From opposite sides of the world — Mr Matera based in Melbourne and The Korgis in Europe — demos were sent back and forth, with the musos individually laying down their own tracks.
What came of it, Mr Matera said, was a song delivering a contemporary message, delving into elements of homelessness and inequality.
“Hopefully it leaves people thinking about how we should be looking after each other better and not have this divide between those who have more and those who haven’t,” he said.
With melodies reminiscent of The Beatles and The Beach Boys, it’s only with a second listen that the themes of Always a Sunny Day peep through.
Mr Matera shares the vocals of the single along with playing the lead guitar and backings.
The track will be released under both Mr Matera’s and The Korgis’ bylines in an equal co-write.
Although an experienced musician and music journalist, having just released a novel on the lives of rock stars, Mr Matera said the collaboration was one he had never imagined.
“When I was a kid growing up in Shepparton, there’s no way I would have ever thought I’d be doing a collaboration with the people I grew up listening to,” he said.
The collaboration came to fruition following an interview with The Korgis last year, along with an unlikely association — The Korgis and Mr Matera had a mutual connection to the Goulburn Valley.
Being a former Kyabram resident himself, Mr Matera bonded with The Korgis’ lead guitarist Al Steele, on the Campaspe town being a prime holiday spot.
“It was such an incredible connection, it makes a good story but also makes the song all the better,” Mr Matera said.
Always a Sunny Day is being released on March 4 and will be available on streaming platforms.
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