He has also contributed guitar to a number of various projects and recordings, one of which include being guest guitar soloist on legendary UK metallers Atomkraft's scorching cover of Thin Lizzy's"cold sweat". He has also worked with legendary US producer Tom Werman (Motley Crue, Cheap Trick, Poison) who produced two tracks for Matera's former band Geisha. Both recordings feature Matera's electric guitar playing.
In November, 2011 he released 'Slave To The Fingers' an all-electric instrumental EP CD via European record label W.A.R Productions.
Nowadays Joe is releasing his second solo album which is titled "Creature of Habit" . I had the pleasure to talk with Joe about his brand new album, his influences and some other very interesting stuff. Enjoy!!
heavy paradise : Hello Joe and welcome to
Heavy Paradise for this interview! Firstly, I would like to congratulate
you for the release of "Creature Of Habit" !! Ι really enjoyed
every single minute of it!
Thank you, glad you
like the new album and are enjoying it.
heavy paradise : Do you want to
tell our readers some things about yourself?
Sure, for those who
may not be familiar with me, I am an Australian solo instrumental rock artist.
I’ve released two CD to date, ‘Slave To The Fingers’ in 2011 and the just newly
released ‘Creature Of Habit’. I am signed to a wonderful, supportive European
label, W.A.R Productions based in Linz, Austria and Alex Wieser the label boss,
has been fantastic in his support and promotion of my releases. Before I was a
solo artist, I played in numerous Australian rock bands, both originals and
covers. The two previous bands that most people know me from here in Australia
heavy paradise : So, lets go again back to
"Creature Of Habit". How long did it take you for the
recordings of this album and who else helped you for this release?
The songwriting
process began for this album at the end of last year and I kept writing
material as well as began the initial recording sessions for the new album
around the same time. I’m fortunate to have some of the world’s most respected
musicians on hand to lend their musical talents to my new release. Though it’s
a solo album, it’s still a “band” record, since it is a drums/bass/guitars
framework. My drummer is my good American friend James Strickler who is based
in Denver , Colorado
heavy paradise : In "Creature Of
Habit", we, also, find one 'vocal' track. And, as I already wrote in
my review, this is a solid one and you've done a really good work!!
Did you do some vocal lessons and is there any possibility to hear more
vocals by you in the near future?
Thank you, so happy
to hear you like the vocal track, as it’s a big step into new musical waters
for me. I’ve never had a vocal lesson, though I’ve sung occasionally in some of
my previous bands, but it’s never been my main focus or forte. It’s something
that I never felt comfortable doing, being a lead vocalist, but I think it was
time for me to have a go at it and finally put my lead vocalist hat on and give
it a go. I’m glad people are digging the track, it was hard work to do a lot of
those backing harmonies on the song, but I’m happy with the result. With the
encouraging and positive reviews to Fallen Angel, it certainly has given me
something to think about for my next album, where I could do a mixture of instrumental
and a few vocal tracks, it would certainly create a nice balance I think, but
its way too early days to even think about that for now, as I’ve just released
the new album and my focus is on it and my European tour.
heavy paradise : Are you satisfied so far
by the reviews of your new album and what are your expectations from
"Creature Of Habit" ?
As I mentioned, it is
still early days, but so far I’m receiving my best reviews yet. All I expect
from Creature of Habit is that is connects with my fans and music lovers around
the globe and that people enjoy the music. I think that is all one as a
songwriter can expect and hope for.
heavy paradise : Your album is
sensational not only for the guitar maniacs out there but, imho, for each
and every single fan of the melodic rock sound. How can you describe your
sound, Joe? Or there no labels when it comes to good music?
‘
I’m glad you mention
it’s not just for guitar maniacs, I don’t play shredding guitar music. My music
is accessible, and very strong on the songwriting and arranging aspect and its
about melodies and catching hooks first and foremost. In some ways its pop
music laced with edgy hard rock guitars topped with lots of melodies and
harmonies with strong rhythms and emotional content. The best way I describe my
music is that it is instrumental melodic rock..
heavy paradise : Are there any plans for
some live gigs to promote your album?
Yes I am touring
Europe in late September with select shows in Austria
and the UK Austria live show is an
all acoustic set of material of the new album and preview EP as well as some
favorites of mine, while the UK
heavy paradise : What are your influences
Joe?
I have many
influences my primary ones are those guitarists and bands whose emphasis was on
the song and melody. Most of the bands I love are from the 70s Classic Rock
genre such as Boston
heavy paradise : If there was a chance to
pick your imaginary band, of whom would be consisted and why?
I’d have John Bonham
on drums, Brian May on guitar, Gary Richrath on guitar, Tony Dolan on bass and
David Coverdale on vocals. John Bonham because really he is probably one of the
finest rock drummers ever to walk this planet, Brian May because his solos and
harmonies are pure heaven, Gary Richrath because his solos had a nice mixture
of intensity, melodicness and hookiness, Tony Dolan for his pumping bass lines
and energetic four string wizardry that really puts the ‘fire’ into any track he
plays on and David Coverdale, because his vocals are out of this world.
heavy paradise : So what's coming-up next
Joe? What do we expect from you in the near future?
I have my European
tour and then I am possibly doing some Australian shows. Basically between now
and the end of the year it is will be all about promoting the new album and
touring as much as I can.
heavy paradise : Closing this
interview, is there something else that you want to share with us?
If people want to
check out my music further, please direct them to my website www.joematera.com
.They can also feel free to contact me via my website or my Facebook.
heavy paradise : Thanx a lot for this
interview and all the best for the future!
Thank you for the
interview and interest.
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