Matthew Jay (1978–2003) was an English singer-songwriter whose emotionally honest lyrics, distinctive melodies and guitar-led compositions continue to resonate with listeners.

Growing up in Abergavenny, Matthew spent much of his youth performing bass and fiddle with his family's ceilidh band, gaining valuable experience as a live musician. This grounding in traditional music would later influence the distinctive melodies and harmonies that became a hallmark of his songwriting, which he began at the age of 16.

At just 21, he signed both a publishing deal with EMI Music Publishing and a recording contract with EMI Records—remarkably before performing a public concert of his own original songs.

His debut album, Draw, received widespread critical acclaim, earning praise including four stars from Q magazine. He went on to tour throughout the UK, Europe, North America and Canada, sharing stages with artists including Starsailor, Doves, Travis, Dido, Tracy Chapman, The Divine Comedy and Shelby Lynne, and appeared on Later... with Jools Holland, BBC Radio 1's Mark and Lard and Jo Whiley's Live Lounge.

Matthew's catalogue has been further revealed through posthumous releases including too... soon and Further Than Tomorrow, the latter featuring songs recovered from his personal recordings. His work reflects an enduring gift for combining lyrical depth with memorable melodies, qualities that continue to connect with audiences today. The catalogue also includes the standalone single Our Time, produced by Kevin Bacon and Jonathan Quarmby and mixed by Michael Brauer at Quad Recording Studios in New York.

Matthew Jay’s songs remain available for recording, sync licensing and creative collaboration, introducing a new generation of artists and audiences to his distinctive body of work.