Matthew C. Whitaker shares new single “Chestnut Tree"

Manchester-based musician Matthew C. Whitaker returns with Chestnut Tree, the second single from his forthcoming album “Songs for the Weary”. A miniature song brimming with gentle, jaunty charm and a nostalgic sense of Englishness, Chestnut Tree offers a moment of calm reflection, carried by intimate vocals, lilting classical guitar, and warm, understated instrumentation.

You can check out the animated video for Chestnut Tree on YouTube below:

Approaching the theme of anxiety about confrontation with warmth and whimsy, the track transforms quiet moments of unease into something wistfully reassuring. Blissful and unhurried, it sits comfortably within the serene emotional world of “Songs for the Weary” — an eight-track album created as a soothing retreat for listeners in need of rest.

Known for his work with boundary-pushing prog-rave outfit HENGE, Whitaker takes a contrasting path here, favouring restraint and subtlety. Co-produced with longtime friend and neighbour Alan Keary (Shunya), the album highlights Whitaker’s quieter side: thoughtful, melodic, and quietly affecting.

Matthew’s new album “Songs for the Weary is the follow up to debut “The Man With The Anvil Hat” released in 2016 and is available on 10” vinyl, CD and on digital formats. Out on 13th February 2026 it is available to order now on Bandcamp HERE.

The live show will blend the eight delicate tracks from the new album with highlights from Whitaker’s 2016 debut, “The Man with the Anvil Hat”, alongside a solo set by Shunya and reimagined versions of some HENGE songs.

Matthew C. Whitaker (HENGE) with Shunya

14/02 – Leeds, Hyde Park Book Club

15/02 - The Golden Lion, Todmorden

17/02 – Liverpool, Kazimier Stockroom

18/02 – Edinburgh, Leith Depot

19/02 – Newcastle, Cobalt Studios

20/02 – Sheffield, Cafe No9 (SOLD OUT)

02/03 – Nottingham, The Grove

03/03 – Totnes, Barrelhouse

04/03 – Falmouth, Cornish Bank

05/03 – Bristol, The Jam Jar

07/03 – London, MOTH Club