Joe Matera is an Australian rock guitarist and solo instrumental artist. His debut as a solo artist was the evocative, acoustic instrumental single ‘Travellin’ West’ (Sept. 2010). His all-electric guitar instrumental affair 'Face Of' (May, 2011) garnered much acclaim and brought Matera to a wider, international audience leading to European based label W.A.R Productions signing Matera to its roster. His first release on the new label is the all electric instrumental EP CD, Slave To The Fingers out Nov. 28th 2011.
Prior to carving out a solo career, Matera was the lead guitarist for Australian rock outfit Geisha from 2007 to 2010. His melodic and tasteful guitar work is featured on the group’s Jan. 2010 studio album 'Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow', which includes two new tracks produced by legendary US producer Tom Werman (Motley Crue, Cheap Trick, Twisted Sister).
As a veteran of 20+ years of countless covers and original bands, his impressive playing CV also includes being the lead guitarist in the pit orchestra for award winning stage theater productions of Les Misérables and Chess. He has also appeared as guest guitarist on legendary UK metallers’ Atomkraft's scorching cover of Thin Lizzy's 'Cold Sweat'. (Aug. 2011) One of his original guitar instrumental compositions, 'Starry Night' also appears on the soundtrack to the Australian movie Ricky! – The Movie (2011).
Aside from his solo career, he also performs shows around Melbourne, Australia, playing and performing with some of Australia’s top musicians and artists.
Matera is a respected music journalist as well, whose work and many artist interviews appear in countless music magazines around the world such as Guitar World (US), Classic Rock (UK) and Chitarre (Italy) to name but a few.
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