Matthew Jay

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Matthew Jay was an English singer-songwriter known for his indie folk-pop style. Born Graham Matthew Jay on 10 October 1978 in Plymouth, he released his debut album Draw in 2001. A posthumous collection, Further Than Tomorrow, appeared in 2008. He died on 25 September 2003 after falling from his seventh-floor flat in Willesden, London.

Jay grew up as the son of two folk musicians, Hilary and Tony Jay. The family moved to Abergavenny in Wales when he was ten. He played bass in his parents’ folk band with his brother Eddy and began writing songs at 15. His early influences included The Beatles, Queen, David Bowie and The Beach Boys.

In 1998, Jay met Martyn Watson, an A&R executive, and soon signed with EMI’s Food Records. He moved to Nottingham to work on his music, collaborating with local players and producers. He released two EPs in 2000 and his debut album Draw in 2001, which earned strong critical praise and drew comparisons to artists like Nick Drake and Elliott Smith. He toured with bands such as Doves, Starsailor, Lowgold, Stereophonics and Dido, and began work on new material.

In 2002 Jay parted ways with EMI and his management. His second album was never released, despite collaborations with several well-known songwriters. He returned to study in London, pursuing a master’s degree in Audio Production at the University of Westminster, but did not complete it. On 25 September 2003 he died after his fall from his London flat; an inquest returned an open verdict.

After his death, Jay’s family started Jays Music and released a non-album collection, Matthew Jay: Too Soon, in 2004. A digital single, What Would Love Do Now?, appeared in 2006. In 2008, Further Than Tomorrow, a collection of his unfinished songs, was released with help from producers and musicians who worked with him. Proceeds supported charities such as UNICEF. A tribute concert was held in London in 2008 to celebrate his music.