Matthew Mole is easily one of South Africa’s greatest pop stars. The singer dropped his highly-anticipated second studio album ‘Run’ last year and has dominated radio stations around the country ever since. The album has topped charts thanks to it’s three massive singles and this week, I chat to the star about his fantastic new album, the creative process behind it and he reveals which song on the album means the most to him.
Congrats on another successful album! How did you go into the creative process when the time came to work on ‘Run’?
The first year of the process was just coming up with ideas wherever I was, whenever. I was playing a lot of shows at the time, so I had to fit it in in-between all of that. The second half of the process was a conscious effort to sit down and finish writing songs specifically for an album. I was recording here and there amongst all of the writing. There were a few more people involved in this album. There were also a lot of different locations that were used to record it. It was a fun, experimentally creative process!
You took your time between albums. Was this a creative decision or more of a marketing one?
It was more of a creative thinking. I was only able to put all of my focus into this album almost 2 years after releasing the first one. I’m very glad that we didn’t rush into this album though, I feel like there was a good amount of time between the two releases.
The lead single ‘Run’ appeared on many top tracks of 2016 lists. Why do you think people identified with the song so much?
I’m hoping that people saw the song as a bit of a progression from my previous album, but keeping a “Matthew Mole” vibe to it. I’m incredibly grateful that people are enjoying the new songs, it seriously is the encouragement that is most helpful to creating even more!
‘Holding On’ was another smash hit. What inspired the song?
This song is just about discouragement. Not letting things put you down or tell you that you can’t do something. Rather looking to what the bigger picture is and pushing forward.
Which song on the new album means the most to you?
‘Jess’ Song’ is very close to me. I wrote that song for my wife and sang it to her at our wedding. At first I didn’t want to put this song on the album, I wanted it to be something between myself and Jess. I’m glad it made it on though because Jess and I want to be an example to young couples.
You’re an incredible live performer. What do you think are the important requirements when playing for a crowd?
I really want to learn as much as I can when it comes to live performances. I’ve become even more aware that you need to try and have moments that capture the entire audience attention, something they will remember. I want to try and speak to the audience, so I try my best not to lose their attention throughout the set.
It seems like your creative journey has only just begun. What is your ultimate dream or goal you wish to achieve with your music?
I want to give people hope. In a world that doesn’t always think about others over themselves, people need hope. My goal is to create something that encourages others.
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