A lot has changed in the dance music industry, and the world in general, since Norwegian producer and DJ matoma last released an album. At that time, Matoma was on a wave of tropical house music with pop touches. Now, Matoma returns to his club's roots with love for rhythm.
We had the opportunity to have a friendly chat with Matoma about his new album, his relevance in the ever-changing dance music industry, and his upcoming new book. Watch our interview below.
Thanks for chatting with us Tom. Tell us how you first got into music and how you originally broke into the dance music industry.
“As far as music goes, I started very early. I started playing the piano when I was seven and around nine I really wanted to become a classical pianist, but then at 16 I think I had practiced too much. I felt a lot of pressure on myself, so I told my family, I told my dad and my mom, I really want to take a break from piano and maybe do other things.
And my dad, he really felt sincere, he was eager to let me know that I shouldn't put the music on the shelf, maybe I should do something else with the music. Then he showed me a documentary about Stargate, two Norwegian guys who moved to New York to pursue their dream of producing.
And they've produced with Beyonce, Rhianna, all the big names. Then he showed me a documentary about these two guys and I immediately wanted to start producing music, and that was when I was 16. And I've been making music ever since. But the whole EDM, and more so the electronic music scene, maybe when I was 23.”
Congratulations for love for rhythm. It's a great album and also a great title. Tell us how your music and production style has changed since your last album in 2018. How do you adapt to the ever-changing tastes in dance music while maintaining a signature sound?
“I think that as an artist it is very important to have a sense of connection with yourself, with your soul, to make music that pleases you, but also to evolve as an artist; Over the years, if I make a song, I made it, I need to make something new, fresh. And, for me, after 'One in a Million' I really wanted to make more music that I grew up with. The most danceable, most trancey, most progressive sound.
And 'Sodium Sky' came from there, 'Bittersweet', 'Break My Own Heart', all these records were shaped from my cabin, looking at the Northern Lights. Inspired by nature and Norwegian folk music and melodies. I've really tried to implement those elements into my dance songs and really show people my culture, the music that I grew up with.
Combine it with the current sound with a new type of mix and it really felt like it was the right time to express myself. But, this year, I'm so excited, I'm so ready to get out on the dance floor and I actually played a couple of new records here tonight and they really stood out.”
Fresh off a full album, what new music can fans expect from you in 2024?
“I think with regards to music for 2024, 2023 for me was a very experimental year, I became a little darker, in myself I had to bring out a lot of these feelings. This year is about reconnecting with good vibes. Giving people the Ibizan-summer atmosphere. And, again, a couple of the songs I joked about here tonight had that vibe. So, I'm very excited and excited about this year. “I'm not saying I'm going to make the best dance album of 2024, but I'm sure I'll try.”
How has the tour been so far to promote the album? When was the last time you were here in Los Angeles? Any favorite restaurants you have to visit when you're here?
“The mini tour has been incredible, we've done New York, we've done Chicago, we've done San Francicso, it's actually been eight months since I was last here. And the vibe was the same, it was so good, I don't know what it is about the LA crowds, but they're so amazing, something about the vibe here.
When I'm here in Los Angeles I really like to eat Mexican food, I love Japanese, ramen and sushi, I really love Mediterranean, I think Los Angeles has the best Mediterranean food, like shish kebab, shawarma, I love shawarma .“
I always like to ask the artists I interview if they have any book, streaming, or podcast recommendations.
“So, I'm actually going to publish a book. In one month, March 1st, it's called 'Never Good Enough', so being a touring artist, for 10 years now, I've learned from a lot of different experiences on tour. I have met so many different people, vivid stories, inspiring stories, but things that make you really appreciate life. And I think young people right now need guidance. They're very focused on what's ahead and what's behind, but they don't live in the now, and I think it's very important for them to focus on being present, listening to their heart, listening to themselves, not listening to everyone. of the noise.
So, I'm actually writing a book that is 10 different stories about my life, in moments that changed my life, crossroads where I have had to make big decisions, based on my spirit, my soul. And I want to share that, I hope it can resonate with today's younger generation and give them some inspiration to believe in themselves, trust their own inner spirit and look in the mirror and say, “I'm okay.” enough.'“
Who are some of the artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?
“I would never say no to a collaboration with Chris Martin, that would be sick. Or, Will Smith, take him back to Miami.”
Tell the fans they didn't get what they missed tonight?
“You missed a party full of good vibes, all about spreading love. What you can expect from me from now on is all about good vibes, bringing back those good records where you can sing along, have a good time, just kick back and relax. “Kill outside.”
Check out Matoma's latest studio album love for rhythm, now available on the Matoma label of the same name. Matoma also has a few more North American dates on the Love for the Beat tour.
February 21 – F Cancer FSU – Tallahassee, FL
February 23 – TAO Chicago – Chicago, IL
February 24 – Harrah's – Atlantic City, New Jersey
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