Inspired #462 - Matt Hansen
Fast becoming one of America's most notable exports - singer-songwriter Matt Hansen has just announced that his debut album 'Orchid' will be out this summer.
He provided us with the final taster with new single 'Vision' - which sees him capturing the deeply personal spirit of Orchid, the new track channels uncertainty into something hopeful, reminding listeners that they can always find their way again. Orchid is an exceptionally honest and vulnerable body of work that reiterates Matt’s sharpened lyrical ability, exploring the trials and tribulations that come with a deeply complicated relationship. Across 18 unforgettable tracks, he creates a sense of connection and community through his songwriting, encouraging men to express their emotions and proving that being vulnerable isn’t a weakness.
He took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind his music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
Coldplay - They’ve been my biggest musical inspiration since before I could speak in complete sentences. I used to listen to Parachutes on the way to pre-school in the car with my parents and just daydream while looking out the window. The way that their melodies and lyrics make you feel is like nothing else.
Bon Iver - His voice and songwriting is second to none. I feel every single word he sings and I will always chase the way that he makes people feel. I love artists who make you believe everything they’re saying and he is prime example of someone who does just that.
Sam Fender - A modern day Bruce Springsteen with one of the greatest voices I’ve heard. He writes such specific lyrics that somehow are so generally relatable. Every song he writes is a beautiful poem that could stand on its own and I love how hard he digs into your soul.
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
I’ve always loved “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” It’s such a beautiful and heartbreaking love story that explores a concept that people think about so often. What would happen if you erased them from your memory forever? I love to write about that kind of pain and love of wanting someone back in your life but not being sure how to make that happen. It’s a beautiful nostalgia.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
It’s such a common answer but New York. I think you just get to experience being human the most in the shortest amount of time. Everything is happening so fast and most of my songs are actually written about moments that have happened in New York. It seems to bring out the best and the worst of everyone and I find that interestingly to experience.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
I’ve always been inspired by Chris Martin. He has such a gift of bringing people together and making them feel like they’re a part of a community. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do with my music.
What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
I was really inspired by Sam Fender and Noah Kahan for this new song. I’ve been loving the push into this folk rock space and really wanted this song to feel like that too. That hopeful feeling belongs in folk music and rock music and I wanted to put it all together.
How would you like to inspire people?
I would love to inspire people to give themselves a little bit more grace and have hope for the future. Life can completely suck sometimes so it’s important to go easy on yourself and make sure you take care of your own wellbeing.
