Matthew James

For Australian-born singer-songwriter Matthew James, music has always been a way to process life's highs and lows. Now based in Hamilton, Ontario, and influenced by artists like Matt Maeson, Noah Kahan, Hozier and Sam Fender, he's found his voice in alternative and indie-pop/rock with a folk, singer-songwriter heart, crafting songs that explore themes of resilience and self-discovery. His emotive delivery and raw storytelling create songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable, music that lingers long after the final note. "I do my best to create honest, emotionally resonant songs that connect with my audience," says James.

In October 2026, James was selected for the MusicOntario × CION Spotlight Showcase at Folk Canada 2026 in Hamilton, following recent shows at the Elora Centre for the Arts and an artist showcase at the Canmore Folk Festival (August 2025).

James's debut EP, "Mother I Know" (2026), is out now. The six-track collection brings together his singles so far alongside new tracks, including two live recordings from Toronto's Burdock Music Hall and a stripped piano version of "Monsters", marking his first full project since he started releasing music. "These are the songs that got me here. I wanted to bring them together and give people a couple of new ways in," says James.

His third single and the EP's title track, "Mother I Know" (August 2025), touches on the quiet ache of watching someone you love struggle and learning to let go. It captures the trials of your teens and twenties, the fear of facing the world alone and the quiet comfort of knowing someone's still there. The song reached the semi-finals of the International Songwriting Competition. "I wanted the song to feel like a conversation between child and parent, the things they wish they could say to each other but might feel too hard, and a reminder that they are there for one another above it all," says James.

James released "Solace in the Silence" (March 2025), a softer, reflective follow-up centred on pausing and finding peace amidst chaos. It was preceded by his debut single, "Monsters" (2024), which introduced listeners to James's introspective songwriting and honest lyricism, exploring self-doubt, inner battles, and the fight to push forward. The song was awarded 2nd place in the Rock category in the International Songwriting Competition (2024), selected from nearly 14,000 entries across 112 countries.

James began performing at open mics in Calgary before busking regularly on Stephen Avenue in 2023. That same year, he was accepted into the WriteOn! 23/24 songwriting program, which helped refine his craft and connected him with a supportive community of artists. The experience inspired a creative surge, leading to over 100 original songs. Through the program, he also performed at The Calgary Folk Club and The Nickelodeon Music Club (The Nick).