Biography

A few years back, a guitarist who used to play in a band decided to take the songs that had been stored up for so long and finish them - by himself. That is what those in the music business call 'a solo project'; but for Matt Ventresca, it was not merely a project, it was also a renewal of his love for playing, writing and performing.

Keep in mind that Matt Ventresca is not in the music business. Music is a hobby meant to fulfill delusions of grandure while attempting to postpone any entrance into the real world - and so far, it's working. So understand that what you hear on the records and what you read on this website was meant for the exclusive consumption of the music lover: not for radio, not for agents, and certainly, not for record companies.

The music was inspired by life; the good, the bad and the ugly. The lyrics are honest and true (like a Labatt's pilsner) and the music a mixture of elements that really shouldn't go together (kind of like Guiness and Tequila). What do I mean? When you take someone influenced by 80's metal, early 90's alternative rock, late 90's nu-metal and contemporary pop rock you get something that sounds a little different, but at the same time feels just about right.

In other words, you get a story like this:

The Golden Age:

Matt began his music career playing lead guitar and singing back up vocals for a St. Catharines rock combo called Far From Luke (above). The band certainly paid its dues in the fledgling Niagara rock scene, but despite all the obstacles, FFL was critically acclaimed, and put out a solid record in 2001's Extraordinary Nothing.

But all good things must come to an end, and the promise of a 'higher education' took each of the members in opposite directions. A few reunion shows were played here and there, but it was certainly time to try something new.

Then:

After writing a wack of new songs and doing a number of performances in his new home of Toronto, Matt made the decision that a solo recording was the next big step. The summer of 2003 was spent hammering out tracks - on drums, bass, guitars, keyboards, vocals - if it made a sound, he played it.

The result was 2003's Delusions of Apocalypse, a record that explored the boundaries of Matt's psyche, both lyrically and musically. The words delve into several themes, some personal, some not so personal, where the music showed a distinct pop sensability layered underneath edgy and loud guitars (not to forget the requisite ballads).

Delusions was given out to anyone who would take a copy, and after two years, the feedback was delightfully positive. So positive in fact, that Matt decided to try his luck again.

Now:

There may have been some times in the past few years that Matt may want to forget, and he responded the only way he knew how: but putting his pen to paper and his hands on the fretboard. A number of b-sides were recorded and released during this span, and the music got more emotional and profound as time went on.

Appearance vs. Reality was finally released in April 2006, and represents a culmination of the past few years of musical self-expression. With help from ex-bandmates Eric Hutt (drums) and Jack Puzio (keyboards, backup vocals), the songs blend a return to Matt's musical roots with lyrics chronicling the trials and tribulations of the years that were.

But it's not all bad. The record definitely still possesses a keen sense of fun: the sarcastic wit, the sports references, and of course, the cowbell. It's twelve songs that take life seriously, but not too seriously...because once you take a hobby too seriously, it becomes work -- and I am not in the music business, nor do I ever plan to be.