Speaking with Matthew Koma

The New York singer and songwriter, who’s carefully known through his work with such artists as Sebastian Ingrosso, Hardwell, Alesso, Nicky Romero, Fedde Le Grand, Zedd, Tiesto, revealed the secrets and details of his work in exclusive interview…

Reporter: Matthew, where in the world are you today?

Matthew: Hey. I am currently on an airplane from Austin, Texas back to Los Angeles. I just played a few shows at the SXSW festival yesterday and now I'm heading home to finish my album.

Reporter: Cool. Well let’s kick back for a minute and rewind to the bedroom of a nine year old Matthew Koma sitting there with a scrap of paper writing his first tune ‘Downtown’. Loads of clichés and stolen key words in there for sure, but my question is this; how did your journey progress from stealing the lyrics of artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Don Henley to being one of the most unique song writers of the EDM era…?

Matthew: Well, thank you for the kind words and praise...it means a lot. I've always been a fan of juxtaposition in life and finding new ways to connect dots. Coming from a singer/songwriter driven background and being a fan of electronic music never seemed that disconnected to me because I'm attracted to art and music that blurs the lines and finds greatness in its own space. The spiritual experience of seeing Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band belongs in the same family of euphoria you feel as an audience member at an electronic show. For me, the common thread is sincerity and speaking to what you know...both literally and through expression. When I started collaborating with electronic artists and producers I felt there was a unique marriage to be had because I hadn't known of these ingredients before. Coming from the songwriting school of an Elvis Costello and putting those ideals in a melding with a really challenging and forward-thinking sonic scape was really exciting. I feel like I'm able to reach a wider audience because the songs are written with the same integrity and care that I've always written them with...to stand the test of being stripped down and stand on its lyric and melody...but matching that with a vehicle that's equally emotional in a different way and inventive is really exciting to me. My first released collaboration was with Alesso, Sebastian Ingrosso and Ryan Tedder on "Calling (Lose My Mind)" and from there it really opened my eyes and ears to a new way of connecting.

Reporter: As you say, your avenue into our crazy dance music world began when your friend at Interscope called you and explained that although it wasn’t your usual bag, he had a track from Sebastian Ingrosso and Alesso that he wondered whether you’d have a listen to and maybe write a song to. That song was ‘Calling’. So take us back to that time, where you a fan of this kinda music, did you appreciate what these producers were doing, did you really want to get involved from the start…

Matthew: Yeah, growing up in NY I had a lot of friends who were into the dance scene so we were always running between worlds with that and punk rock/hardcore shows. I didn't really think about how I'd fit into that world as an artist vs. a fan before giving it a shot because it never occurred to me that I’d be able to "do what I do" in that space as opposed to trying to be apart of what was already happening, from a songwriting standpoint. Once I saw the direction it was going in and started writing songs with electronic artists, it felt like there was something special happening...fans were open to new ideas. Something that resonated with me and was challenged by, a production model you wouldn't normally dress these sort of songs in, they were becoming really emotional and unique to my ears...

Reporter: Since working with a bunch of producers you readily admit that “I’ve grown an even bigger respect for the community and it’s movement.” Why is that?

Matthew: I love that it's a community that is hungry for more, hungry for new, open minded, dedicated and has so many outlets for the music. I felt an immediate familiarity because of the hardcore scene in NY. My brother played drums in a bunch of hardcore bands and I've been going to those shows since I was like 8...so I grew up appreciating and valuing that kind of commitment to a genre and lifestyle. It's more than just music. And that kind of spirit doesn't exist everywhere. It's refreshing and makes you feel really able and excited as an artist. A real fan base is built on that bond between artist, music and listeners...and that idea thrives in dance music.

Reporter: “I wish I did [write every day]. I’ve gone for a long period of time without writing… because I didn’t have an idea.” Something one of your heroes Bruce Springsteen once said. Does that ever happen to you?

Matthew: We all have periods where the inspiration is and isn't there as easily...output takes input...and as someone whose clock is always set to music, making it, performing it, touring it, etc., it takes some extra effort to get into the mode of "taking it in"...it's easy to forget to open our eyes and look up. For me, I've had a really intense amount of travel and "life" in general these past few years...so writing is my way of dealing.

Reporter: A few years ago after meeting with Zedd and spending some time working on ‘Spectrum’ you admitted that this guy was one of these rare breeds of people who “understands the rules of the genre they are in but knows how to stretch them in the right away”, was “totally self aware” and “is able to plan every move he makes”. A couple of years on, do you think you had any idea back then just what a genius this man was going to become?

