
After spending the last few months knocking out a flurry of fresh and enticing offerings, emerging artist Matti Charlton returns once again to deliver the sweeping new effort 'Dark Addiction'.
Bringing back more of that dense and atmospheric direction they are known for, 'Dark Addiction' makes for a wonderfully compassionate listen. Filled with sensual tones and breezy hooks throughout, be prepared to have this one stuck in your head for months afterwards.
So with the new single out and about, we sat down with Matti to find out more about their origins and inspirations over the years.
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What was the first instrument I learned how to play?
The classical guitar. I wanted to learn the electric guitar, but my parents - who grew up idolizing Simon & Garfunkel - insisted that I learn the guitar formally. I was annoyed but acquiesced at the time. I even practiced several hours a day.
I'm grateful now because I play at a Grade 10 Conservatory level and can play Beethoven with the guitar backwards behind my head. All due to classical training. And practice. Lots and lots of practice.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I can tell you what the first album that had a huge impact on me was - and that was Boards of Canada's freshman album, "Music Has The Right To Children". Those lo-fi, organic electronic sounds breathed life into electronic music for me, and along with The Future Sound of London and Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada formed one of the pillars of fundamental influence and grounding that I found as I began taking root firmly into electronic music for my own compositions myself. Forgive the mixed metaphors, but I write fusion genres so it should be okay to mix my metaphors.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger, and if so, what did they sound like?
Never formed a band but I did perform at my high school with my friend Ryan Beattie (the one who later formed the Lovely Killbots) and we played at the talent show at our school. Ryan was just starting out in music then. I understand he's an excellent drummer now, but he's no longer in Toronto. We keep in touch on facebook, however.
How did we sound? Okay I guess. We did a cover of a cover - a cover of "I will survive" by Cake which was a cover of Gloria Gaynor's disco hit. I think it was probably pretty terrible. I think we performed a smashing pumpkins song too. In any case, a forgettable experience I suspect. There's a photo I think on my hard drive somewhere but I spent a half hour digging for it and nada.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
I don't really think like that, but if you put a gun to my head and forced me to answer I'd have to say "This Love" by Maroon Five. Those chord progressions, the baseline, that voicing and overall tone - a banger.
What has been the most thrilling moment about creating your own music?
The best part is starting with blank canvas. There are no wrong moves. In fact some days I purposefully try to make wrong moves. In that way it's so exciting when you fail!
Seriously though, I love all of it. I'm finally doing what makes me happy. If others enjoy it, that's great. I hope they do. I hope that the things I have to say, and the songs that I make, bring meaning to others. Because every moment that I am creating they bring meaning - and joy - to me.
Except of course when my computer is overtaxed and crashes or slows to the speed of molasses in winter. On those days - or moments - I have come to know the bliss of complete and utter patience. Or the even greater bliss, of planning to get a new computer.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
Oh without a doubt, no hesitation, Wendy Carlos. She's my hero, being transgender and so talented, I even wrote a tribute EP to her entitled "Wendy" with songs done in a nod to her style. She helped develop the Moog synthesizer. She's a force to be reckoned with, but I don't think she's touring anymore.
Of touring bands I'd have to return to Boards of Canada then. Those guys make electronic music that is alive. I love their work.
Where do you see yourself in five years then?
Well, that one's easy. On a tour with Wendy Carlos headlining, as her opening act after Boards of Canada.
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Matti Charlton's new single 'Dark Addiction' is available to stream now. Check it out below.
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