IT might seem strange for a musician on the bill of a blues festival to admit he doesn't really play the blues any more.

But fans of Matt Woosey need not worry - he'll be returning to his roots for his appearance at the Blackburn Blues Festival next Sunday.

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Matt has built up a reputation for his music, touring the length and breadth of the country including major festival appearances this summer.

"A lot of what I am doing at the moment is not particularly blues," said Matt. "But when I get booked for a festival date like Blackburn, I'm more than happy to revert to an out and out blues set.

"Because I'm a solo artist I tend to be on the bill fairly early so I'd normally begin my set with something quite hard-hitting just to grab everyone's attention.

"From there on, it depends on the audience. I tend to see how they react and work around them.

"I think these all day blues festivals are fantastic, I've played several of them before.

"The people are always really friendly and the line-ups are always full of quality musicians.

"You tend to find that you will be on the bill with some artists you have worked with before and that's good as it's a chance to catch up and watch them perform."

Having had yet another busy year, Matt shows no signs of slowing down after his Blackburn appearance.

"I'm going into the studio the week after Blackburn to start recording my 10th album and then we're moving to Germany before Christmas to be near my wife's mother as we're expecting a child soon. We're planning on being out there for a year and then see how it goes.

"The album will be called 30 as that's been a really good age for me and I'll be back in the UK in March for a tour to promote the new album."

Matt has become renowned for his own brand of music - Wooseyblues - but the new album will be different.

"I suppose it's more introspective," he said. "The blues will always be part of what I do but I have been experimenting with different tunings to the guitar and it has given me a whole new soundscape to work with and that has taken me in a different direction.

"A lot of the music I was really into when I first started doesn't really excite me any more. A lot of people have been there and done that.

"I like to keep things fresh and to challenge myself."

Matt Woosey, Blackburn Blues Festival, King George's Hall, Blackburn, Sunday, October 4. Details from 0844 847 1664.