WHYCOCOMAGH: Cape Breton’s Brett Matthews is marking a major milestone in his young career with the release of his debut album, “Tomorrow.”
Just four months ago, Matthews earned his first East Coast Music Award (ECMA) in St. John’s, walking away with Country Release of the Year for his breakout single “If I Die Today.” Now, the singer-songwriter is showcasing his full artistic range in a nine-track collection that blends country, pop, R&B, alternative, and folk influences.
“This album is a blend of everything I enjoy and have been inspired by since I was young,” Matthews said. “Everything from country and R&B to hip hop and pop. I wanted to show people that I don’t just ‘do things one way.’ I guess it could be considered a multi-genre album.”
Produced by longtime mentor and Canadian hip-hop icon Classified, “Tomorrow” features Matthews’ first four singles, including “Lucky Ones” (also offered in a bonus acoustic version), alongside four new tracks. Two of the fresh additions, “That Wasn’t Me” and “Something Changed,” were co-written with Juno Award-winning artist David Myles.
The album’s focus track, “That Wasn’t Me,” leans into alternative R&B, pairing soulful lyrics of loss and regret with atmospheric production. It stands in contrast to the folk-like guitar stylings of “If I Die Today,” underscoring Matthews’ songwriting versatility.
Since releasing his first single in 2023, Matthews has quickly built a reputation as one of Atlantic Canada’s most promising voices. His heartfelt music has taken him from JUNOfest in Halifax, to the ECMAs in Charlottetown, to touring across the country with Classified’s Welcome to the Maritimes tour.
Recognition soon followed, with nominations for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and a high-profile performance at the ECMA Awards Gala earlier this year.
For Matthews, however, releasing a debut album feels like a defining moment.
“It’s a special feeling releasing an album for the first time,” he said. “Sharing songs that I’ve written is the most vulnerable you can be, and the support that’s been shown my way the last few years helps take the edge off this milestone. I’m always writing more and better songs (I think), and it’s a dream come true that I get to do this for a living and sing these songs for people.”
“Tomorrow” is available Sept. 12.