Jump to content

Matt Corby

From Alfawiki
Matthew John Corby
Born (1990-11-17) November 17, 1990 (age 35)
Oyster Bay, New South Wales, Australia
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Years active2007–present
Known forFourth EP Into the Flame (2011), singles "Brother" and "Resolution"
Notable workTelluric (2016), Rainbow Valley (2018), Everything's Fine (2023)

Matthew John Corby (born 17 November 1990) is a singer-songwriter from Australia. He achieved notable commercial acclaim with his fourth EP, Into the Flame (2011), which climbed to No. 3 on the ARIA Singles Chart and earned a 6× Platinum certification from the ARIA by April 2012. His tracks "Brother" (2011) and "Resolution" (2013) each received ARIA Music Awards for Song of the Year. Corby has released three full-length albums: Telluric (2016), Rainbow Valley (2018), and Everything's Fine (2023).

Early life

Matthew John Corby was born and grew up in Oyster Bay, New South Wales. His musical journey began at the age of five when his father gifted him a three-quarter size acoustic guitar. He commenced weekly lessons, initially learning pieces such as "Greensleeves."

During his time at Inaburra School in Bangor, New South Wales, Corby cultivated a deep interest in music, initially influenced by gospel before drawing inspiration from artists like Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. He was also active in church events at Shirelive church alongside his family.

Motivated by encouragement from his school principal, Corby started performing at school assemblies and undertook classical vocal training with an opera instructor. By age 10, he was participating in musical theatre productions like Cain and Abel and The Secret Garden through the Sutherland Shire Light Opera Company.

At 13, he became a member of the church band Iron and Clay, departing shortly before turning 16. Prior to returning to school for Year 11—which coincided with his involvement in Australian Idol—he held a job at Subway.

2007: Australian Idol

At sixteen years old, Corby auditioned for the fifth season of Australian Idol, ultimately finishing as runner-up.[1] Reflecting years later, he described his participation as a "big f***ing mistake," acknowledging the difficulty of forging his own path after the show. "I took all the negatives out of that (Idol) and thought 'Bugger, I've ruined everything'."

Media outlets speculated about a concentration of Christian musicians among the finalists, implying possible coordinated voting efforts. Corby rejected these claims, clarifying he was not affiliated with any large church group nor promoting religious agendas.[2]

Following the finale, Corby chose not to accept a recording contract offered by Sony Music Australia.[3]

Shortly after turning eighteen, he relocated to London where he lived in a friend's attic.[3]

2009–2010: EPs Song for...,My False and Transition to Colour

On 5 June 2009, Corby independently launched his first EP, Song for..., through Scorpio Music.

During his time in London, Corby established a connection with the indie label Communion Music, which guided him to enhance his songwriting by better aligning his vocal abilities with his lyrical content.

In 2010, Corby released two more EPs under Communion: My False and Transition to Colour. However, financial setbacks compelled him to return home after accumulating approximately $80,000 in debt.

His song "Made of Stone" was featured in the television series Underbelly: Razor (2011) and ABC’s Brothers and Sisters. Additionally, "Lighthome" and "Song for..." were included in episodes of Home and Away during 2011 and 2012 respectively. Corby also contributed a rendition of INXS’s "By My Side" as an iTunes bonus track on their album Original Sin, collaborated on Julia Stone’s solo project The Memory Machine, and featured on UK singer Passenger’s track "Golden Thread" from the 2010 album Flight of the Crow. Tracks from his EPs were also utilized in the television drama The Blacklist.

2011–2012: EP Into the Flame and single "Brother"

In September 2011, Corby recorded his fourth EP, Into the Flame, working alongside producer Tim Carr. This release signaled a stylistic evolution, merging soul-inspired vocals with blues-inflected melodies while maintaining his folk foundation. The title track stood out for its unfiltered emotional depth and featured a duet with keyboardist Bree Tranter from The Middle East. By December 2011, the EP reached No. 3 on the ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart.

Corby cited renewed enthusiasm following professional challenges, attributing his perseverance to strong fan support.

By December 2012, Into the Flame had been certified 6× platinum by ARIA. He promoted the EP through a national tour that included a Secret Garden Summer Tour across New South Wales. In January 2012, Corby received the 'Next Big Thing' accolade and won 'Song of the Year' for "Brother" at FBi Radio’s SMAC Awards held in Darlinghurst. His cover of The Black Keys’ "Lonely Boy" for Triple J’s "Like a Version" segment attracted considerable online attention alongside an acoustic performance of "Brother." Early in 2012, he supported Feist on her Adelaide tour and embarked on tours across the US and UK.

"Brother" was ranked No. 3 in the Triple J Hottest 100, 2011, while his rendition of "Lonely Boy" placed No. 69 in the 2012 countdown. In December 2012, Corby released a Digital iTunes Session EP featuring acoustic versions of songs from prior releases.

