In this episode of On The Record with Bill Bates, Bill sits down with acclaimed singer songwriter Matty Coles for an honest and fascinating conversation about the craft of songwriting, performing live, and finding your own musical voice.

Matty talks about how he first started writing songs and the journey that led him to recording his album 3 Chords and the Truth at the prestigious Woodbine Street Recording Studios. He shares insights into the creative process, from hearing a finished song in his head before it even exists, to the challenges of turning ideas into completed tracks.

Bill and Matty also discuss:

• Whether it’s better to perform solo or as part of a band
• The balance between playing cover songs and original material at gigs
• The realities of live music culture and drinking at performances
• Building confidence as a songwriter
• The influence of legendary 60s rock musician Terry Reid and how his encouragement helped shape Matty’s songwriting journey

Matty also performs his powerful song English Terror, and discusses how the track came to be written during the political turmoil surrounding the Iraq War. Bill and Matty reflect on the historic protests that saw over one million people march against the war, and the controversy surrounding the song after the BBC reportedly banned it from being played.

This episode is packed with stories, inspiration, music history, and practical insight for musicians, songwriters, and music fans alike.

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