Matt Webb points us in the right direction

Fresh off the release of his new EP Right Direction, Vancouver born musician Matt Webb is hitting the road, and his first stop is Ontario’s Steel City.

Best known as the lead guitarist for Canadian pop-rock band Marianas Trench, Webb has also been working on his solo career. Webb says his new EP and upcoming tour is all about “taking it right back to the basics.” Stripped down to guitar, vocals and lyrics, “It’s like reading my diary,” Webb says. “I focused on writing the songs for myself.”

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When asked about how his latest EP compared to his first solo album, Coda and Jacket, which was released in 2011, Webb said, “This time I had a clear idea of how everything will sound. The first time around you make mistakes, and you learn from them.” Webb described his newest effort as, “An easy listen, front to back."

After years of touring with Marianas Trench, the musician is also no stranger to Canadian stages. This time around, however, Webb will be playing smaller venues across Canada. “I’m excited to have that more intimate experience with the crowd,” Webb said. “There is something about smaller venues you lose when you play larger ones.”

Webb kicked off his tour at Bay City Music Hall here in Hamilton on March 5. Shows across the country, including Toronto, Ottawa and his hometown, Vancouver, will follow soon.

Webb also explained how the boys from Marianas Trench, who were there from the start of his music career, have been very supportive of his solo work. “After I finish talking to you I’m actually jumping over to the studio to do some recording with Josh” he said, Josh Ramsey being Marianas Trench’s frontman. “The guys are great” Webb said, “We are one big happy family.”

With Marianas Trench, Webb has won multiple awards, including numerous Much Music Video Awards. Webb shared some of his thoughts on being a musician and taking the first steps to making achieving this type of recognition.

“First off, be true to yourself,” said Webb, “Concentrate on your craft.” Webb’s success is a prime example of how this simple philosophy can work.