Canadian singer-songwriter Matthew Holtby returns with his second release of 2026, unveiling the intimate three-track EP ‘Yesterday’ via Pacifirecords. Stripped back and deeply personal, the project captures Holtby performing live off the floor with just his voice and acoustic guitar, offering a raw snapshot of his current sound and songwriting approach.
What began as a spontaneous recording session at home quickly evolved into something more expansive, with contributions from a close-knit circle of collaborators. Featuring delicate touches of piano, violin, pedal steel, and mandolin, the EP balances its lo-fi origins with a warm, carefully crafted finish.
At its core, ‘Yesterday’ is a reflective collection rooted in themes of memory, love, and loss, perfectly suited to quiet listening moments. The accompanying video for the title track adds another layer of nostalgia, pieced together from Holtby’s own family Super 8 archive, bringing past and present into gentle conversation.
We caught up with Matthew Holtby to discuss the making of ‘Yesterday’, the spontaneous process behind its creation, and more about his journey as a solo artist.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I’ve been in a few bands over the years, which started as recording projects. I’ve just always loved the DIY aspect of writing and recording with friends and makeshift studios. The bands and artists I’ve loved kind of did the lo-fi thing. I just sort of followed suit and then wanted to play my songs live. It just snowballed from there.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
It’s funny because it hasn’t really changed all that much. In Grade School, I loved bands like The Smiths, The Lemonheads, and a few other more radio-friendly bands. Throughout High School, I went deep into hip-hop, which I still love. Especially Wu Tang. Eventually heading off to College, my older friends and roommates were listening to great indie rock bands that truly shaped me as an artist. I began to delve deep into Guided By Voices (still my fav band ever), Elliott Smith, Modest Mouse and Built To Spill. I think the only way they’ve influenced my own music is that I’m always trying to create melodies that stick with you or write a great chorus. I’m doing my own thing, but I’d be naive to think some of this stuff isn’t in there somewhere. British music really slipped in there as well, with bands like Catherine Wheel, Oasis, The Verve and The Stone Roses. All stuff my kids are now listening to lol. I’m also a Jazz nut, but that’s certainly not an influence. It’s just the soundtrack to my life as I do things like make dinner or drive to baseball games. I’m that guy now.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
I think the vibe of being in a room with people I love and respect on a personal level was amplified when we played music together. I saw my friends in a whole new light when I watched them perform. I still feel that way. Like “whoa, my friends are rock stars.” I’m always inspired by people I respect and feel a kinship in playing music with and for them. Once I was taken seriously by my peers, it didn’t take long for me to not really care about what strangers think. I just remember thinking, “I no longer have a choice now. This is who I am and what I do.”
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
Songs almost always come to me in the form of a melody first. I usually start humming something, and think, “I don’t know what that is, but it’s catchy.” I’ll then grab my acoustic or hit the piano and work out a verse. Then I record it on my phone, and follow the same recipe for a chorus. The chorus has to be as strong as the verse. Generally, I’ll think about whether the song even needs a bridge. I have plenty of songs that don’t even have a bridge. Some of my favourite songs just have a key change, or a one-word bridge or a change that feels amazing to me.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
I definitely tell stories about other people. I have very few songs that are about me, but still tell them in first person. Now, to totally contradict myself, a song I released called “This Is Bliss” is very much about my life and family, whereas a song called “Family Man” is about a person I know whose family kind of fell apart. Also, the other day I wrote a song that is 3 short stories, very much about my own life and childhood. I guess it’s a matter of whatever strikes me as worth writing about. Some lyrics are gibberish and just phonetically sound good lol. A song like “Give Me A Reason” is just some shit that sounds cool when I sing it. Others are a little more sensitive, but not always autobiographical.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Being human. I know so many artists and writers would never talk about love and vulnerability as much as I do. I have the word “heart” in a lot of my songs. I was once in a band called The Champion Heartache! I mean, it doesn’t get sappier than that. I’m just a sensitive guy who is totally okay with who I am in terms of saying how I feel inside and outside of a song. I sing about loss a lot, too. I sing about things that I feel at that time. I’m not cryptic. I could never ever write a concept album. The concept is always love and loss.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
Festivals are my kryptonite. Nobody books me, and it’s become almost funny. My numbers aren’t great, and I’m not trending; therefore, I just keep my head down and try to write a better song. There are a few people out there who like my stuff and listen all the time, and a lot who don’t. I’m faced with the same struggles as more artists are. Some are more successful and write better songs than I do. It’s a dance, and I just have to stay true to it all, or pack it up. I’d rather keep dancing.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
Honestly, just feeling more comfortable in my own skin and writing better songs. I have a couple of albums of material ready to go, and the last batch of songs is really good. Maybe that’s the other part. Thinking your own stuff is good. Being humble and modest is one thing, but knowing you can write a decent song is something that I consider rewarding. It’s a matter of looking back and telling yourself that you’ve evolved. I think I’m still doing that.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
Haha. I obviously didn’t read ahead. I guess I can honestly say that I never know what’s “cool.” Aren’t people wearing big pants again? I’m a tight jeans guy. My songs are always going to be what I’m feeling and never pander to what anyone else is doing. I honestly have no idea anymore. Social media is a burden we all need to deal with one way or another. Mostly, I take photos of my cats. That tends to get the most “likes.” I hate looking at myself or being that guy. I’m 46 this year and not much to look at, so the music had better be decent. If I can manage that much, I’ll be okay.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
I have singles planned for every couple of months with my friends at Pacifirecords. Matthew Schwartz, who owns the label, really respects me and encourages me to do what I want. I’m really lucky to work with him. There’s no contract, and we’re just buds doing the same thing, only I’m in Canada, and he’s in Atlanta. The next single is coming at the end of May, and it’s totally different from this sad acoustic EP I just put out. I’ve exorcised that demon. It’s time to do something else, and I’m really excited.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
Well, I’ll be 50. Better songs, better venues. Maybe even a full-length on vinyl? Isn’t that funny? Maybe in 5 years I’ll be able to afford pressing a full-length. I think the secret is simple. Do not stop. Write more. Sing more. Don’t die. If things start to take shape in the next chapter of my life, so be it. I just want to watch my kids grow up and write more catchy songs about life. I have no expectations. Who knows who I’ll even be playing with, ya know? The door is always open for people to come and go. It keeps it interesting, and I’m always working with different people. As long as the vibe is good, I’m here for it. I want to surround myself with positive people who want to play. Even better if there are people who want to listen lol.
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Listen to Matthew Holtby’s new EP ‘Yesterday’ below.