He spent early 2013 in Los Angeles focusing on his forthcoming album. At the 2012 ARIA Music Awards, Corby earned three nominations—including Breakthrough Artist and Best Male Artist—and secured Song of the Year. A newly recorded version of "Made of Stone" was selected for use in an NCIS promotional campaign in the United States.

Furthermore, Corby collaborated with Australian musician Missy Higgins on a tribute album honoring Hunters & Collectors by recording the track "This Morning."

2013–2014: Resolution

On 21 May 2013, Corby unveiled "Resolution," marking his first single to enter the charts, reaching number 3 on the ARIA Charts. The track also gained chart recognition in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The Resolution EP, which dropped on 12 July 2013, featured the title track alongside three additional songs, with "Lay You Down" independently entering the ARIA Charts at number 75 without formal promotion.

"Resolution" secured the eighth position in the Triple J Hottest 100, 2013 and earned the ARIA Award for Song of the Year in December of that year. Later, on 13 December, Corby released the Live On the Resolution Tour EP, comprising five live-recorded originals plus a rendition of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's "Almost Cut My Hair."

Collaborating with Brisbane's "Museum Collective," Corby worked alongside artists from groups such as The Middle East (band) and The Medics. Together, they performed complimentary concerts at Brisbane's Old Museum and at the Woodford Folk Festival towards the end of 2013.

In January 2014, Corby contributed the track "What the Devil Has Made" to the soundtrack of the surf documentary Spirit of Akasha, performing all instrumentation and vocals himself. This soundtrack also includes his interpretation of Tamam Shud's "First Things First."

Additionally, in February 2014, Corby's 2010 release "Breathe" was featured in an episode of the American television series Pretty Little Liars.

2015–2017: "Monday" and Telluric

On 1 October 2015, Corby introduced "Monday," his first single in two years and a preview from his debut album Telluric. The song is characterized by intricate harmonies, falsetto vocals, folk-inspired rhythms, and emotive lyrics. Recorded within a cottage located in Berry, NSW, it reportedly took only ten minutes to complete. Corby highlighted its straightforwardness and distinctive vocal layering as defining features.

"Monday" attained number 53 in the Triple J Hottest 100, 2015 rankings.

The album Telluric was officially released on 11 March 2016, featuring cover artwork by American artist Gary Burden. It debuted atop the Australian charts.

In addition, Corby appeared on "Serious," a track from Norwegian DJ Kygo's debut album Cloud Nine, which was issued on 13 May 2016.

2018–2021: Rainbow Valley

Corby made a comeback with "No Ordinary Life," his first new song in two years, released on 3 August 2018.

On 7 September 2018, he announced his sophomore studio album, Rainbow Valley, which launched on 2 November 2018. The album entered the ARIA charts at number four, achieving the highest debut among Australian artists that week. Subsequent singles included "All Fired Up," "All That I See," and "Miracle Love."

In February 2019, Corby shared a mini-documentary titled Behind Rainbow Valley, offering insight into the album's creation process. He cited his newborn son Hugh as a major inspiration behind crafting an album that reflects fundamental truths and his personal perspective.

Throughout 2019, Corby toured extensively across Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand during the Rainbow Valley Tour, although some shows were canceled due to the global pandemic.

He also stepped in for Ziggy Marley at WOMADelaide 2020 in Adelaide.

During 2020, Corby released two singles: "If I Never Say a Word" and "Vitamin."

2022–present: Everything's Fine

In November 2022, Corby unveiled his first single after a two-year hiatus, titled "Problems". Early in January 2023, he revealed both the release date for his third studio album, Everything's Fine, and its second single, "Reelin'". The album officially launched on 24 March 2023.

Personal life

Corby and his sister Grace were brought up within the Christian faith following their parents' conversion when he was two years old. During his early teenage years, he performed in church and traveled with a ministry team focused on promoting faith and discussing mental health issues such as depression. He also took a leading role at Christian music events including Easterfest in 2008 and a Hillsong United gathering.

Although once deeply committed to Christianity, Corby no longer identifies as religious but recognizes the important community support churches provide for families. He has voiced doubts about organized religion, highlighting instead humanity’s capacity to create positive change.

By the time he reached 20, Corby had delved into philosophy and neuroscience to better comprehend his struggles with anxiety and depression. He sought guidance through spiritual writers like Eckhart Tolle and experimented with psychedelics as a means to gain new insights.

His artistic inspirations encompass Jeff Buckley, Lauryn Hill, Nick Drake, Nina Simone, Otis Redding, Bon Iver, and Bob Dylan. Corby credits fellow Australian musician Jarryd James with significantly influencing his development.

