Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I am an ordinary guy from a small coastal town called Kotka, in southern Finland, where I live with my wife and our Scottie girl. In a big house surrounded by a beautiful garden. I’m telling this because the way of my life is a crucial factor for both my health and the art I’m making.
I was born into a very musical family: my father and mother sang in choir while my big sisters were in their teens, listening to rock-music. So, I was subjected to both styles of music very early, before I could even walk. Also, there was a radio in our living room constantly on, so there was lots of different kinds of music always available. Ofcourse, I
was sung to, as well.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover Matyascorvinus?
A: Growing a fan base is always tricky, especially for an artist like me. For example, if I was in a heavy metal band, it would be much easier to gain listeners (if you wouldn’t suck big time) i.e. when you fit in a certain genre people are already familiar with, it’s easier. But me…I am playing classical music which actually is not classical at all (I call it pseudo-classical) but quite modern in my opinion. And this kind of vibe just does not sell records. However, people seem to like it. I mean the people who happen to hear it. And even listen.
In general, this type of music won’t get millions of streams. However, it does not bother me at all. Thirty streams mean as much as thirty thousand. See, this is what I just have to do. Guitar is an extension of my soul, and a key factor in my mental health. This thing comes from somewhere deep inside. I am what I play.
And this is the message, as well: listen to your inner voice. Let it tell you what you feel, how you feel. Sit back and be merciful to yourself. Let your mind fly free. I have a strong feeling I can help you with that.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Oh, there are hundreds of artists I find inspiring. Depending on the day, I might listen to Glenn Campbell, only to be soon switched to Suffocation. I may be listening to Runaways right now, soon crank Finnish schlagers up. So, my musical world is as vast as the world itself. I find no difficulties in drifting between extreme metal and disco music..
Inspiration always comes from somewhere. Sometimes from everywhere. Stubborn genre loyalty is plain boring…I could not live that way.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the EP, “Matyas II (2019 reissue).”?
A: There are as many stories as there are songs! It was kinda dark period in my life when I made this recording, so the background stories are quite grim, to be honest. There’s pain, grief, sadness, loss, insanity behind the songs inspired by literature (Mandragora), folklore (A Sleeping Banshee), Netflix (The Rayburn House), seasons (A Winter Starling), ghost stories (Dark Ships), art (A Lily Among Thorns). Maybe someday I’ll be able to open the whole concept to you!
The cover painting is based on all these grim stories told to the artist (Suvi Nopanen). My only wish was that there has to be a bird. So, she created this magnificent painting that has helped me enormously in gaining new audiences. It has been a real success all around Europe! Especially in Eastern Europe.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Atmospheric. This is what I’ve been told.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Matyas II (2019 reissue)”?
A: None, whatsoever. On this recording I found my distinctive style of playing. In the beginning I was relying on conventions. This recording freed me from that. I found the way to write stuff in my own style.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: Message is: listen to your mind. Forget the mobile device for a while. Close your eyes but keep your ears open. Be there. Right now.
I know, for some, it sounds like some kind of new age BS. But actually I’m just politely asking people to listen to themselves. Our senses are overloaded in this society of endless information, anyway. Everyone needs a break. A small moment with your thoughts, and you’re in the core of humanity. Yourself.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Dead Can Dance. Gothic, eerie, atmospheric, enigmatic, mysterious, touching. I want Xavier to be played in my funeral.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: You really do not need a label. Getting signed is not always the higher level. There’s so much you can do yourself. And keep the rights to your art, making no compromises. Being true to yourself. Music industry is…well…industry. Supposed to make profit. And in this process the art itself, many times, is lost in the Excel-sheets.
However, if this is your goal: prepare to work your ass off. And do not forget that underground can be as satisfying as mainstream. Besides, parties are better in underground where everything’s done by your own rules.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: How many books shall I write about it? My youth was not so glorious. So, I could say a lot to young Matyas. But ok, one piece of advice: stop searching. The key to happiness is closer than you ever thought it would be.
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