There’s nothing like a little music to set the mood, and nothing says I love you like sipping drinks with your significant other while Toronto singer-songwriter Matthew Barber plays an intimate concert at the Drake. The dreamy man himself will be offering something for every kind of Valentine: one night, he and his band will play a rollicking set, and the next, he’ll slow things down for an acoustic solo performance. We talked to him about California, keeping it local, and what to do if Elvis tries to steal your girl.

SDTC:  What’s on your Valentine’s Day playlist? 
Matt Barber: Songs about California, because I’m heading there for a little trip the next day.

Have you ever pulled off a Valentine’s date you were proud of? 
Yes, but nothing too extravagant.  A candle-lit meal with wine and some chocolate usually leads to good things. 

If you could have one artist, living or dead, serenade you and a lady for a Valentine’s surprise, who would it be? 
Elvis Presley.  But I would have to keep a tight hold on the lady.

What are you most looking forward to about the two-night stand at The Drake? 
Playing my heart out in an intimate setting that’s just down the road from where I live. 

You’re performing with your band the first night, and solo the second-what changes about your performing experience and your approach to the night when you’re up there on your own? 
They will be quite different shows.  With the band it will be more musically dynamic and fun on stage.  But I really enjoy playing solo as well.  I can play a wider range of songs and have a more intimate connection with the audience.

Matthew Barber plays The Drake Underground at 8 pm on Saturday, February 12th and Sunday, February 13th