FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 20/02/2025

Matthew Byrne to release new album Stealing Time on April 4th


St. John’s, NL – Matthew Byrne has long been heralded as one of Canada’s finest traditional singers. His rich and powerful vocals, polished guitar style, and ability to find and interpret unique traditional songs have made him a favorite in his native Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. Now, After a long hiatus from the studio and the road, Matthew Byrne is set to release his 4th studio album, Stealing Time.

His latest project brought Byrne to Yellow Arch Studios in Sheffield, UK where he teamed up with folk legend Martin Simpson as producer. The album features instrumentation from some of the finest musicians on the English folk scene, including Nancy Kerr, Andy Cutting, and Liz Hanks.

While the album collects material from various corners of the folk world, it is still firmly rooted in the Newfoundland tradition. Stealing Time continues Byrne’s journey through his mother Linda’s vast repertoire, along with songs collected from Newfoundland folk stalwarts Anita Best and Baxter Wareham and lesser-known tradition bearers like Tobias Pearson and Bridie Judge.

Says Byrne, “It was a dream come true bringing these songs to the Martin and the Sheffield crowd. Many were versions originally derived from the English tradition that existed in isolation here in Newfoundland for ages. So for the English folks, they were familiar and brand new at the same time.”

Byrne also showcases two original compositions, including the deeply personal Dream For Me, featuring a breathtaking harmony arrangement by The Ennis Sisters.

Stealing Time is available as CD, vinyl, digital stream, and download on April 4th, 2025.

For additional information, hi-res images, recorded materials, or interview requests, please contact Roger Lockyer at roger@foleymore.com | 709-746-6825

www.matthewbyrne.net