Matthew Holtby gets ghosted in his plaintive and personal new single You Never Reply — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The veteran Ontario singer-songwriter’s latest release will ring a bell with anyone who has suddenly and inexplicably found themselves out in the cold in their relationship — and can’t find out what they did wrong because they’re being subjected to the modern-day equivalent of the silent treatment:
“Maybe I’m paranoid, feels like I let everyone down
Feels like everybody’s thinking I’m a nobody now
I had to write myself a letter just to know it’d get read
I drink myself back to back to life to make sure I ain’t dead…
Is there a number to call?
Is there a place I can hide?
Is this thing on?
I can’t tell, ’cause you never reply.”
Simultaneously timely and timeless, Holtby’s tale of emotional, physical and technological disconnect is set against a backdrop of classic country songcraft and instrumentation, complete with a relaxed two-step backbeat, richly ringing piano chords, sombre pedal steel and even a twangy six-string solo.
If it reminds you a bit of the Red-Headed Stranger, that’s no accident; Holtby says the song came to life after he spent some quality time watching the TV series Willie Nelson & Family. “It’s an intentional ode to old bar-room country, whilst revealing the frustrations of modern-day smartphone culture, and all that goes along with it,” he says.
And even though it’s a tale of communication breakdown, You Never Reply ironically finds Holtby welcoming a new voice to the mix: Hillary Dumoulin. Matthew met her while hosting an open stage in Peterborough nearly a decade ago, adds her she adds lovely, hushed harmonies that fit the moment perfectly. Also contributing to the track are Ken Kucharic on pedal steel and Tim Vesely (Rheostatics, Violet Archers) who handled mixing and mastering duties. The track marks Holtby’s first time producing himself from his own home studio in Warkworth, Ont.
With his fresh release and a promising trajectory ahead, Holtby is an artist you’ll want to keep an eye on. His blend of catchy melodies and storytelling lyrics is sure to resonate with many, and as he continues to draw inspiration from his surroundings and past experiences, there’s no telling just how far his music will reach.
Check out You Never Reply above, hear more from Matthew Holtby below and get in touch on his website, Instagram and TikTok.
