What was expected to become Urs Matravers’ first EP has now developed into building his debut LP. It’s a collage of songs that he’s played live for many years and newer creations that were composed with the debut in mind. The main idea was to record the songs in a simple and pure form – acoustic guitar, drums, bass and some keys. The idea of a stripped down and quiet album changed when Urs was introduced to Philip Harrison by friend and guitarist Flavio Scano who suggested that Harrison should record and produce his new album. With Harrison coming from the more rock/pop side of the trade, the songs started to shape themselves into new and exciting forms. A raw dry sound with spiky and fun elements was the new aspiration. “So far I’ve had the privilege of having friends – talented musicians, and singers contribute to my album, it’s great! Together we are building the sound and feel and I’m really excited to hear the end results,” says Matravers, “It would not be the same without them. There’s still a lot of work to be done. My aim is to release it in spring 2015.”
Urs started playing guitar at 14 after first giving piano a try. “Actually, the first instrument that I owned was given to me as a gift – a triangle, “Urs smiles, “I never learned how to play it properly.” The guitar opened new doors and Urs could finally play all the songs he loved listening to. The first attempt at songwriting followed shortly after. It was not until years later, after finishing college in Toronto, Canada that Urs started thinking that playing the guitar could be more than just playing for himself. By going to Open-Mics at Freetimes Café and playing gigs at the El Mocambo Tavern in Toronto, he learned that sharing his songs with an audience was great fun. Throughout the following years lots of band formations and collaborations followed.
Recently, Matravers decided to make his next move and become a solo artist. While traveling around in his 1974 VW camper he packed up his acoustic guitar a small PA and surfboard and headed out to the UK to put his new songs to the test. “Playing local pubs in the UK was a great experience for me. It gave me confidence and supported my idea of becoming a solo artist. Surfing during the day and playing at night, that’s the life!”
The new album will contain a selection of songs from the past and the present with a new dynamic spin and feel. It’s the work of a singer/songwriter, shaped with the help of friends. An album inspired by life.
