Chris-T & Matu
Can you introduce yourself to our audience?
Me (Matu) and Chris met around 10 years ago in Milan and, though we came from two basically different worlds (Chris was already a renowned DJ and a house aficionado whereas I was a trained musician with a couple of rock records behind the back and looking for something new to deal with) all of a sudden we decided to produce and DJ as a team under the name of Chris-T & Matu. Since then, after 80 (sic!) and plus releases and a lot of gigs around Europe (including obligatory Ibiza, Berlin, London, and Pag’s Barrakud) here we are.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, specifically in electronic genres?
Although we never really meant to make a living from our music we already could, but this is not our goal: we do what we do because of our love for music and, why not?, for partying. And knowing to have the chance to do something other people could love and relate to, it makes us proud and happy.
How would you describe your style and sound? (What sets you apart as an artist?)
In the early days we started with minimal sounds and tech house grooves just to evolve in deep and melodic techno. At the moment we’re focused on something more feel-good, “tropical” stuff. Paying attention to melodic part and danceable mood at the same time.
ABOUT YOUR RELEASE
Tell us about your latest release. (What’s the story or inspiration behind it?)
We recently had a journey in South America and we discovered new musical landscapes (aside with different lifestyles) and this opened our eyes. I think you can find all of this in this new release.
What message or feeling do you want listeners to take away from this release?
We are totally focused on positive (yet danceable) vibes; you can also find some melancholy here and there but it’s dressed in a feel-good mood. Or we hope listeners get it in a feel-good way!
Can you walk us through the creative process behind this project?
The fact that discovering this new musical approach was something like a revelation affected the producing process: the tracks seemed to be written by themselves! We just had to put the elements together.
How does this release differ from your previous work?
As I said, our focus was “positive vibes only,” whereas in the past we were used to more dramatic, tension-blended landscapes.
INDUSTRY AND PERSONAL INSIGHTS
What do you think is the biggest challenge for artists in the electronic music industry today?
We’re not teenagers (sadly) and so to us the biggest challenge is to manage the social media issues, connected to the general downward leveling of the quality of the musical offer.
What role do events, collaborations, or labels play in shaping your career?
We had a high amount of releases and gigs behind the back so we can do an evaluation: labels and promoters got to pay more attention to smaller artists than to big shots and I said that because we had the chance to test the crowd: there’s will to something new! Simple. The average listener/partygoer is in constant development. We liked the approach Cafe De Anatolia had with us and our music. They offer us tools to develop our project and at the same time leave us all the artistic control. Had to say, it’s something new.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to break into the scene?
I just have to say to keep focus on crafting a personal style. To have your own voice is the best way to be heard.
LOOKING AHEAD
What can your fans expect next? (Are there upcoming releases, performances, or projects you’d like to share?)
Aside from Cafe De Anatolia release we’ll be part of a Lake Underground VvAa set to be released in the next month but you can also find us in some DJ booths around Milan soon.
Relief Of Missing Out / April 7 / Chris-T & Matu released via CAFE DE ANATOLIA