CENTRE STAGE Matt McGrath

Photo via Write Around the Murray, Albury.

Geelong drummer Matt McGrath will be playing on his home ground when The Stereo Stories Band performs its Nick Cave show at the Local Word Festival on Saturday 24 August. The 5.30pm twilight show is at Wurdi Youang, Geelong Library & Heritage Centre.

Matt joined The Stereo Stories Band in 2021, via his friendship with Peter Maskell. Matt’s first gig with us was at that year’s Bendigo Writers’ Festival, at the Capital Theatre.

“I’ve known Matt about 20 years,” said Peter, “and always enjoyed his company and musicianship. I knew he’d be an asset to the show. Not only is he a fine drummer but he’s also composes music on keyboards, guitar and bass. He’s one of the sweetest guys I know.”

David Barton plays bass alongside Matt (when he’s not playing other instruments): “Matt has an irrepressible groove, superb technical ability and taste, and always adds just what the song needs.”

“Matt is a class act,” said cellist Laura Sheridan. “Always first to arrive, in more than one way, Matt is a lynchpin of the band. With grace, good humour, humility and chocolate, Matt is there for everyone. He lands every motif sent his way whether it be rhythm, whipcrack, hoofbeat, thunderclap or rattlesnake. There is always something he can pull out of his pocket.

“His sense of beat is impeccable and his rhythms are tight. He can turn his hand to any genre and drives the band through his beats. Always a kind word here, or a quiet joke there, Matt brings heart and soul to the band.”

Accordionist Julie Merritt noted: “Matt’s kind, and thoughtful, and reflective. He’s quietly creative in other fields too, including unobtrusively compiling a terrific highlights clip of our shows last year at Williamstown and Queenscliff. Never one to bang his own drum, so to speak, Matt also brings great chocolates to rehearsal.”

“Matt is everything you could possibly want in a band mate,” said singer Martina Medica. “He’s super talented, humble, funny, intelligent, considerate, and flexible. His generosity as a musician (and as a friend) is without doubt what ties the Stereo Stories band together.”

“We love Matt,” said singer Chris Phillips, “not only because he’s a highly skilful and creative drummer who always finds a way to bring out the best for any song, but because he is so positive.

“He always has a smile and warmth to share for everyone. He makes all rehearsals and tricky bits in songs easier. Nothing is too hard, too much, too tiring. He is so open, flexible and adapts to every situation. He binds us together, and not just in percussive synchronicity. He is the hub to our spokes! He makes the Stereo Stories wheel turn smoothly and reliably. He actually is our beating heart.”

Matt’s importance to the band came into sharp focus when he wasn’t available for a rehearsal earlier this year: the wheels pretty much fell off!

“He’s a great drummer,” said multi-instrumentalist band newcomer David Oke. “He works hard to rehearse his percussion parts and delivers the results tastefully. He can provide a sparse accompaniment and he can also play complex rhythms and energetic solos. (Especially on the You Am I song Purple Sneakers at Willi Lit Fest this year. Terrific.)

Photo by Eric Algra. Willi Lit Fest 2023.

“He is a very friendly band mate with a good sense of humour, making me very welcome this year. Plus, he barracks for the mighty Geelong Football Club too, so he must be alright.”

“And let’s not forget,” added Chris, “Matt drives from Geelong for every rehearsal and gig, and never complains about it. In fact, Matt never complains about anything! He’s always caring about others, checking on us to make sure we’re doing ok.”

Tickets for Into Your Arms via Try Booking.