Every Second Counts at Matthias Barter's Concert

Every Second Counts at Matthias Barter’s Concert

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Singer/Songwriter Matthias Barter called his tour “Every Second Counts” and this is how it was when a person’s attended Matthias Barter’s July 12 Concert at Vegreville Sunshine Club Center as time seemed to go by so quickly during his performances.

Matthias grew up just outside of Chipman and he now lives in Ottawa, Ontario. Matthias said his father first inspired him to pursue music and later, he continued with music because it was a way to deal with the first time he broke up with a girlfriend. He started writing songs to get over this woman and it really helped. So after that, Matthias kept writing songs which have been a really good tool for processing strong emotions or events that came up in his life.

Later, he wrote some happy songs because it brought people joy. “My diversity of emotions in my songs can be quite broad. I have a lot of light, fluffy songs but I also have a lot of songs which touch on really intense issues like divorce or the death of loved ones. Most of my songs have a story behind them because a lot of my songs are based on real-life experiences that people can identify with. I hope the people find my music enjoyable and relaxing but I also want some of the deeper songs to be something which the audience can identify and connect with and can help them make it through something they are dealing with in their life. Then I will consider my concert successful.”

Matthias is able to help people this way in his daily life as he has a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a career working with handicapped people. He plans to go back to school in the fall to obtain a Master Degree in Counseling. “No matter what I do with my life, music will always be part of it. I won’t be relying on music as my main source of income however because that might take the joy out of it.”

And Matthias did create joy with his expressive voice and his smooth and melodious performances which brought about the ideal soundscape for reflection and enlightenment. On many of Matthias’ songs, he was accompanied by the lovely voice of his sister, Mariah which complimented his music perfectly.

Matthias’s first song was called, ‘Coffee Shop’ which showcased a touch of the authentic voice and creative style of Matthias’s music and songwriting which the audience would experience throughout his performances.

Before each song, Matthias told brief anecdotes about what the songs were about.

Matthias’s second song, ‘Days Passing By’ was about wasting time.

His third song, ‘Sinking’ was about the growth Matthias needed to make in his life.

Matthias’s fourth song, ‘Outside’ was based on an argument he had about what was more romantic- rain or snow.

The evening continued with many more songs. Some of these were energetic with strong rhythms to them while others continued to carry a relaxed feel to them.

During intermission, people offered their impression. Anne Bilyk said Matthias has a beautiful voice. “I think Matthias is great; he is able to express himself so well through the songs he writes as they are from his heart. I am enjoying the concert.”

Al Houle said he enjoyed the concert as it had a nice, soft sound. It was very enjoyable, relaxing, and easy on the ears.