Matt Sellick shares new single, “Drink from the Fountain”

Jenna Melanson·October 6, 2025

Flamenco Virtuoso and MVP Guitarist of Jesse Cook’s Band Matt Sellick Releases “Drink from the Fountain” from Watching the Sky

Matt Sellick is widely recognized by discerning audiences as the MVP guitarist in Jesse Cook’s internationally renowned ensemble, a position that requires not only flawless technique but also a rare depth of musical intuition. To play alongside Cook is to exist in a crucible of precision and passion, where every note must balance virtuosity with emotional immediacy. It is within this demanding environment that Sellick has distinguished himself, quietly amassing a reputation as one of Canada’s most gifted and versatile guitarists.

Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Sellick’s roots trace back to the rugged landscapes along Lake Superior, environments that continue to inspire his writing. After earning his HBMus at Lakehead University in 2013, he immersed himself in the flamenco heartlands of Spain, studying with master guitarists and absorbing the genre at its source. His formative time in Madrid and Granada provided the foundation for the artistry he now shares with audiences around the world.

“When I first went to Spain, I felt as if I had finally found the beginning of my path,” Sellick recalls. “Everything about the experience—the narrow streets, the sound of flamenco echoing from balconies, and the friendships I made—showed me the kind of musician I wanted to be.”

Upon returning to Canada, Sellick became a fixture in his hometown, performing as a soloist with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and presenting intimate solo concerts. These years gave him the chance to experiment with orchestration and develop a growing catalogue of original work that reflected both discipline and imagination.

In 2019, Sellick moved to Toronto, marking the beginning of a new phase in his career. Joining Jesse Cook’s touring band, he performed across Canada, in more than twenty U.S. states, and in eight European countries. These experiences refined his artistry to a razor’s edge.

“My years with Jesse Cook’s band taught me what it means to perform at the highest level,” Sellick reflects. “Every night demanded absolute precision and passion—it sharpened me as both a guitarist and a musician.”

Yet alongside this high-profile work, Sellick was quietly crafting another repertoire. For over a decade, he orchestrated his guitar works for full symphony, a project that culminated in *Watching the Sky*, released in June 2025. The album represents both a return to his musical roots in Thunder Bay, where the Symphony gave him his first orchestral stage, and a bold step forward into a new sound world.

“With *Watching the Sky*, I wanted to show people the music I’ve been quietly building for a decade,” he explains. “Flamenco is still my heartbeat, but now it’s in dialogue with the orchestra, with landscapes, with memory. It feels like opening a door to a new chapter.”

The single “Drink from the Fountain” holds special resonance. Inspired by advice he once received from Toronto flamenco guitarist Nicolas Hernandez, the title refers to traveling to Spain to study at the source of the music.

“That phrase—‘drink from the fountain’—has stuck with me my whole life,” Sellick says. “It reminds me of buying my first flamenco guitar in Madrid, of seeing the Alhambra, of the mentors who shaped me.”

Sellick’s compositions echo personal milestones: the sleepless night before purchasing his first flamenco guitar, the friendships formed in Spanish mountain towns, and the gratitude for those who opened doors along the way.

“It reminds me of where I’ve been, what I want to learn, and where I want to go,” he adds. “Every time I play it, I feel that sense of discovery again.”

The response to his orchestral premieres has been remarkable, with audiences celebrating the seamless integration of flamenco textures and symphonic grandeur. His collaborations with conductor Evan Mitchell and percussionist Marito Marques further highlight the social, collaborative spirit of his music.

“In flamenco, everyone supports one another, but each person gets their moment to be the soloist,” Sellick notes. “That’s what I wanted this album to reflect.”

What once seemed like an undercurrent in his career now emerges as a defining statement: Sellick is poised not only as a master interpreter of flamenco guitar, but as a composer with a distinctive orchestral voice. His trajectory suggests an artist on the cusp of wider recognition, one whose music bridges cultures and traditions.

Touring remains central to this momentum. Audiences will have the chance to hear his new work live in a series of performances across Canada, and internationally as part of Jesse Cook’s acclaimed ensemble. These concerts will showcase Sellick’s rare gift: the ability to connect intimacy and virtuosity with expansiveness and grandeur.