Matthew Holtby – Here In My Heart (2026)
With a penchant for storytelling and a way of turning words into moving melodies, singer-songwriter Matthew Holtby offers audiences a place of safety, comfort and understanding with his songs. This might be the first time we’re hearing Canada’s Holtby, but he is an established figure, having released multiple independent pieces, performed with artists like David Wilcox, received rave reviews, and caught the ear of the CBC. Join us as we delve into his most recent single, ‘Here In My Heart’.
Shifting from the folk-tinged tones of previous single ‘Yesterday’, ‘Here In My Heart’ leans toward a pop-rock, almost four minutes of music. Easy and simple, the melody floats along with a harmonic weave of Holtby’s guitar, Craig Faas’ bass, Ken Kucharic’s lead guitar, and Jordon Zadorozny’s keyboards. It’s languid, chilled-out and, well, the song is made for relaxing. Whether it’s the need for a soft mood on a long night drive or when simply staring into the distance, ‘Here In My Heart’ works. Yet, some more intricate elements give the track weight.
Sitting as an anchor in the wistful tune, Terrence Toutant’s drums insert a sense of security; however, the beat contributes to a yearning in its own way – like a heartbeat slowly pounding with confidence and melancholy. It’s this serene duality that makes one think about as well as feel ‘Here In My Heart’. Produced by Holtby and Zadorozny, something sticks as an unpicking of human emotion. This perfectly aligns with the seemingly simple but underlyingly poignant lyricism.
Almost a love song of sorts, Holtby sings: “Yeah, one of us had to break, you said/Everybody knows the truth… Now everyone’s gone/No one explained/They left me here in the rain…” As I said, a love song of sorts but looking at the sadder side of lost love – vulnerability oozing from Holtby’s vocals and Rob DeBoer’s entwined piano.
Sincere, sentimental and heartstring-tugging, but with a hidden solace knowing that you aren’t all alone in this, ‘Here In My Heart’ is the perfect song to drive away Monday blues.
In addition to the single, Matthew Holtby released an official lyrics video for ‘Here In My Heart’. You can view the video below and/or on his YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Matthew Holtby on his official website, YouTube and Spotify.
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