About

Mattias Joe

Cellist and Bassist | Classical, Jazz, and Contemporary Musician

     Music has been part of Mattias Joe’s life from the very beginning. Growing up in Vancouver, BC, with a concert pianist for a mother, he was surrounded by music from his earliest days. When it came time to pick an instrument at age five, he chose the cello — not because he knew what it was, but because it sounded like his favourite dessert, Jell-O.

 

     By thirteen, Mattias had discovered the bass, drawn to its deep groove and musical versatility. That choice opened the door to an ever-expanding range of styles — from jazz and classical to pop, rock, Latin, and beyond — and eventually led him to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Music at Vancouver Community College, where he majored in jazz bass and minored in classical cello. Studying under Paul Rushka, John Walsh, and Bo Peng, he honed his skills in performance, theory, and recording, graduating with distinction. During his time at VCC, he was awarded the VCC Entrance Scholarship, Jury Award, Yamaha Music Scholarship, and the Christopher Vincent Shannon Memorial Scholarship.

 

     As a sideman, Mattias has performed across Vancouver and beyond, appearing on stages such as The Chan Centre, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Canada Place, and the Port Theatre in Nanaimo. His collaborations include Luvinya, Julia Skye, Ty Koch, Courtney Hunt, John R. Williams, Delta Choral Society, The Retrolytes, What’s Next Band, and Ten Souljers. From concerts and festivals to weddings and private events, he brings an extensive repertoire and a commitment to elevating every performance.

 

     Alongside bass and cello, Mattias plays double bass, guitar, and sings. His music has taken him to France, Germany, the U.S., and Cambodia — experiences that fuel his passion for connecting with people through music. Whether in a jazz combo, a string quartet, or a high-energy party band, Mattias thrives on collaboration and on bringing artists’ creative visions to life. His dream is simple: to keep following his music wherever it leads, meeting new people, and becoming a better musician every step of the way.