Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Matt Springfield

Matt Springfield is a singer, songwriter, and composer. His music tastes are U2, Coldplay, Keane, The Killers. Matt has an ambition as a songwriter to connect the listener with the decade that gave us classic tunes that are still popular today, Matt explained “My goal’s to write songs that could have been written in the 80’s, with sounds reminiscent of the 80’s, with a modern touch as well”. The albums “Erase All Data” & “Poplife!”, written by Matt, were produced by Greg Haver and recorded with the support of crowdfunding from more than 1.000 people on Akamusic (Belgium). He reached #3 in the European Alternative Charts (Germany). In september 2023, Matt has recorded his new projet at lengendary Hansa Studios in Berlin with producers and musicians like Greg Haver (Manics, Mel C), Alex Stacey (OneRepublic, Mika), Guy Harrison, Clint Murphy, Ryan Smith and Scott Seabright.

What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My earliest memory related to music is when I was about six years old and watched a classical concert on TV with my parents; I then told them I wanted to start playing the violin, which marked the beginning of my journey in music.

How did your passion for creating music begin?
My passion for creating music started when I was around 6 years old after receiving old cassettes from my grandfather, who told me I could do whatever I wanted with them. I began re-recording on those tapes, singing melodies I had come up with

What’s the story behind your current music project?
The story behind my current music project, “Crossing the Border,” is that I recorded it at the iconic Hansa Studios in Berlin, collaborating with industry giants like Greg Haver and Alex Stacey (OneRepublic). The album combines retro-inspired sounds with modern influences, reflecting my musical evolution. Additionally, I’ve launched a new side project called TheStaRiders, which signifies a transformative exploration into contemporary pop music, blending genres such as chamber pop, rock, R&B, funk, nu-disco, synth-pop, and dance-pop.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
If I had to describe my sound to someone who has never heard my music before, I would say that my main project blends classic 80s sounds with a contemporary twist, creating an emotional and nostalgic vibe. Meanwhile, my side project leans more towards modern, pure pop, with a sleek and fresh sound.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
One important lesson I’ve learned that has completely transformed my music-making process is that producing music in big studios is expensive and time-consuming, so I need to be efficient. I used to write my songs on a guitar, but now I primarily create them using machines, which allows me to have MIDI files prepared in advance and focus more on the other aspects of recording.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
The essential tools, instruments, or software in my creative process include my guitar, as I mentioned, an old Boss DR-5, and Pro Tools.
Then, I head to the studio with musicians and producers to finalize and complete my music.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
My current favorite song is “Hot Blooded” by New Constellations; it’s dreamy, emotional, and atmospheric, and I can’t get enough of it.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My personal experiences have greatly influenced my music and artistic vision. I’m passionate about traveling and exploring different cultures, and these experiences have had a significant impact on my songwriting.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope listeners can find a moment of escape from their problems through my music, as I believe music is a powerful form of therapy. My wish is that my albums take them on a journey, allowing them to experience a temporary retreat and emotional release while listening.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
The most important lesson music has taught me is that the world is vast enough to go beyond my small universe; sharing my music serves as both an escape from reality and a way to see the world from a different perspective. Every setback I faced helped me succeed in other ways, teaching me patience and to always have faith in my dreams and destiny. Every chapter of life holds a purpose and a reason, guiding me toward where I need to be.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
The Rose Bowl in Pasadena is a legendary venue, where I first discovered Depeche Mode, and it remains my dream to perform there someday.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with any artist, past or present, it would be Depeche Mode, because their music is more than just sound—it’s a true vision of life. They have an incredible musical universe, and I would dream of the opportunity to work with them.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Here are the links to my two projects.

Matt Springfield :
https://open.spotify.com/intl-fr/artist/4ufzrBgclKyM1dV0VuMWR2?si=DA2Y9Q0RQze2pgAKZO1mNw
https://www.instagram.com/mattspringfieldmusic/
https://x.com/mattspringfield
https://www.facebook.com/mattspringfieldmusic

TheStaRiders :
https://open.spotify.com/intl-fr/artist/7jeaPXkwDOt6MmII5H0Z2g?si=IsWJivGLRYmr9BIZWv85yg
https://www.instagram.com/thestariders/
https://x.com/TheStaRiders

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I have an album called “Seasons” set to be released in January with TheStaRiders project. I already have my next project in mind, and I dream of collaborating with renowned producers like Trevor Horn, Stuart Price, and others.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
What I hope listeners will discover about me is that I am truly passionate—music is my life; I live, breathe, and sleep it, and I genuinely want to share that passion with others.