When we heard Mathew V debut album ‘The Fifth’, we instantly knew that we wanted to have a conversation with him. We discuss his writing process, inspirations, social media and of course his music. Enjoy our chat with the talented Mathew V below:
How is everything Mathew? Thank you for answer our questions.
Of course! The pleasure is all mine. Thank you for having me!
Who’s Mathew V as an artist?
I’m an honest, vocal forward, melody-focused pop artist! I like to have fun with what I’m doing and especially on social media.
Can you tell us about your writing process and your main inspirations?
Writing is a really great way for me to deal with my emotions. Its a way for me to release them and move on, and it’s a nice way to take a sonic polaroid of a moment in my life. I typically write hooks into my voice notes app on my phone! Then I’ll bring them home or to the studio and pull the pieces together at the piano.
How important is for you to use music as a way of self-exploration and self-understanding?
Its super important. I’ve learned so much about myself through writing music. Listening back to a song I’ve written is like holding up a mirror to myself. Sometimes I like what I see, and sometimes I don’t. I get to learn, grow and edit myself from this process which is a super cool experience.
Who would you say is the artist who has inspired you the most?
I grew up listening exclusively to Celine Dion and Shania Twain. I think that listening to them as a child, really allowed my brain to learn and pick up an appreciation for great melodies, vocals and pop writing.
You were classically trained from seven to seventeen. How has that influenced the way you sing pop music?
100%… I had to do a lot of work to de-train myself in a way. You don’t want to sing pop music like an opera singer. But none the less I know I wouldn’t be a singer if it weren’t for my training. I built so many skills in that time, and I’m so grateful that it built the voice I have today.
Social media is such an essential tool for young artists like you, how do you manage your online presence and your relationship with the fans?
I spend waaaay to much time on my phone haha! I love interacting with the people out there supporting me. If someone loves my songs, that means that they understand something that I was feeling or that I went through. They connect… and in that sense, I connect and understand them all the same.
It’s been almost two months since the release of ‘The Fifth’, how has been the reception? Has it exceeded your expectations?
It’s been received very well, and I’m so happy to have it out there and have it resonating like it has been. I always hold myself to a really high standard, and I never want to feel comfortable. Whats really nice is I now get to set new goals and work towards bigger and better things!
How different is the Mathew V who released the ‘Sounds’ EP in 2016 to the Mathew V of ‘The Fifth’?
He can now grow a patchy moustache! haha…. in all seriousness, I feel so much stronger now. Less insecure and I’m feeling really stable on my own two feet. It’s a really nice space to be moving forward.
Can you tell us if they gonna be another single from the album? Or maybe a future tour around North America or even Europe to promote ‘The Fifth’?
There just may be! I’m taking every day at a time and the opportunities as they come. But we are definitely playing shows, and you will hopefully see me around in the future!
What are your goals for the rest of the year?
I’ve been working on a bunch of new music. Really pushing myself and my limits and I’m really excited about what’s coming out of it. I just want to keep working hard and improving every day. If I wake up every day better than the day before, that’s all I can ask for.
And the last question. What’s the most important thing you’d want to tell people about you and your music?
It’s okay! Haha… I just want people to give it a shot. If it can help them through a hard time, if they think back to a fond memory, or even if they just find their foot tapping… I think I’ve done my job.
You can follow Mathew V on: Twitter // Facebook // Instagram
Our review of ‘The Fifth’ is available here.
