Solo singing sensation comes to Komedia

Scott Matthews comes to Bath's Komedia on Monday in support of his new album Elsewhere, the follow-up to Matthews' acclaimed debut album Passing Stranger, which sold over 80,000 copies and won him an Ivor Novello best song award for the signature single Elusive.

Often compared to such icons as Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley and John Martyn, Matthews has expanded his range with Elsewhere, by adopting an adventurous approach to writing and recording, incorporating influences as diverse as Nick Cave, David Bowie, Bon Iver and The Smashing Pumpkins, and utilising an eclectic array of instrumentation.

"Spontaneity is the key," he explains. "The more you think about something, the more you lose the feeling of it.

"A lot of the vocal tracks on this album were recorded in one or two takes.

"I'd finish the lyrics and then record the song right away, just warm the microphone up and go.

"The performance aspect is something we've really gone for – it can be a great take first time." Produced by Gavin Monaghan, the new album includes the powerful lead single Fractured and a duet with Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant on 12 Harps.

Support comes from Sam Brookes, lead singer with Bradford on Avon based band The Volt.

"I saw Scott was doing a tour and checked to see if he was heading this way and I got in contact with the promoter," says Sam.

"After a lot of hanging on the wire I got the call to give the go ahead and I'm over the moon.

"I am a massive fan of Scott's. I remember hearing his music and thinking I'd love to see him live, a week later I was surprised by seeing him support the legendary Bert Jansch at the Roundhouse in Camden.

"As well as playing with The Volt, I also really enjoy doing my own solo shows – something that I have been doing for a few years now.

"I'm starting to take my solo material more seriously. It's different from the pop rock element of The Volt but you could say there is essence of The Volt in there. There is one track that I will play called Running Strong that we also play as a band."

The Volt, completed by Domenico Bartolo (drums), Phoebe Phillips (bass) and Jack Kendrew (guitar), won MTV's Get Seen Get Heard talent search and were runners-up in the Live And Unsigned Award at the Vodafone Live Music Awards last year.

Earlier this year the band released its double A-side single Fight Out Of Fear.

"The Volt still charges on," says Sam. "We are cooking up some new songs which are in the adolescent stage, and we're just instilling some lessons so they mature into some healthy tunes that will be recorded for the New Year.

"Next year is looking like it will be busy, because as well as The Volt's recording and touring, there will be my own EP in the New Year and more solo shows."

Tickets, costing £12.50, can be booked by calling 0845 293 8480.