In early 2018, Corby welcomed his son Hugh into the world. Becoming a father altered his outlook, placing family above music while still valuing his artistic career.

A versatile musician, Corby plays multiple instruments including guitar, piano, drums, and flute.

He currently resides with his partner, their two children, and their kelpie dog Django on a five-acre rainforest estate named Rainbow Valley near Byron Bay in NSW.

Discography

Tours

  • Telluric Tour (2016)
  • Rainbow Valley Tour (2019)
  • Everything's Fine Tour (2023)

APRA Awards

The APRA Awards, held annually since 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), celebrate outstanding songwriters and composers. Matt Corby has earned several nominations throughout his career.

|- | rowspan="2"| 2012 || Matt Corby || Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year || |- | "Brother" (Matt Corby) || Song of the Year || |- | rowspan="3"| 2014 | rowspan="3"| "Resolution" (Matt Corby) | Song of the Year | |- | Pop Song of the Year | |- | Most Played Australian Work | |- | 2017 || "Smooth Wine Lady" (Matt Corby and John Henriksson) || Song of the Year || |- | 2020|| "Miracle Love" (Matt Corby) || Most Performed Alternate Work of the Year || |- | rowspan="2"| 2021 | "If I Never Say a Word" (Matt Corby and Matthew Neighbour) | Song of the Year | |- | "Pretty Lady" by Tash Sultana (Tash Sultana, Matt Corby, Dann Hume) | Most Performed Blues & Roots Work | |- | rowspan="2"| 2022 | rowspan="2"| "Higher" by Budjerah (Budjerah Slabb, Matt Corby) | Most Performed R&B/Soul Work of the Year | |- | Song of the Year | |- | scope="row" rowspan="1"| 2024 | rowspan="1"| "Reelin'" | Song of the Year |

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards serve as an annual celebration honoring achievements within the Australian music sector.

! |- | rowspan="3"| 2012 || "Brother" || Song of the Year || || [4] |- | "Brother" || Breakthrough Artist - Release || || [5] |- | Into The Flame || Best Male Artist || || [5] |- | rowspan="4"| 2013 || "Resolution" || Song of the Year || || rowspan="4"| [6] |- | "Resolution," directed by Bryce Jepson || Best Video || |- | "Resolution" || Best Male Artist || |- | Australian Tour || Best Australian Live Act || |- | 2016 || Telluric || Best Adult Alternative Album || |- | rowspan="3"| 2019 || Rainbow Valley || Best Male Artist || || rowspan="3"| [7][8] |- | Rainbow Valley || Best Soul/R&B Release || |- | Dann Hume for Rainbow Valley || Producer of the Year || |- | rowspan="2"| 2021 || rowspan="2"| for Budjerah Budjerah (EP) || Producer of the Year || || rowspan="2"| Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name |- | Engineer of the Year || |- | rowspan="4"| 2023 | Everything's Fine | Album of the Year | | rowspan="4"| [9] |- | Matt Corby, Chris Collins, Nat Dunn, Alex Henrikssen for Matt Corby – Everything's Fine | Best Produced Release | |- | Dann Hume, Chris Collins, Matt Corby for Matt Corby – Everything's Fine | Best Engineered Release | |- | Matt Corby – Wild Turkey: Music 101: Trust Your Spirit (BRING Agency) | Best Use of an Australian Recording in an Advertisement | |-


J Awards

The J Awards, created by the youth-focused radio station Triple J, part of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, have been annually recognizing outstanding Australian music since 2005.

! |- | 2019 | Rainbow Valley | Australian Album of the Year | [10] |- | 2023 | Everything’s Fine | Australian Album of the Year | [11]


National Live Music Awards

Since their inception in 2016, the National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) have acknowledged excellence within Australia's live music scene.

|- | 2019[12][13] | himself | Live Voice of the Year |


Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition

Since its inception in 2009, the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition, managed by Albert Music in partnership with APRA AMCOS, promotes outstanding songwriting talent while generating funds for Nordoff–Robbins music therapy.

|- | 2009 | | Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition | Finalist Top 12 |- | 2019 | "Miracle Love" | Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition | style="background:gold;"| Winner


Additional Honors

Year Category Award Title Outcome
2011 FBi Radio SMAC Awards Next Big Thing Template:Won
Song of the Year ("Brother") Template:Won
  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :3
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :2
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named RSAApril2016
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named 2012 Winners announced
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named BTANom2012
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named 2013 Winners announced
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ARIA noms 2019
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ARIA 2019 Wins
  9. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ARIA2023noms
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named 2019winner
  11. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named 2023nomsJ
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named 2019noms
  13. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named 2019wins
Retrieved from "https://www.alfawiki.org/index.php?title=Matt_Corby&oldid=56213"