Inspired #402 - Matt Maeson
Having just released his second album ‘Never Had To Leave’ a few months ago - American singer-songwriter Matt Maeson is ready to hit UK shores with a special sold out show at London’s LaFayette on the 1st February.
He took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind his music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
I feel like that’s an ever changing answer. There are people who’ve inspired me so much that now reign superior in my mind and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a lot of then and they’re incredible people. I think I’m prone to people that write of doubt and conflicting ideals. For now, my three tops are Adrienne Lenker, JID and Alex G. For history’s sake it’s Jeff Buckley, Andy Hull and Jim Morrison and Johnny Cash for a fourth because he’s a massive inspiration to me but his writing was simple. I feel like Johnny Cash is a prime example of art vs purpose. A balance I think every artist struggles with.
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
There Will Be Blood is my favorite film. It’s the feeling of uncertainty. I came from a poor family with a rough side and so seeing this grander sense of life through luck and work creating wealth turn sour into heartbreak and loneliness was really impactful to me. It showed me that it simply doesn’t matter. Joy and satisfaction are up to you and you alone.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
I really love Portland. It’s like every fucked up person went there and they’re all searching for something they’ll never get but they’ll never stop searching. It’s sad and happy at the same time. A strange city but a loving one.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
My uncle Andrew Lamar Mason. He lived his short life wildly. He grew up as a criminal and quickly learned the impact he could have and made that impact. He was killed shortly thereafter. He truly instilled a matter of purpose in my life and many others. The purpose of just being there.
What were your inspirations when writing your new album?
Everything I guess? I was just so fed up with the industry style of making an album and let the writing come out and it came out like an absolute eclectic all over the place mess and we put it together like a puzzle and it felt so cathartic. It’s simply about everything I learned in those three years.
How would you like to inspire people?
I want to inspire people in a way that makes them feel closer to their purpose. I’m able to write and sing about things that I can’t talk about and it’s shown me that vulnerability is the only way to grow. So I guess I hope that my music makes people more willing to be vulnerable.
