Koma produced/co-produced all four of the tracks, working alongside heavy hitters like Alex Da Kid (Nicki Minaj, Rihanna), The Runaways‘ Sam Watters and Louis Biancaniello (Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis), The Smeezingtons‘ Ari Levine (Bruno Mars, Bad Meets Evil) and Mike Caren (T.I., B.o.B.). With a sound that can be best described as a blend of Adam Levine (Maroon 5), Danny O’donoghue (The Script), Pat Monahan (Train), Owl City and Frankmusik, Matthew Koma is definitely one of the most exciting new artists to emerge in recent months. His Parachute EP serves as an adequate teaser of what’s to come on his forthcoming debut album, Propaganda, due later this year.
The album, clearly a labor of love for Koma is both “a product of a diligent approach to his craft, as well as an appreciation for the master singer-songwriters who have preceded him,” particularly Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen, two of Matthew’s biggest heroes. According to Koma,
“I think any great record or great artist achieves a truth. Sometimes it’s a hard thing to tap into that honesty, but it’s important to accept the responsibility and deliver something real. That’s the only way to connect with people in an honest way, through trust. Having kept that in mind throughout the process of making this record, I hope these are stories people can feel and take something from.”
Dance music tends to get dumbed down for radio these days, so I love fact that Matthew Koma is coming at this genre from a singer/songwriter’s POV. Producers can throw on a slick, radio-friendly pop sound onto virtually anything, but if the lyrics are nothing but banal dribble, what’s the point? Matthew Koma is all about creating honest and intelligent pop music that tells a story and I’m all for that.
Right now, you can catch Matthew Koma on the road as he tours with LMFAO, Far East Movement, The Quest Crew, Sidney Samson and Eva Simons, as part of the “Sorry For Party Rocking Tour,” crisscrossing America through July 17th (check the list of tour dates HERE). You can also listen for Matthew on the new Alesso single, “Years,” which he co-wrote, as well as German DJ Zedd‘s first single, “Spectrum,” taken from his upcoming full length album.
Check BELOW to see Matthew Koma featured on rapper Lil’ Playy‘s single, “Birthday Dress” and in the video as well.
Follow me on Twitter