Matt Joe Gow (born in Auckland, New Zealand) is a musician, songwriter, producer and the lead singer and frontman of Australian Americanaband Matt Joe Gow & The Dead Leaves. Joe Gow released his debut album The Messenger (Matt Joe Gow and the Dead Leaves album) through Liberation Music to critical acclaim. His follow up album Seven Years released in 2016 was nominated for a Victoria Music Award for Best Country Album and his third solo album, the self produced Break Rattle And Roll released in October 2018 won the award for Best Country Album. His follow up Between Tonight & Tomorrow released in 2023 also won the Music Victoria Award and laid the foundation for his first nomination for an Aotearoa Music Award, establishing him as a mainstay on the alternative country music scene in both countries.[1][2]
Joe Gow's musical style is influenced by folk, blues, and soulful rock while being firmly rooted in country. He is often referred to as an Americana or Alt. Country artist.[3]
The Country Music Honours (formerly named the New Zealand Country Music Awards) are presented by the NZ Songwriter's Trust in association with the Mataura Licensing Trust and APRA Music. The Awards are hosted as part of Tussock Country, New Zealand's annual ten day celebration of Country Music.
The Aotearoa Music Awards honour outstanding artistic achievements in the recording industry. The awards are among the most significant that a group or artist can receive in New Zealand music.
