Decca Records signs Voice contestant Matthew Garwood

The Voice contestant Matthew Garwood has signed to Decca Records following the label’s local launch in August.

Robert Rigby, Executive Manager A&R, Decca Records Australia told TMN: "2014 sees the official launch of Decca Records Australia as a new player on the domestic scene with local Australian signings.

“Matthew breaks the mould in his adult contemporary music genre with his debut album performing classic songs from the stage and pop world of yesterday. This young artist is living proof that you can’t judge a book by its cover, totally original and talented."

After winning over viewers of the singing contest with his rendition of All I Ask Of You from The Phantom of The Opera, Garwood managed to hit 850,000 YouTube views and is now set to release his debut album, The Tattooed Tenor.

Speaking of his new affiliation with Decca Records, Matthew said: “To be on one of the world’s most iconic labels that has had a legion of great artists, from The Rolling Stones to Pavarotti, is a true honour.”

The upcoming record is set to contain a duet with rising New Zealand singer, Toni Gibson, along with an additional homage to classic ballads like Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and Nat King Cole’s Smile.

Hailing from Launceston in Tasmania, Garwood nurtured his love for performing, progressing from school choirs to touring with heavy metal bands, and then training in both the musical theatre and classical disciplines.

His versatility and rich, almost baritonal timbre has seen him tackle the role of lead performer at Australia’s longest-running and most successful cabaret venue Dracula’s, while also scoring him notable musical roles like Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, Marius in Les Misérables, Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Matthew Garwood has said he is also releasing a clothing line.

The Tattooed Tenor is set to be released on November 7.