Wolverhampton singer Scott Matthews is set for great things

May 22 2009 By Dave Freak

HE BEAT the Arctic Monkeys to an Ivor Novello award; Robert Plant sings on his new album; Foo Fighter Dave Grohl and Rufus Wainwright are fans.

The world, it seems, is Scott Matthews’ oyster. And the release of the Wolverhampton singer-songwriter’s new album tomorrow will only serve to cement his rising reputation as one of Britain’s hidden gems.

Penned while touring, Elsewhere was pieced together in the West Midland studios of Gavin Monaghan, producer of The Twang, Nizlopi and Editors.

So how did Robert Plant turn up on the show-stealing 12 Harps, the folk-pop song that’ll be making the headlines?

“I sent Robert the track while he was rehearsing in Texas,” says Scott. “Two months later we got him into the studio. We sat in the studio, jamming, and that made me more relaxed. It was like karaoke!

“We got the song together in two hours. I think it’ll be a track that’ll appeal to a lot of people. It’s very much in the Led Zep mould. I still shake my head when I hear it. How did I pull that off?”

It’s a subtle performance from Plant, currently in the throes of a creative renaissance after teaming up with country songbird Alison Krauss.

“One thing that struck me about Robert’s voice is how natural it is,” says Scott. “He doesn’t explore the high register anymore. I was interested in the baritone of it – that Johnny Cash resonance.