MATTHEW Koma
As a special treat for party animals who can’t get enough of the irrepressible hooks and soaring melodies of DJ Matthew Koma’s electronic dance music (EDM), we caught up with the 28-year-old Grammy-winning singer-songwriter for this e-mail interview before his trip to Manila.
The LA-based DJ will electrify Manila’s party scene with his chart-topping dance hits tonight, at City of Dreams’ Chaos Club.
Our Q&A with Matthew:
Which do you find most fulfilling—singing, songwriting, or mixing a variety of musical genres as a DJ?
I enjoy the flexibility of doing a bit of everything. I don’t think I’m comfortable enough in any one skin to wear it for a long period of time, so the shift helps keep me in a positive space.
Music lovers enjoy your collaborations with artists like Zedd (“Clarity”), The Knocks (“I Wish: My Taylor Swift”) and Afrojack (“Keep Our Love Alive”). What do you find fulfilling about collaborating with other artists?
I enjoy seeing other people’s creative processes and taking a piece of that with me when I sit down [to write music]. It helps keep things feeling fresh to always remain a “student.”
What sets your brand of EDM apart from others in the dance scene? Can you talk about the influences that have shaped your unique groove?
I had absolutely no idea my music would end up connecting in the way it did—and that’s been very humbling. In my case, my vision was wildly different, yet the outcome was very much what I would’ve put on paper as a destination.
I still listen to Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen and other artists I don’t think anyone would assume were my go-tos. I love the records Dawes has been putting out—he’s a brilliant songwriter. I’m attracted to lyricists with a unique, sincere and consistent perspective.
What do you do when you aren’t performing?
If I’m not making music, I am drinking coffee, eating sushi, having a panic attack about anything and everything, reading articles about the likelihood of living forever, or daydreaming about the coffee shop I will one day open and curate the playlist of.
This isn’t you first time in Manila. What’s your fondest recollection of your previous Philippine visit?
The Philippines has always been one of my favorite places to visit because its people are such music lovers—and that comes across so strongly during the shows.
Do you have coming projects that your fans can look forward to?
I just finished my album—and I can’t wait to release it! I’ve solely been focused on that, and it feels good to be in that place.
How has your music evolved from the time that you began “discovering” your musicality and ability as a performer?
Like a caveman discovering Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
How has music changed your life?
It’s been a part of me every step of the way. I don’t know that it has changed my life so much as it’s been a constant companion.
Through every relationship—every high, every valley—it’s there, documenting each experience. It’s a special thing to have songs be these diaries of sorts that timestamp phases of your life. It’s the best camera you can have—and I’m very grateful for it.