Singer-songwriter Matthew Holtby returns with “Pretending” his first release of 2026
Warkworth, Ontario singer/songwriter Matthew Holby has just released his first track of 2026, “Pretending” and it will take you on an emotional journey forcing you to look inward. Blending indie with equal parts folk-rock and traditional singer-songwriter, Holtby crafts songs that lyrically deal with everyday life; love, loss, the passage of time and reflection. “Pretending” covers all of these bases.
“This is a song about giving yourself the advice you’d want to give others” says Holtby. “There are certain inevitabilities in life that we all must face in one form or another. I’d found myself asking the same questions for a long time, and realizing nobody was going to save me unless I faced the facts and made these choices for myself. It’s about getting over it… whatever it might be.”
The song was produced by Holtby and longtime drummer and musical partner
Terrence Craig Toutant at Matthew’s home studio in Warkworth, Ontario with additional production by Rob DeBoer. It was mixed by Chad Skinner at Half Moon Audio in Toronto.
About Matthew Holtby
Warkworth, Ontario’s Matthew Holtby has been slowly adding to his collection of singles, one song at a time for the past two years. Working with Peterborough Producer, Michael Phillips, the pair have been digging out the sounds Holtby creates on his acoustic guitar with the help of his bandmates, best friends and even his Father. Last year saw the release of two independent singles which caught the ear of the CBC, and also helped to land him a few festival spots. He also had the pleasure of opening for legendary blues rocker David Wilcox to a sold out crowd in his hometown of Oshawa. He’s just released a brand new EP, and is looking forward to a very busy and exciting year ahead.
