A new single release from Matt Deangelis brings out a warming and lush songwriting approach that comes through cinematic and with a lot of heart and honesty.
"Can't Write About Today" is something of a power ballad that features a contemporary pop undertone but features some outstanding guitar sections that give the track a bigger atmosphere altogether.
These aspects coupled with a very passionate vocal delivery make the song genuine and authentic like it came from someplace real as it most likely did.
The fact is that you can feel that in the music itself which is really the most important thing.
When songs are written about something real, a lot of times you can tell if it's done right, and Matt has an outstanding way of performing on record.
This track has a wonderful way of building into an anthemic, and epic soundscape and it's done with a subtle approach until you realize by the end of the song everything has gotten so huge.
The single is gracefully performed by all parts not just vocally and although Matt may be playing all the instruments, the song does boast this almost live performance feel as if the instruments and players are feeding off of each other's energies the whole time.
To be able to create such a feeling and approach alone is an impressive thing and surely showcases a youth of songwriters that are creating music on their own terms and with fewer boundaries.
This release has a way of pulling you in and wrapping itself around you in a way as it keeps you right where it wants to and, in the end, you find yourself having to shake it off to come back to reality again.
I love songs that have this sort of escape element to them almost like reading a chapter of a good book.
When the songs over you just want to know more about it.
You find yourself curious as to what sparked the fire for this song to come to fruition and what kind of inspirations Matt had for making it.
There is definitely a lot of attention to detail during the creation of this song but throughout it all, it never loses that soul and that is the thing that is the most attractive and alluring factor of it.
With such a wonderful woven single we wanted to have a sit-down with Matt Deangelis to find out where this all actually came from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with "Can't Write About Today''! This song had such an impactful feel and was soulful and classic in a way! How did this track come about?
Thank you so much! The song began during a spiritual low I was experiencing during the pandemic. As the pandemic evolved, there were more and more issues, as you know--everything from political unrest, violence, and polarization of views that led to people rethinking their position in life and what was most important to them. At that point, I felt like I didn't have any words left to write about, as I was feeling hopeless. I wanted to retreat to the past, where I once felt hopeful. I eventually came to my senses in knowing that only the Lord above can instill and rejuvenate the hope that we all once felt.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist? When did you fall in love with music really?
I was always around music. My dad is a pianist and composer and mom is a poet. I guess I inherited talents from both of them! Nevertheless, I began tinkering at the piano in a more serious way when I was 6 or 7 years old. I always was a writer of short stories, even then, and began writing songs as well, but it wasn't until I was about 8 years old, when I wrote my first real organized song. Ironically, it is called "Childhood," and it really took my parents by surprise because of its organization and lyrics that were--as they put it--beyond my years. At that point I became more passionate about writing and learning to play the piano in order to be able to execute what was in my head, musically. speaking.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
In general, what inspires me are my surroundings, interactions with the world, and my perspective on how it makes me feel. I observe what's around me, internalize it, reflect on it, and reiterate it with a positive conclusion or a hopeful way of looking at it.
Buzz Slayers: This single has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Thank you so much for appreciating that. I have many influences, but some of the biggest inspirations came from the very early David Bowie albums, early Elton John and Billy Joel and many prog bands like Gentle Giant, Yes, Genesis and Pink Floyd.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Well, I am always either playing in many venues throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, or writing and recording new music, which consumes much of my time, but I am also an avid weather enthusiast and I am a big supporter of making people aware of climate change. I am a storm chaser as a result of that, and realize that much of what we are experiencing in the way of more violent weather is a direct result of this. I was fortunate enough to capture close footage of an EF3 tornado near my home in Southern New Jersey--something that was unheard of prior to the last 10-20 years. I made the national news with my footage, and was asked to appear on a Weather Channel show called Deadline To Disaster, which aired last December, covering the path of Hurricane Ida. I also think that the goings on in the world in general have had a huge impact on our mental health, another passion of mine. Having been diagnosed with severe OCD as a child, I have dealt with anxiety for most of my life, and I can see how the events in our world have caused more disorders in our children, in particular. I have a degree in inclusive education and have witnessed this first hand in the classroom--another area of pursuit in my life--albeit I only substitute these days.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
Yes' Tales From Topographic Oceans. By far, a prog masterpiece.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Yes, I am performing 3-5 shows/week in everything from casinos to large clubs, to weddings and parties.
Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourself or hit a big studio for this?
I record in professional studios. I usually begin with a demo that I lay down in my home studio prior to production.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
Expect a new single with accompanying video 3-4 times a year. I have a diverse palette and have plans to collaborate with other artists as well.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Thank you all for your support! It means more to me than words can express. If I can provoke thought and a positive feeling to you through my words and music, I feel that I have done my job.