theaussieword.com catches up with Matt Balfe from Motor Ace.
Give us an introduction. How did it all begin? What had you first interested in music? Like most GenX kids growing up in a country town, I got into rock music early on. Many hours were spent in front of countdown, producing and trading mixed tapes recorded directly from FM radio, and later taping rage on a Saturday night. By the start of high school, I had taken up guitar and decided that being in bands was going to be my thing. Early influences included The Clash, The Cure, and the Sex Pistols. Really anything that sounded like the opposite of ABC classic FM (top of the pops in my house growing up).
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music? I am not sure I know what motivates me to play music, it’s kind of magnetic and beyond my control. It’s just something I’ve always had a compulsion to do. I am certainly inspired everyday by other artists and musicians – whether its digging up an old Talking Heads record, or stumbling across a new act on the radio. Seeing great live bands always inspires me keep getting better as a player.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist? When it comes to music I am not really a goal setter. I recently turned 40 and the drive to be successful in music isn’t a thing for me anymore. What’s important is that music remains an outlet, and a way to fully express myself.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour? Motor Ace is heading back out on the road in April next year. So, the next few months will be heavy on rehearsals. It’s been over a decade since we played together on stage! I can’t wait to make some special tunes together again soon.
Success, what is the secret to it? Success is such a relative term and it changes as you get older. Right now, it looks like getting out of bed in the morning looking forward to what’s coming. It’s a day-to day proposition.
What has been your biggest career highlight? Having the opportunity to tour and record for seven years with Motor Ace without having a day job was a massive privilege and one of the greatest parts of my life. We had some pretty crazy times together and took our music to thousands of people. Knowing that you’ve been the soundtrack to so many people’s experiences is pretty wild – that still blows my mind.
Any new projects in the pipeline? I am looking forward to reconnecting with the Motor Ace crew and seeing if the magic is still there, I am quietly confident. There’s some whispers of new songs so I’ll keep you posted 😉
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now? Hopefully on a tropical island, far away from the music industry. The industry was never the drawcard for me.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists. The Saints, God, AC/DC, You am I, Grand Salvo, the Vines
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye? Social Media is an incredible democratising force for unsigned bands… everyone’s a publisher. I think this has led to a more vital live scene. Perhaps it has also reduced the lifespan of bands as there is so much noise and clutter to cut through. As a music fan, I love it. I find great new stuff every other week.
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today? Get down to the shows in April – we’d love to see you 🙂
MOTOR ACE 20th ANNIVERSARY – A FIVE STAR REUNION NATIONAL TOUR
FRI MARCH 29 | THE GOV, ADELAIDE SA | 18+
Tickets available from http://tickets.oztix.com.au/?Event=92178
SAT MARCH 30 | CAPITOL, PERTH WA | 18+
Tickets available from http://tickets.oztix.com.au/?Event=92186
FRI APRIL 5 | FACTORY THEATRE, SYDNEY NSW | 18+
Tickets available from http://bit.ly/FAC19_MOTOR_ACE
SAT APRIL 6 | THE TRIFFID, BRISBANE QLD | 18+
Tickets available from http://tickets.oztix.com.au/?Event=92188
FRI APRIL 12 | 170 RUSSELL, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
Tickets available from https://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/motor-ace/106229?skin=747