Matthew Lykos

Welcome friends, fellow singers, voice enthusiasts, musicians, and supporters of music

My name is Matthew Lykos, and my mission as a musician and singer is to create an album of the traditional music that I am passionate about, that can be played time and time again, go proudly on the shelf next to classic folk-music albums, and appeal to listeners within and beyond the folk world.

I am very enthusiastic about singing and delight in working, across a variety of musical styles, with a number of singers and singing groups around Adelaide. I’ve performed locally, interstate, and abroad for a number of years now in ensembles such as The Fishbowl Boys and The Festival Statesmen, complemented by my Bachelor of Classical Voice. My passion and roots are in traditional and contemporary folk songs and I want my inaugural solo album to present the music which continues to feed my passion for singing.

What's on the CD

Last June, I put on a solo concert called "Matthew Lykos; singer in a great shirt". People that went to that concert may remember I asked them to let me know which pieces they'd like on an album. This CD is 100% requests. 

In no particular order:

- Waters of Tyne (Northumbrian Traditional)
- Γιατί με ξύπνησες πρωΐ (Greek Rebetiki, Vassilis Tsitsanis)
- If I Can Dream (Nth American Pop/Blues)
- The Pirate Song (Contemporary Canadian, Don Freed)
- Јовано, Јованке (Macedonian Traditional)
- Wrinkles (Contemporary Australian, John Williamson)
- a tune set  
- Prince Among Men (Contemporary Irish, Andy Irvine)
- My Last Farewell to Stirling (Trad Scottish/Australian)

I'm excited to say that thanks to the generous and enthusiastic support of some excellent artists who have agreed to be in the project, I believe it is possible to make something very special indeed.

Who's on the CD

Those that attended my concert "Matthew Lykos; singer in a great shirt" last June will remember the awesome magic of Emma Woolcock (formerly Emma Luker) and Anne Harrington. Emma is a world-class fiddler, and among many things she has toured internationally with Eric Bogle and is half of The Fiddle Chicks. Anne plays in numerous world music and folk ensembles, dance groups, and Musica Viva programs, drawing on her study of percussion and dance in West Africa, Greece, and Sri Lanka.

The illustrious Rachel Johnston, former cellist of the Australian string quartet has offered to take part.
Co-cheòl, some of the best singers and harmonists I know, and dearest friends, from Melbourne, will be joining me for a few tracks. They have an album that was made possible by this same crowdfunding platform. Check it out. I'm on their album and they'll be on mine.

I’ve locked in the services of recording engineer Kim "Kimbo" Lukomski. The guy who runs Spare Room Audio. Don't let the studio name mislead you. His gear is cool, his ears are gold and he works magic.

Artwork

Texture and colour are important in both music and shirts. This album will showcase music with a diverse range of both and the artwork should reflect that. I will need as many wonderful shirts as I can get my hands on and I am happily accepting offers for shirts to use in the photos. I'll borrow it, get it back to you, and acknowledge you online if you are one of those generous lenders. 

The wonderful Kirsten Jane from Kirsten Jane Design and Illustration, will be putting together all of the beautiful textures and textiles for the album cover.

Thanks

This album couldn’t happen without the generous support of all of the awesome artists who have offered to be in the project at low cost. But most importantly, the inspiration for this album comes from the ongoing support and encouragement of friends, family, and lovers of music, so thank you to you (yes, you)!

Cost breakdown

All amounts are in Australian dollars

The event of failure to meet the target:

The crowdfunding campaign is "all or nothing". If the $6920 mark is not reached then none of the pledges are transacted and I will try to continue recording, though much more slowly.

Deadlines:

The creation of the album will be my top priority, but the allotted time doesn't include much buffer space and I have learned that life has a knack of creating delays and distractions. With the coordination of musicians based in two states with available studio time, and factoring in photogaphy, artwork, and the things yet unknown, I'm going to have my work cut out for me as I try to get the CD to you by September.