Interview: Mattykevs

Mattykevs

So Mattykevs, where are you from? What’s your story?

I’m from New York. I grew up in a small town just outside the city. My story is one of overcoming a lot of adversity in order to be where I am today. I worked hard to now say I am a musician and entrepreneur helping others make their dreams come true. I love music and I love seeing people succeed with me. 

How did you come up with your artist name, Mattykevs?

So Mattykevs is actually a combination of my first and last name. It’s sort of like the name people would call out at a party or that my friend group would call me, and it stuck. People sometimes mispronounce it and say “MattyKeys” but it’s “MattyKevs.” 

When and why did you begin making music?

I think my first time making music had to be before I can even remember. It’s always been in my blood and something that runs in my family. I decided to take music seriously when I was about 10 years old and haven’t stopped since. The reason I started making music was because I felt it as a way of expressing myself and also connecting with people around me.

Who has had the most influence on you as an artist?

I think its got to be the bands like Hawthorne Heights, chiodos, or even Silverstein. People don’t expect me to say that when I answer but those screamo bands of the early 2000’s really shaped who I am as a musician and as a person today.

Talk me through your creative process. What goes into producing a Mattykevs smash hit?

For me it’s got to be me in the studio with an engineer or producer that Im already cool and comfortable with. We like to throw mini parties when we record and have a good time. We get snacks and everything and everyone has fun chilling doing whatever while we record. I also like to be alone sometimes and just make music myself. 

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians looking to make a name for themselves?

I would say that they need to make a decision that they will do whatever it takes to make it. That means making sacrifices and putting in work to get to where you want to be. Also being a kind, caring, humble, and the genuine person goes a long way.

What is your most recent release, and what inspired it?

Fiji is my most recent release and it was inspired by a summer of really good times and laughs with friends that also make music. We hit the studio and made music that you can dance to and have fun at a club on a beach somewhere in the Caribbean.  

What are your thoughts on the current state of music? Do you prefer to fit in or are you more of a trendsetter?

I always like to do my own thing in whatever Im doing. As far as the current state of music I think there’s talent out there you just have to know where to find it. I think the industry is changing rapidly with technology and that it’s really interesting to see what’s happening with everything.

When all is said and done, what do you want your legacy to be? How do you want to be remembered?

I want to be remembered as someone who helped others no matter what, and did the right thing to see people succeed. To me success is being happy and content. You’re only as successful as the smile you can bring to someone’s face.

Check out more from Mattykevs on his Instagram and Spotify pages.

tps://open.spotify.com/album/04KIN8iWQlJe0h4fuxqdBq?si=6lWofuXgQwmvFPbmMnuN2Q
https://www.instagram.com/mattykevs

Sebastian

Sebastian was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Saad Mushtaq has contributed to many online publications including the PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Saad Mushtaq earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Saad Mushtaq follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.Thanks