Indigenous Pop-Trap Artist
MATTMAC Has A Heart To Heart Talk With Listeners on “Isolation”
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UV9hNYX73g
There are few things in
this world as cold as isolation… And Mattmac’s ambition to bring warmth to such
a dark concept is what makes his newest hard-hitting rap single, “Isolation,”
so powerful — and it’s available now!
As Mattmac’s music has
always showcased, life isn’t always as easy as “point A to point B;” in fact,
it’s a long and self-conscious road of struggles. Mattmac’s ability to express
his grievances in such a vulnerable and heartwarming way is what makes his
music so special. Add the fact that he was born blind into the mix and you’ve
got a fairytale story of “rags to riches.”
“Isolation” encapsulates
that messaging perfectly. As a music producer located in the rural area of
Garden Hill First Nation on a Canadian Reservation, Mattmac found himself
struggling with a lack of fundamental resources — like he was set up to fail
from the beginning.
“I’ve been able to
achieve some of my goals and build some demand for my music and skill sets, but
the pressure has been building up,” he reflects on the feeling. “The lack of
fundamental resources on my reserve has not only been frustrating and
challenging but has made me realize that where I’m from is set up for people to
fail.
“This feeling has left
me feeling really isolated,” he continues. “I’m disconnected from the world
that is calling upon me, but still doesn’t reach out in a way that helps people
who desperately need change.”
While “Isolation” is a
traditional trap production, the lyrics portray a story of hardship and
separation. Mattmac’s story draws the listener in, sharing the weight of the
world with them for a moment of respite. Deep 808s and atmospheric ad-libs add
to the lingering sense of dread as options start to run dry and the situation
becomes make or break.
“What’s really
interesting is that so much has changed in the past six months since I wrote
‘Isolation,’” he shares. “I’ve been able to find an apartment in Winnipeg, and
recently moved in; I was able to go back to Garden Hill a week before I moved,
and it was a really emotional time for me…
“Just thinking about all
the struggles and challenges I faced with my family — to think I made it out
and I am now starting my own life… It’s really a lot for a kid on the
reserve.
“A kid like me didn’t
know if it would be possible.
“I’ve had a lot of
support in the last few years, and that has made all the difference,” he
continues. “My hope is that more kids can get that kind of support for their
dreams and goals. I am still young, but this whole journey has made me start to
think and plan about how I can contribute to that change.”
This powerful single is
the third release connected to Mattmac’s upcoming album, BLURRED VISIONS, which
is set to release just before the summer. “Isolation” also has its own
stand-alone music video, produced by Indigenous filmmaker Skye Spence.
“We are working on a
digital series of themed videos set to release over the summer and a
documentary film called ‘FEEL THE WORLD’ — set to release next year — that
takes a closer look at my life over the last few years.”
Mattmac is a blind music
producer and recording artist from Garden Hill First Nation, Manitoba. Mattmac
was born blind, and, at a young age, he struggled with depression. Growing up
surrounded by music, Mattmac quickly found it to be an effective coping
mechanism and took to singing in his community’s gospel choir.
From there, he started
making beats and writing songs, teaching himself how to play piano and guitar
along the way. He attributes his competencies to the support of the Bling &
Famous group — a USA-based collective of blind music artists who collaborate
and connect with one another through the internet.
Mattmac debuted his
entry to the music scene in 2016 when N’we Jinan, a travelling music studio
program, visited his community and invited him to collaborate on a project.
Pulling inspiration from his personal story, they created a song and video
titled “Help You See” that has received over 250,000 views on YouTube and
Facebook. From there, Mattmac has connected with international artist Nelly
Furtado and performed alongside her at Indigenous day Live and We Day Canada
Day in 2017; they continue to work together.
Mattmac hopes to
continue to use his platform to inspire others to know that they can accomplish
anything they set their mind to.
“Isolation” is available
now.
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