Matthew Mole interview – Get Lucky Summer 2017

Matthew Mole mesmerised Plett fans as he kicked off the Get Lucky Summer Fest on the 31^st of December 2017.

The Get Lucky Summer, special ‘NYE’ edition took place on the Bitou Rugby Club fields in Robberg Beach and ShowMe Plett had the amazing opportunity to interview Matthew Mole. Here’s what he had to say…

Matthew Mole

Singer/songwriter, Matthew Mole hails from Fish Hoek, Cape town and has mesmerised fans locally and internationally.

Matthew became the first South African to top iTunes with his debut album and has reached No 1 with his double disc, The Home We Built (Deluxe Edition).

Even more impressive is that Matthew managed to beat international superstars Jay Z, Michael Buble and Robin Thicke, The Rolling Stones, local DJ/producer DJ Kent, as well as the world’s biggest compilation series NOW That’s What I Call Music to top the chart.

When did you start creating music and what inspired you?

I’ve been writing songs for years – I’m 26 years old old now, so since I was 17. When I left school I went and studied Audio Engineering and then there was a year of phasing in preforming music as a full time career. So six years of breaking into the industry and about 4 years of having music available out there for the public to listen to.

How do you find the South African Music Industry?

South Africa is home, so I know a little more about the music industry here than I do in the rest of the world.

It’s amazing – from the start I noticed that bands were really helpful. Musicians that have inspired me would let me perform shows with them and give me advice on different labels or different ways of releasing music – that kind of thing. There was always someone to guide and support me. So for me that has always been amazing.

There are also loads of shows to perform around the country. What I’ve learned from bands that have toured throughout the rest of the world, is that you can do a lot in South Africa without leaving. It’s a small market in comparison to other places in the world – it’s a market that you could travel for years and you’ll always find people that will buy your tickets and support your shows.

How do you see your sound progressing in the future?

Sound wise – I don’t really know what’s going to happen to my sound. I always want to try and keep things that make Matthew Mole sound like Matthew Mole. The first music I released ended up having a signature sound, which was very much influenced by other sounds. There are certain sounds I want to keep, yet still progress without changing too much.

How would you classify your genre?

When I started out there were a lot of banjos, acoustic guitars and instruments that made my music sound a bit like Folk music – but now that has all changed.

So I’m not sure what to call it, but I do need to classify it – for example, when i get into an Uber and the guy asks me what I do? I say I’m a musician and he says, ‘oh, what kind of music?’ I never know how to describe my style, so it has been a dream of mine to be able to describe the style of music I play.

at present I just say Pop music, but I love folk, electronica and a whole lot of different styles, that I try and incorporate into the music, so the safest classification would be Indie/Pop/Electronica/Folk.

What does the immediate future hold for you, I see you’re making a name for yourself overseas?

Yes, I’ve done a few gigs overseas – I started out doing a lot of showcases, festivals and stuff. I’m going over to Europe in February 2018 for my first actual tour with Robbie (who is playing drums with me tonight) and his band. So we’ll be touring Europe – very exciting!

Are you signed up with a record company yet?

In South Africa I am signed up with Just Music and I have released two Albums through them – the one is called, ‘The home we built’ and there’s my newer one called, ‘Run’. I’ve just signed up with a label in Europe called ‘Elektra’, they’re a part of Warner Music, which is part of the reason I am going over to Europe on tour.

Is this your first performance in Plett?

I’ve actually been in Plett twice this December, which is amazing cause Plett is the place to be in December! It’s a real honour to be here on New Years Eve, playing alongside GoodLuck, Mango Groove and everyone else.

Do you have any last words for your fans in Plett?

I’m very thankful to the fans here, because so far the first two shows have been absolutely amazing! Thank you so much to everyone who has supported my shows so far. If the same fans are here again tonight, I just want to say thank you again and may they have a great New Years and 2018. Mostly I am just very thankful for everyone of you.