It’s been five years since his last solo single, ‘It’s Only Midnight’. Now, five-time Golden Guitar nominee, Matt Cornell, is back with a brand-new song, ‘Stick Around’.
The single draws on Matt’s love of 80s music to create an awesome blend of country rock on this anthem track. Matt’s gripping vocal tears right through the middle of a weave of pounding drums and lofty guitars, as he sings about settling down with the love of his life.
” ‘Stick Around ‘ explores the weird phenomenon that True Love often strikes when we least expect it,” explains the Gold Coast based artist. “The idea that something so solid and long lasting can be borne out of one boozy fleeting flirty moment.”
The song began to take shape when producer Jared Adlam gave Matt some new listening material. “I mentioned to him how I wanted to embrace my rock background & love of 80’s music, he then turned me onto American artist ‘ Hardy’, I was hooked straight away.”
The pair teamed up with artist and songwriter Tim Aitken and wrote the song in a blitz. “The chemistry was instant. Stick Around was written in a few hours.” However, the song’s tale of true love is more prophecy than reality for Matt. “I feel in a way, where I’m at in my life, Stick Around is kind of a wish for me personally, I’m currently single, & wanting to settle down to start a family one day, in this song, the guy meets his life partner, has the two kids & a dog, there’s hope for me yet.”
The single’s stellar video clip – directed by Golden Guitar winning Jay Seeney of Blacklist Productions – sees Matt live the words to his song. From the chance meeting in a bar, he croons about in the song’s first verse – “And if it wasn’t for the liquor, I wouldn’t talk to you / It sounds funny but it’s true” – to a stolen kiss under golden sunset.
As one half of Golden Guitar nominated duo, Cornell & Carr, Matt has had his solo career on the backburner in recent years. “Having been focused on Cornell & Carr the past few years, & not having released anything solo for five years, I wanted to make sure this next single made a statement, & lets people know I’m back.”
Despite his brief solo hiatus Matt has been anything but idle throughout his lifelong music career. Sneaking in the back doors of venues to play professionally when he was just 16, he’s enjoyed an illustrious career as a bass player to some Aussie music royalty. He’s plucked the 4-string for Baby Animals, Richard Clapton, Rose Tattoo, Shannon Noll and now Adam Brand.
He’s fronted the stage at the famous SXSW festival in Texas and supported Richard Marx on both his 2016 and 2018 Australian tours. Matt absolutely lives and creates music, to the point where he says, “I make music because I have to, not because I want to: I ‘m obsessed with it.”
Unsurprisingly, Matt grew up in an extremely musical family. The son of performers Cheryl Assange and former Delltone Wayne Cornell, his parents would often rehearse shows in the loungeroom. Matt’s uncle, George Assange (also performed under the name Vic Sabrino), was also influential, being the first Australian to make a rock ‘n’ roll recording in 1955.
With the release of ‘Stick Around’ Matt is thrilled to be getting out on the road to perform. He’ll be performing once again at his 6th annual Sydney Harbour Cruise, The Stock Route Country Music Festival and Country on Keppel in 2023.
‘Stick Around’ embodies Matt Cornell’s rock spirit perfectly. His style of storytelling is both familiar and unique and makes for an excellent re-introduction to this magnificent artist.