Matthew Walters, organist

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music and who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?

My first music teacher Christopher Tambling was a great encouragement. He suggested that I try out the organ and saw potential in me as a musician. I wrote a Mass setting when I was 13 or 14 and he had the school choir sing it during Mass. His support helped me to continue writing and see what was possible with composition.

In the world of dance music the DJ James Hype was very inspiring when I first started out – the way he mixes music is unique and immensely creative, and his ability to get a crowd going is mesmerizing.

What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

Finding the right audience for my music – particularly my dance remixes of classical remix. Building an audience is tough and a long journey but I seem to be building some momentum now. I have many memories of sitting in a dingy room in Bristol making lots of videos that weren’t getting anywhere and writing countless tracks that have never been released. That was a grim year, but it was necessary for me go through that. It proved to me that I really wanted a career in music.

Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?

My most recent concert at Wells Cathedral. I premiered one of my own organ pieces and the whole concert was professionally filmed which added a new layer of intensity to the evening. It was stressful but I’m glad I put myself through it.

Which particular works/composers do you think you perform best?

Hans Zimmer’s work is always popular on the organ. There is a certain beauty in the simplicity of his chord progressions.

In my recent performance at Wells Cathedral I kept things varied and I think this worked well as it appeals to a wider range of people, and involves both classical and contemporary music. I also included some hymns and some audience participation – a member of the audience was invited to come up and play a short phrase which I would then write a piece based on. This is the brand I am building – a combination of musical tradition and musical innovation.

What do you do off stage that provides inspiration on stage?

Not so much inspiration as preparation. I like to workout before a performance as it calms my mind.

How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?

Most of the music I play/write is suitable for any season. But my followers do comment pieces that they would like to hear and I do try and use their suggestions when I can. I’m already beginning to get requests for Christmas songs!

Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in and why?

Downside Abbey, which is where I practice and film a lot of my videos. It’s such a massive space and the organ there is very powerful. I think it’s my favourite organ to play. I’ve played there for many years now and it feels like home.

What do you feel needs to be done to grow classical music’s audiences?

I think it’s about influencing young people’s view of classical music. It’s not just something for the older generations. Playing more modern tracks like film music or dance music in a classical manner is something which can open people’s eyes to the capabilities of classical instruments and may introduce people to classical music which they never would have come across before. Again, it’s where tradition meets innovation.

What is your most memorable concert experience?

I accompanied Fauré’s Requiem at St Martin-in-the-Fields when I was an organ scholar at Homerton College, Cambridge. It was a big occasion and quite different from the small college services I was used to, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

As a musician, what is your definition of success?

It’s different for everyone, of course, but for me it’s freedom – freedom to travel and freedom to produce and write. I’ll consider myself a success once I’m doing performances around the world and have the financial freedom to do so.

What advice would you give to young/aspiring musicians?

Be prepared for a long period of time of seeing little-to-no results. Stick at it and you’ll thank yourself. Give up and you’ll regret it. If you’re not passionate, don’t worry. Your passion will develop as your competence increases.

What’s the one thing in the music industry we’re not talking about which you think we should be?

The importance of self-sufficiency. There’s still this idea that you need a record label or need a massive team around you to build a brand and a name for yourself which isn’t true anymore. You can now do it yourself with the power of social media and it has completely changed the game.

What’s next? Where would you like to be in 10 years?

My goal is to be touring around the world, performing organ performances and dance events, and combining the organ with dance music. I’m working on a new show which does exactly this. Next year I have lots of shows lined up – dates and details will be released soon.

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Organist Matt Walters has been appointed Associate Artist for 2023/24 at Fairfield Halls, Croydon.

Alongside a prominent classical profile with recitals in the UK and overseas, Matt Walters was an organ scholar at Cambridge University before launching his career performing around the UK. He is known for his arrangements and improvised performances including a fusion of dance beats, jazz, and contemporary popular music. Exploring a wide range of genres and sound worlds, he aims to bring renewed popularity to the instrument and reach new audiences.