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Interview with Matimus

11 May 2015 // An interview by jck2

 

Who and what is Matimus?
Who's Matimus?! A 20 year old youngin out the scrub tryna do this thing! Aha I wouldn't say the name "Matimus" is anything special, it's more just an extension of my own name Mat.

When did you start and what inspired you to make music?
This is actually a funny question, becoming a "rapper" was always an idle dream I had in the back of my mind since I was a kid growing up. I was always writing little throw-a-away rhymes and attempting to freestyle years before I even recorded my first track. It wasn't until around 15-16 years old where I really knuckled down and thought about the future and what life holds. So I said to myself "Who cares; we're all going to die someday, why live life normal and dwell on the what if's when you're old, I want to do what I love". Started to record in my bedroom and went from there. Influence wise? I would have to say hip-hop in general, it's been with me for as long as I can remember. Even as a youngin' I had 2 cassette tapes my whole childhood, Major Flavours Vol. 1 and The Rhythm Vol. 8, I think they pretty much set me on the path. Also shout outs to all the greats though, Biggie, Pac, Big L, Nas, Em, Bone Thugs, Wu-Tang, etc, etc, but that's just undisclosed influence for anyone isn't it aha?

How would you describe your music in one sentence?
TruZealand.

What sets you apart from other acts/groups?
I hope it's originality. I feel like I'm the only one in New Zealand saying a lot of the stuff I talk about at times. I don't consider myself "boxed in", I'm really trying to broaden my music to not just be "only in New Zealand" but to actually be relatable for the world. At the end of the day, who knows… I'm just one of many out here grinding a lane from Aotearoa hahah.

Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
Currently? My whole Kiwiana Lifestyle mixtape as a body of work. I made like 2 little mixtapes back in high school that got passed around when I was 17 haha, but I consider Kiwiana Lifestyle as my official debut. Just from the time and effort to create it and finally recording and producing on actual equipment. When I started out with music, I was actually recording on a broken sing-star microphone hanging upside down from a door, coat hanger pop-filter and some simple audio-cut and paste program I got free from the internet, hahaha we all gotta start somewhere, but yeah. Kiwiana Lifestyle is my most current piece/project that I am proud of.

 
 
Where do you come from or what part of NZ do you represent?
WANGANUI! Riverrr cittty! MSK! Haha. 

Do you produce your own beats or do you use any particular beat maker? If you gander through my Soundcloud and YouTube you'd find some releases where I have used and produced my own beats. I wouldn't say beat making is my forte, but I do enjoy generally creating.

 
 
Whats your favourite and least favourite thing about Hip-Hop culture?
Favourite thing? The unity, the diversity of genres and sound just within hip-hop itself. Basically the whole culture. Least favourite thing? Listeners who look down upon the less lyrical rappers, mainly in the Trap genre. Who cares if whatever they're saying is simple and basic, sometimes it's just music, it isn't supposed to make sense, it's about enjoyment and how you feel. I find there are too many who are all about "This isn't real, hip-hop, this isn't real rap, blah, blah" Define "real"? Does everything have to be boom-bap 90's, politics, the struggle and clever wordplay to be classed as real? Otherwise everything would just sound the same... But you know, different ears different tastes. Your least favourite tune is someone else's favourite and vice versa. As for me, I enjoy it all, Big L to Migo's.

 
 
Tell us about your latest release.
I don't really have much to say about Kiwiana Lifestyle as it's a year old, and I feel like I've grown a lot music wise and mentally since then. But if you're down to check it out, check it out. As of now I'm fully focused on my follow up mixtape "Class of 2012". I would say we are sitting at about 80% completion. Other than that, I've dropped 2 songs off Class of 2012 so far, "Secrets" and a video to a track called "G-Boy". I would say those are a good taste test of what's to come next.

 
 
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring rappers/producers?
I know it may sound corny and you hear this from anyone with a form of success, but honestly… believe in yourself. Back when I was a kid I used to throw off anyone who would say similar things like that. I guess as you get older and follow whatever passion you pursue, you begin to understand the concept of it all. If you're really about it, have the hunger and drive and truly believe; then these things will happen. Success isn't imminent nor easy. There isn't a school for this rap game. To be honest it's down to you and the person who you are, start self doubting and giving up on yourself and I guess it's game over before it begun.

 
 
What can we expect to see from you over the next year?
XXL FRESHMAN CLASS BABY! Haha nah, I have no idea what to expect. Anything can happen with the universe between now and then, but as for now... the release of Class of 2012 soon. New music, new videos, and shows. Where these NZ promoters at?!? Mess with the kid, you know I got it!
 
 


Connect with Matimus of Facebook.

 

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMatimus

 
 
 
 
CHECK OUT G'BOY BY MATIMUS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 
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