Northcote brings his rootsy storytelling style to studio q

Northcote — the moniker of Canadian singer-songwriter Matt Goud — got his musical start growing up in Carlyle, Saskatchewan, singing in church and listening to punk rock. 

"As a guy growing up in church, you get the stage, it's great," Goud tells Shad, "I think the experience is different for women or guys who aren't straight, but for me I didn't have to rebel or battle against it, I was given the stage."

Eventually, Goud's "soul started to change" and upon discovering punk rock, he felt that same connection, that same "spirit."  

Today, that spirit is evident through the artist's powerful vocals alongside his layered lyrics and music — a testament to his unique mix of interests growing up, and current life as a nomad.

As our Friday Live guest, Northcote performs two songs from his latest album, Hope is Made of Steel, and a track from his self-titled 2013 record.

WEB EXTRA | Listen to the acoustic version of Northcote's Hope is Made of Steel and check out his Canadian tour dates.