ShowHub Artist Spotlight: Matthew Presidente
If you’ve spent any time around Vancouver’s live music scene, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Matthew Presidente — and if you haven’t, it might be time to fix that. He’s one of those rare artists who makes every room feel better just by being in it.
A fixture of the city’s LGBTQ+ music scene, Matthew (also known as Matty P, Matty Prez, or the “Matt” in Matt & Brad) is known for his unstoppable energy, powerhouse piano playing, and a stage presence that can light up even the quietest room. Whether he’s belting out originals, taking requests at a piano bar, or making spontaneous magic with a crowd, there’s never a dull moment when he’s on stage.
We’ve been meaning to feature Matthew since the first time we saw him live — and with Pride Weekend just behind us, this felt like the perfect time to do it. He took a minute to answer some questions for us before kicking off a full weekend of shows.
Meet the Artist
You’ve been a fixture in Vancouver’s music scene for years. What keeps you inspired?
I’ve played music in Vancouver since I was a teenager – I’ve always loved performing and entertaining for crowds. Now, this is my full-time job, and turning your art form into a career can be tricky. It’s easy to lose the passion and the drive. I try to keep it fun, keep every show different and remember that I am doing what I love!
What themes or messages do you find yourself returning to in your songwriting?
I’ve always considered myself a ‘queer-themed’ musician and by this I mean that I write from my experiences as a queer person. I always come back to this in my writing. In the past few years, I’ve gone through a change in career, we’ve come out of a pandemic and culture is evolving in different ways so I’ve been writing a lot about that.
Are there particular artists — local or otherwise — who’ve had a major influence on your work?
I’ve had different inspirations for different projects and albums but lately I’m inspired by a lot of classic sounding rock and songwriting. Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Meat Loaf, etc – stuff with great piano hooks, horns and beautiful chord progressions!
You’re known for high-energy and emotionally resonant live shows. What’s your mindset going into a performance?
I always want to connect with the room! Whether it’s a full band gig with my original music, or a piano bar show where I’m doing requests – I try to read the room, catch the vibe and play to that. Sometimes the crowd is hot and ready to have fun, other times it can be a challenge to warm them up. To do this, I have to be flexible and ready for anything. Lately I haven’t been fussing over setlist like I used to. For my piano bar shows I bring no setlist because it’s more fun to decide on the fly what to play based on the crowd, the requests and the energy. With original material I make sure I have options in case the original plan isn’t working for the room!
It’s rare to see someone who performs so much remain so amazingly passionate about it. Even at a casual piano bar show in Marpole, you gave 110% right until the end. What keeps you so passionate about it?
That is so sweet, thank you! I think it’s important to treat each show like a big experience – theatrical, high-energy and engaging. Even the smaller, more casual gigs. I don’t care if there are 15 people or 200 people, I’m going to give it my all for the people who ARE in the room. Why phone it in? Besides, you never know who could be watching and the opportunities that could come out of it.
What are some of your favourite venues to play in Vancouver — and why?
Painted Ship, Numbers Cabaret and Guilt & Co to name a few – I prefer these rooms with a medium sized crowd, where they are excited to experience entertainment and you can connect with the audience in an intimate way.
What’s a guilty pleasure song or artist that always makes it onto your playlist?
Piano Man! It’s predictable (especially when I do Piano bars!) but it’s a beautiful song, with a lovely melody and it’s fun to perform. I don’t get tired of that one.
If you had to play sitting down, could you? (for those reading, Matthew is ALWAYS on his toes when playing – and his calf muscles show it!)
Oh sure! Obviously, I prefer to stand – it is energizing and I can dig deeper into my instrument (also why I break so many keys!). But when you are at a big grand piano you have to sit – it’s a nice change from time to time.
Outside of music, what’s something you’re passionate about that people might not know?
I do a lot of yoga. Helps keep my mind calm and my leg flexible so I can kick it up on the keyboard!
What’s coming up for you this year that people should keep an eye out for? Any releases, collabs, or must-see shows on the horizon?
This year has mostly been about celebrating my newest album, Chosen Sun (released January 2025). We spent a long time working on this one, I’m very proud of it so I’ve been touring and performing the songs, promoting the singles, releasing remixes, etc. This year there is still a LIVE release to come as well as an acoustic EP. Keep an eye on my socials and streaming services for new releases and performances coming up. I play in and around Vancouver a lot so I’d LOVE to see you out at a show.
Thank you so much for taking the time for us. We’re looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Matthew’s a force — thoughtful, funny, wildly talented, and constantly gigging around town. You can catch him all over the city, and we keep his local shows listed on ShowHub so they’re easy to find when the mood hits.