6 October 2025
Every Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with Newtownabbey artist Matt McIvor to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I’m from Newtownabbey, near Carrickfergus. I first got into music through my parents and my brother’s collections. I was particularly impressed by live recordings of shows. Those really influenced me to pick up a guitar, when I was about 14.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
When I was a kid, I was listening to what my parents liked, usually bands like Dire Straits or Fleetwood Mac with a little Paul Simon thrown in. I did go through a massive Alternative rock phase in my teens when I listened to nothing but Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Blind Melon and Counting Crows. These days I love anything that has a good melody with a story. So bands like Dawes, Andrew Bird, Flyte, Peter Mulvey.
How would you describe your sound?
I think I’m best described as alt folk!
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My latest release, which is my debut album is called One Word Stories. Really storytelling and pandemic inactivity were the main drive behind the process. I run a recording studio, but found I couldn’t have clients during that time because of social distancing. I’d been squirrelling away ideas for years and I decided it was time to get them down.
The songs range from things I wrote to comfort friends in hard times to fictional narratives about the Sunflower bar, in Belfast.
I love a good yarn.
What’s your local music scene like?
The scene in Belfast and Bangor is great, with a lot of younger bands and a lot of community. My favourite venue is Fealtys Bar in Bangor, where a gig will be on in a small back room every Saturday night. Always a guaranteed good time.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I’m hoping to continue gigging as much as possible. I’ve enjoyed some fun gigs including the Hilden Beer festival this summer, but it’s time to get started on that difficult follow up.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
I’ve been pretty lucky so far to play with people I really love and respect as artists, including Lucy Bell, AOIBHA, Sarah McCreedy, Joel Harkin and Peter Mulvey. I’d love to write something with my good buddy King Cedar, from Bangor, who is a joy.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
During my launch gig I was quite anxious, but during the last song, the song I’ve performed most in my life, called Start, I forgot the words as I was just lost in the experience.
The verse in question is about imposter syndrome and includes the line “they think I’m good at this, I guess I’d better be”.
When I got myself together and sang that line I got a massive cheer from the crowd.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I have a part time job as the announcer and DJ at the SSE Arena for the Belfast Giants ice hockey team. I love hearing new bands and playing them there too. I’d love any suggestions folks might have.
You can find out more about Matt on his website or via Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify or X (Twitter).
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