Underground Interview With Matt DeAngelis

Matt DeAngelis is a 24-year-old singer/songwriter from Southern New Jersey, USA. He has been honing his craft as a songwriter since age 8 with the ultimate goal of spreading a positive outlook in a world that can be riddled with strife and negativity. Having been diagnosed with an OCD/anxiety disorder from his youth, Matt has internalized the time sensitive world around him and has learned through his strong faith to take a negative and turn it into a positive, which has been a guiding force in his development as a songwriter. Matt’s advocacy for climate change and mental health have been a passion since his youth. 

 

Over recent years, Matt has also become a storm chaser to spread awareness of the changing climate that has become a serious issue in the preservation of our planet.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS :

https://www.mattdeangelismusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/mattdeangelismusic/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Matt-DeAngelis/pfbid0w9hAyMksg5wsR3jkQY1r719wMK2iSAyeT4b56HBRVv6xVpgHoejEFBZpReyKwu4zl/

 

What Musical Genre Do You Feel Best Describes Your Music And How Would You Describe Your Sound :

My music has a classic sound, with a modern twist. I am frequently compared to early Elton John, but with a strong prog element. My goal has always been to write songs with strong melodies that are multifaceted and progressive or prog-esque within a 3-5 minute tune. I've been called Indie pop/rock,and /or adult alternative.

 

How Did You Get Your Name? Is There A Story?

Matthew DeAngelis is my given name, but I just use Matt. I am primarily a piano playing, singer-songwriter.

 

What Are or Have Been Your Musical Influences?

Everything from The Beatles, early Bowie, early Elton John, early Billy Joel, Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, Adele, Bruno Mars. Very varied taste. I have also been influenced by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Khachaturian.

 

What Are You Working On Now? Any Future Collaborations We Can Look Forward To?

I continue to write, record and release 3-4 singles with accompanying videos every year since releasing my debut EP, "World I'm Comin' For You," in January 2022. It is possible that I may be collaborating in the near future, but nothing is confirmed.

 

What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry? What Is Your Plan Of Action?

My ultimate goal in the music industry is to share my music with the world. I always have the goal of making people encouraged and uplifted by my music. I continue to increase my social media presence and continue to hone my craft as a performer, writer, singer and keyboard player.

 

What Is Your Favorite Track To Perform Live and Why?

I really enjoy performing "Change Your Ways." It is a diverse song with a lot of changes and the message is loud and clear about the need for everyone to put their egos aside and become unified in our thinking. I am peace-loving and positive about the human race being able to turn the downward spiral around if we have an attitude adjustment.

 

What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?

The biggest challenge has been trying to build a large fanbase and get signed.

 

Whats Your Typical Songwriting Process?

I have no set process when writing a song. Many times the lyrics are first. I observe and internalize what I see around me and find a way to state the facts, while offering a positive outcome. There re also times when the music is first, but more often then not, it is the lyrics that shape the songs.

 

How Has Social Media Influenced Your Career As An Artist?

Apart from the instant feedback I get when playing live, Social Media has given me a much larger audience. I have been able to give my fans a taste of many of my new songs to get their reaction. Instagram, in particular has been a great tool .

 

What Are Some Tracks and Artists Currently On Your Playlist?

Think Of Me With Kindness--Gentle Giant, Cygnet Committee--Bowie, The Gates of Delirium--Yes, Tomorrow Is Today--Billy Joel, Ripples--Genesis, When I was Your Man--Bruno Mars

 

What Did You Do Before You Started Making Music?

I have been writing music since I was 8 years old, when I wrote my first real organized tune . Ironically, it is called "Childhood." Prior to that, I was learning piano from my dad, who is a pianist , before taking formal lessons. Apart from that, I had a fairly normal childhood. I studied karate from age 5 until age 8 when I was already serious about studying piano and writing songs. I simultaneously played baseball into my teens and I am an avid weather geek and now a storm chaser.

 

Any Advice For Young People Men or Women That Want To Succeed In The Music World?

Never give up, stay positive, believe in yourself, and repel negativity.

 

What Would You Change In The Music Industry If You Were A Top Music Executive?

I don't like the way music is "public domain." By that, I mean that there was a time when an artist could become financially secure based on record sales. Streaming ended that, so now you see artists well into their 60s and 70s, even 80s performing. Many still enjoy performance, but many have to continue to go on the road for financial reasons because there is no longer an income based on record sales. Records were an art form, that is lost. Unfortunately, I don't think any executive could reverse that.

 

How Do You Feel About Originality?

I think being original is very important, but I think being original is a combination if what your brand is, your ethos, the music and the overall approach. It's a feeling that you project in a way that is unique, that can touch the masses. Finding the right combination while remaining true to yourself is the key.

 

Is There Anything Else We Should Know About You Or That You Would Like to Add?

If I can make people uplifted , hopeful, and encouraged by my music, then I have done my job. Although it is a dream to be able to touch the world with my music, if I touch but one person, I feel like a success. My talent is a gift from God that not everyone is granted the privilege of receiving, and I am humbled and thankful for any opportunity to share it.