Having already established himself with a wealth of warm and riveting releases these last few years, Baltimore-based artist Matt's Keys is back once again to deliver his soaring new single 'I Won't Forget'.
Bringing back more of that rich and shimmering piano-led aesthetic he has built for himself recently, 'I Won't Forget' makes for a wonderfully bold and euphoric listen. With its sweet and tender textures perfectly elevating some wondrous vocals throughout, he is certainly one to keep a firm eye on for the months ahead 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?
Keyboard and piano.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
A little bit of everything, but I especially liked alternative, classic, punk rock, pop, and lots of music from the 80s.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Weezer (the Blue Album).
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I usually start with a simple melody that is either meant to be sung or played on piano. Any time I think of a vocal melody that seems interesting, I’ll record myself singing it on my phone. So at any given time, my phone might be filled with random little videos of a table or blank wall with me humming or singing gibberish in the background.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’ve recently found myself returning to some old favourite alternative groups, like Incubus and Linkin Park. On the more pop side of things, I’ve been enjoying listening to Bebe Rexha and Maisie Peters.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Great question! I’ll have to say Billy Joel.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Any time someone says that they can relate to one of my songs on a personal level, or that it impacted them in a positive way. This could mean helping someone get through a difficult time, providing motivation to pursue something, or just giving someone a new song to enjoy in their free time. Even just one comment like this really makes the songwriting and music making process worthwhile.
And what is the most frustrating part?
One of the most frustrating parts is my inner critic that can sometimes try to discourage me from pursuing songwriting and putting new music out there. I do think it’s important to be humble and willing to reflect and grow. But I try to remember that completing any music project can be its own form of success, and I’ll ultimately be a better (and happier) songwriter if I can take some of the pressure off and enjoy the journey.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
This applies to not just music but life in general-focus on the things you can control. While I can’t really control how many streams my song gets, I can control whether I put my available energy and effort into making that song as good as it can be. I’m trying to set more of those kinds of goals that I can control, which I hope will lead to a better mindset overall.
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Matt's Keys' new single 'I Won't Forget' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.