Joe Matera

Before joining Geisha, Matera was the lead guitarist of classic rock band Double Vision, from 2003 to 2008.

[4] He has interviewed bands and celebrities including Aerosmith, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Kiss, Queen, Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi and Black Sabbath.

[5][6][7] Matera was born in Kyabram and took up the guitar at age 15, teaching himself how to play along the records of his parents collection and the sounds of the bands of his day.

After releasing three further singles and an album with Geisha, Matera decided to quit the band to pursue a solo career in late 2010.

[12] In 2011 he signed to European-based label W.A.R Productions, where he released the EP "Slave to the Fingers" which featured guest performances by Rick Brewster (The Angels), Mick McConnell (Smokie) and Tony Dolan (VENOM).

[14] Aside from his solo career, Matera has contributed guitar to a number of international recordings such as Atomkraft, and their cover of Thin Lizzy's "Cold Sweat".

[24] In December 2015, Matera received a Commended Entry Award in the 'Rock' category of the 2015 UK Songwriting Contest with "Feel Your Love".

[30] Matera embarked on his sixth European tour in April–May 2019,[31] While in Stockholm, he became the first Australian musician to record music at Sunlight Studio, where he worked with producer Tomas Skogsberg.

[33] Matera released the single "Inside Looking Out" in October 2021, which features Don Powell of Slade fame on drums and Janne Borgh on bass.

[34] Matera's autobiography, Backstage Pass: The Grit and the Glamour, was released in October 2021 by the UK publisher Empire Publications.