helped to make you the singer you are today? Most everyone who I've encountered in a musical setting has helped shape my style. From family to instructors to audience members – I enjoy feedback and take everything into account. What song touches you the most? Why does it affect you so much? My favourite song is Summer Highland Falls by Billy Joel. It's a song about reality, and how life can get overcomplicated if you let it. To me, it's a reminder that problems can be solved, errors can be corrected, and things can change if you want them to. What song title best describes you? At one point in my life 'Angry Young Man' (Billy Joel) would have been appropriate, but I think that nowadays I would choose 'If it feels good, do it' (Sloan). What do you do to keep your nerves in check during the competition? In a new experience like this, I can't help but be nervous. I use that nervous energy to get myself pumped up for my performance. How has this competition changed you? It has made me focus more prominently on my musical endeavours as of late. It has also boosted my confidence. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? I tend to say 'Sorry' too much when I should really be saying 'Pardon Me' or 'Excuse Me'. I've heard it's a fairly typical Canadianism. |
