About /

Matt James

Location: Sunshine Coast, Australia

Instruments: Didgeridoos, Guitars, Flutes, Keyboards, Blues Harp, Djembe, Percussion, Kora, Ukulele, Bass and Vocals.

Matt began his career as a musician, by teaching himself guitar at the age of 18. On his 21st birthday Matt was given a didgeridoo and bongos which he devoted endless hours to practicing and mastering his own unique style of playing.

Matt James

Hi Matty, I just returned from a most relaxing visit to the Sunshine Coast. I visited the Eumundi markets during my stay, and your music had me enthralled for quite a while, whilst my sister-in-law did the ‘shop’ thing. Most relaxing and inspiring thing I did at the markets. So much so I bought all four cd’s and have listened to them nearly every day since returning home. My son has also become a fan.Thank you so much for your beautiful, motivating and inspiring music. Cheers, Olivine

Matt James

The following year Matt formed the band Soul Prism which won dual awards for best album and best single (‘Funky Weazel’) at the “Queensland Sunny Awards”.

While busking at Eumundi Markets playing the didgeridoo, Matt formed a three piece band Tribal Trance, developing a powerfully raw and earthy tone. Tribal Trance released three albums “Didgin’ in the Dirt / Deep in Didge / and Minjahra”.

Matt’s status as a musician gained momentum in 1998, when a national tour with renowned Composer Tony O’Connor included a performance at the Sydney Opera House. Matt would play on three of Tony’s albums – Windjana, Awakenings, and Tony O’Connor Live at the Sydney Opera House.

In 1999 Matt began his solo career for the next ten years as a multi-instrumentalist. By 2000 Matt released his first solo album “Evolution”, winning best single for ‘Jakawako’ at the Queensland Sunny Awards.

In 2002 Matt performed at Australia Zoo for the Australia Day celebration. It was there he captured Steve Irwin’s attention, gaining a residency for the next five years. Over this time, Matt produced another two albums, Transporta (2004) and Live at Australia Zoo (2006).

In 2009, Matt met fellow musician and soon to be wife Lauren Cox.

Matt and Lauren began writing and performing music together, regularly touring the east coast of Australia at various markets and festivals.

They extensively toured Canada, performing at festivals with producer and musician friend Matt Aitchison (Favourite Son), and became engaged while on tour in Montreal.

Matt and Lauren established their label Tribal Groove in 2011. In 2012 they married and released their first album “Rejuvenation”. In 2014 they released their second album titled “Tranquility”.

In 2016 they co-wrote and produced “Dreamtime” with Matt Aitchison, invigorating their sound with electro / trance beats.

In May 2017, Matt and Lauren welcomed their beautiful daughter Ava Willow James to the world.

Matt and Lauren’s forth album together “Alchemy” is soon to be released.