QUEER SINGER MATHEW V TAKES ON THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

BY ILICH MEJÍA

Today, Vancouver-based queer singer Mathew V announces Anything Goes, a new record that seeks to reframe the assumed heteronormative narratives of the Great American Songbook. Due out April 14 on 604 Records, Anything Goes takes standards by the likes of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Henry Mancini and draws out queer perspectives from the elegant imprecision of their timeless lyrics.

“Queer culture, gay history, and jazz music have a lot of parallels,” explains Mathew V. “Jazz music was vilified not just as a genre of music but as a lifestyle that society looked down upon. It was synonymous with sin. This music lives at the intersection of camp, glamor, and showmanship, which are all aspects that inform the very essence of my performance.”

As the most traditional arrangement and delivery on the record, Mathew V’s take on George Gershwin’s “The Man I Love” pushes the boundaries of conventional jazz from the queer perspective. Of the process, Mathew says, “It’s been exciting choosing songs like ‘The Man I Love,’ which a man like me may not have been able to sing when these songs were written,” and adds, “I’m at a place in my career and in my life that I not only want to sing at my highest caliber, but I want that music to come from my heart. I owe that to the little Mathew that was looking for this record all those years ago.”

All throughout Anything Goes, Mathew V speaks out against the vilification of jazz, boldly bringing his thoughts to life with storied tunes such as “Moon River” and “Georgia On My Mind,” each sung from the perspective of a queer man who embodies rebellion, flirtatiousness and glamor. This record allows Mathew to confidently share his stance on love, romantic trials and tribulations with other men.

The new album also features original song “My Boy,” a Marilyn Monroe-inspired song and fan favorite on tour, compelling Mathew to include it on the album. The song was written spontaneously with Mathew’s co-writer Ben Dunnill. Of the process, Mathew recounts, “Ben was in Europe at the time and sent me a voice note for a chorus idea from a public train station piano. From there the voice notes flew back and forth, and ‘My Boy’ came to life.” With the use of witty lyrics, a walking bass line, and energetic piano solos “My Boy” has the power to transport listeners to a glamorous smoke-filled 1960s lounge.

Mathew V’s timeless musical sensibilities are perhaps most evidently stemming from his youth. At age 17 he moved from Vancouver, Canada to London, England and began exploring what would soon become his signature soul-filled vocal style. Following his musical awakening overseas, Mathew penned a deal with 604 Records, has become a sought-after topliner in the dance world and now debuts into the vocal jazz world with his tasteful representation of the Great American Songbook.

Stay tuned for more to come from Mathew V soon.