Matoma – Hakuna Matoma

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I get influenced by a lot of music. I don’t think that much about it. I think every artist has their own unique sound. I like the sound of bongos. And I produce and make my own sounds so when I went to the university for music production I made my own saxophone. Then, I made my own plug-ins to use it. I usually don’t think about the sounds I end up making or producing or having in my songs. It comes really natural. A lot of my songs come from other productions I have, but every song has something special that you can really tell it is Matoma. So, that is a unique signature of my song. Everyone that listens to my song says, “Oh, that is Matoma.”

Q) What is your song writing process like?

A) Sometimes I get sent demos from my A&R and the label. If it is a very stripped down version of a song, we’ll add vocals and maybe a guitar or just a pad or piano. Then, if I like the idea I hold off the vocals and try to continue without them and they can make their own production and arrangement of the song. That’s one way to do it. Another way is to go into the studio with songwriters and start to write the song in the studio. I’m not really good with lyrics, but I’m really good on beats and what the song can be about. I usually only do the production, melodies and the chords. Then, I have a singer and songwriter in the studio with me.

Q) The song you have out now is “False Alarm” with Becky Hill. How did you come to work together?

A) That was my A&R in England. They pitched the song to my manager and the demo. I really loved the idea so we called back to management to ask if it was possible to make a demo and the production. I made the production and everyone seemed to really like it. Then, I went into the studio and finished it with Becky. We released it and people have been really nice with their feedback and comments. It’s overwhelming to see how people have reacted to the song. I’m grateful. Also, Becky is such a talent and her voice is just amazing. So, to have her on one of my Matoma records is humbling. It is a really nice song. We released the song on a show on Norway that is a television show and also a concert. Seventy-five thousand people were attending and one million people were watching on the TV. We released it the same day and we also performed it on June 1^st.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans really respond to?

A) I think it is the emotion in the song. People really connect with the lyrics and the production and with the drop. It has a lot of feelings and you can feel the passion and the emotion in the song. I think that is what really is nice about the song. Also, with Becky’s voice. It’s such a unique song. It’s a sound that is really fresh. I think people are just mind blown when they hear the song. When I first heard her sing, I got goosebumps and I was overwhelmed with feelings because her voice is so powerful.

Q) How does the video play into that message of the song?

A) The video is also very emotional and it is about two people in a love story. Two people love each other, but it is hard for them to be together because of circumstances. It shows the emotions of the song. It’s a really beautiful production.

Q) Where did the album name Hakuna Matoma come from?

A) That’s a funny story. How I got my artist name was one of the reasons why I wanted to call my album Hakuna Matoma because my brother came up with the name. After a concert, he threw out the name “Matoma.” He wanted to say “hakuna matata,” but instead he said “hakuna matoma.” I thought it sounded like a really cool name. It’s just for fun. I think a lot of artists take themselves very seriously and forget why they started in music. It’s all about an image or brand. They want to be cool. I just want to be a fun guy that people can connect with and relate to. You shouldn’t take life too seriously because it is all about joy, happiness, having good energy and spreading love. To me, it came naturally to have that name. The artwork is also very happy and uplifting.

Q) What are some other songs off the album that are your favorites?

A) “Running Out” and I also love the Akon song. I love “Stick Around” and the Wale track. Every song I make is special. I release it for a special moment. Every song means a lot to me. So, it’s hard for me to say what is my favorite. I like every song I make because it has a story.

Q) What can fans expect from a live Matoma performance?

A) The best time of their life! It’s great music. You will be in a good mood and have a blast. It’s all about the good vibes. Also, my production starts to really kick off and music is really good now. It’s a show where people can really start to enjoy themselves. There is a tour coming up in September to October and we’re bringing a lot of effects and new content and songs. We’re going to have a party! That’s why I called it Party At Your Place!

Q) You have worked with a lot of amazing artists. Who would you most like to collaborate with in the future?

A) Yeah, I’d like to work with Will Smith. I managed to make a remix of his song “Miami” and his Suicide Squad costar Margot Robbie told him in a magazine that “Wild Wild West” remixed by Matoma was her favorite song. So, maybe in the future I’ll be able to make a song by him.

Q) What do you hope fans take away from listening to your album?

A) The message is spread the love. That’s Matoma.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) I would say that without my fans and supporters there would be no Matoma and I mean that with all of my heart. Since day one, I’ve had so much love and support from everyone with my music. That has really kept me going. It’s a hard life being an artist traveling all over the world. You almost never see your family and your fans. You are always on an airplane and in hotel rooms. It gets lonely. To be able to meet fans at shows and hear their stories and see their faces when we play and get messages from them…I try to read every message, but it is hard to answer every one because there are so many. But I really, really am grateful for all the messages people are sending me and all the people loving my music. Of course, there will always be some haters. There will always be haters. There are always people, but I think that is jealousy. If you hate on a person then the person is doing something right because they have your attention.