Having already made a name for himself after working with Portishead in the studio, and performing live with the likes of Razorlight and Fionn Regan, Somerset-based singer-songwriter Matt Wescott is now looking to bring his vibrant sound to the wider world on his uplifting debut single 'Nice To Meet You'.
Channelling a wonderfully fresh and euphoric pop-rock aesthetic for his initial offering, 'Nice To Meet You' makes for a rousing introduction to his direction. With his warm and breezy voice layered across a shimmering production throughout, he is kicking things off with a brilliantly rich and mesmerising opening number here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I remember watching a guy play drums live in a brass band concert that my sister’s boyfriend was playing in when I was a kid. He was amazing and I wanted to play drums from that moment! It was really inspiring.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
It sounds a bit cliched but I genuinely loved and still love all sorts of music. As a young adult I liked going to alternative clubs because I got to hear the latest as well as classic indie, rock, hip-hop and big beat all on the same night. I like things with a good beat and a good melody. The genre isn’t particularly important to me.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I remember listening to my mum’s Beatles vinyl as well as my sister’s Blondie and Clash tapes but the first album I remember owning myself was ‘The Bends’ by Radiohead.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I’m not sure but one that springs to mind is ‘Timeless Melody’ by The La’s. I love that whole album to be fair. I’m very happy with the songs I write though. I just need to get more of them recorded and released!
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really. I just try to follow the inspiration. So, if the melody comes first I try and find exactly that melody on whatever instrument I have to hand (usually guitar these days) and find chords to compliment it. If the lyrics come first I go with that and write a poem first. Sometimes I’m noodling and a riff or chord sequence starts to form. For me, it’s important to keep it fresh. Something I have started doing is recording the inspiration as soon as I can on my phone so I can work on it at a later date.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I really like the new blur album and have also gotten into Holly Humberstone, Pastel, Nothing But Thieves and Marseille a bit this year.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
In dreamland maybe Oasis when they reform!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I find it very satisfying to create something from nothing and to be able to express myself through my music. It is also incredibly rewarding when my songs connect with other people.
And what is the most frustrating part?
It is quite a long process from creating the original song to getting it ‘out there’. Although I guess that will get quicker now I have everything set up.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Two of the best musicians I know personally both have a burning desire to keep learning and keep getting better. That’s definitely great advice.
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Matt Wescott's debut single 'Nice To Meet You' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.