Matthew: I think there's always an immediate gut reaction when you recognize something special in someone...it's rare to see someone’s level of success match their level of talent...you don't always get to see that happen so I've been really happy for him and to be apart of that ride. I think the best is yet to come with his work.”

Reporter: “Every day should be Marshall Crenshaw Day”. Discuss…

Matthew: I don't know that any song puts me in a better mood than "Whenever You're On My Mind"...any day you listen to Marshall Crenshaw is bound to be a better day than if you didn't...it's clinically proven. Squeeze Days are a must too Dan.

Reporter: A really crazy time for you right now, lots of videos being made for some beautiful music you are involved in. How much of an input do you have on these beautiful pieces of work…?

Matthew: It depends on which songs / artists...everyone's creative process is a bit different...so some like to be more involved than others in the visual aspects...

Reporter: What can you tell us about your music away from the dancefloors, what are you currently working on?

Matthew: I'm pretty obsessed with finishing my record right now - which lives in the space of a lot of my recent collaborations...and I like marrying the worlds of songs written "away from the dance floor" and the inventiveness of electronic production. I'm excited for people to hear the songs I worked on with Tiësto for his album and RAC for his, they're both different sides I haven't gotten to play with yet... I've also had some time working with artists completely outside of the dance world...a few things I'm really excited to come out this year.

Reporter: So we knock on your door on a hot and summery Sunday afternoon. You’re kicking back on the sofa listening to some music. Give us a Matthew Koma Back To Mine 10…

1. The Velvet Underground - Sunday Morning

Matthew: The ultimate Sunday jam. Let's just be obvious for a second.

2. Tom Waits - New Years Eve

Matthew: From one of his more recent records "BAD AS ME", I can't even put into words why this one is so special. It feels like a scene from a movie...it's one of my all time favorite Tom Waits songs. The characters, the Tom Waits delivery...

3. RAC - Let Go (ft. Kele, MNDR)

Matthew: This song feels so damn good. It's the brunch of music. Those drums are the English muffins.

4. Roy Orbison - Only The Lonely

Matthew: This VOICE. There's nothing like it. It's celebration and it's sadness.

5. Mike Viola - The entire Lurch album.

Matthew: If this doesn't make your summer weekend feel like a summer weekend, see your doctor.

6. Dawes - A Little Bit Of Everything / Time Spent In Los Angeles

Matthew: I think Taylor is one of the best songwriters of our generation. He has a perspective that is so original and honest that you can't help but want to hear every story from his point of view. His words are so good that they make me laugh out loud...and extremely jealous!

7. The Killers / Calvin Harris - When We Were Young (Calvin Harris Remix)

Matthew:I love this band and Brandon's Boss-inspired agenda. I relate to his sentiments and want to sit in a room and talk music with him for a week. Huge fan of Calvin's because I feel he really understands how to serve a song on the perfectly made bed. He lets the song be the star.

8. Ben Folds Five - One Angry Dwarf And 200 Solemn Faces

Matthew: I remember my brother buying me tickets to see BFF @ Jones Beach in NY one birthday long ago, and the sound of the kick drum at Jones Beach, the smell of the ocean, this song, brings me right back to it. And I love the idea of telling an ex-girlfriend "If you really wanna see me, check the papers and the T.V.

9. Bruce Springsteen - Thunder Road live @ Hammersmith

Matthew: My favorite song and performance of ALL TIME.

10. Alesso vs, Keane - Silenced By The Night

Matthew: BEAUTIFUL.

Reporter: Tell us the record that…

...still makes me confused as to how the songwriter actually wrote this piece of genius…

“A Tie: Bruce Springsteen - 'Born To Run' and Elvis Costello - 'My Aim Is True'."

Reporter: Always puts a smile on my face no matter how shit a day I have had

"Squeeze - '45s And Under'."

Reporter: Takes me right back to my childhood

"Soul Asylum – 'Grave Diggers Union'."

Reporter: “I don’t know what anyone else knows or what they don’t know or what they care about. “I’m just doing what I’m doing now, and I know what the value of the songs I’ve written is to me." Another one of your heroes, Mr Elvis Costello. Why is he such a genius in your eyes…?

Matthew: Elvis blows my mind for a million reasons...he invented a language that deserves a dictionary and a sense of melody that deserves a college. He defines truth. I could probably write a book explaining my appreciation for his craft and still not do him justice.

Reporter: Everyone has one, a guilty pleasures record...a tune you secretly love but really shouldn't...

Matthew: Pretty much every record I own.

Reporter: Not many people know this, but Matthew Koma is really good at…

Matthew: Dry snacking.

Reporter: And finally, it’s the Miami WMC Conference next week, you flying down for some beach action? Are we going to see you standing in the surf on South Beach with a cocktail as the baselines reverberate around you???