The new release from Matthew Presidente brings out an honest and heartfelt single that bears cinematic backbone and touches on a topic that most can relate to while hitting a vast and Theatrical tonality that becomes quickly addicting.
"Sungold" serves as a power ballad of sorts and does a great job at doing so with elements of a harder rock that lurks just beneath the surface as the artist wears his heart on his sleeves for all to hear.
The track is definitely emotionally driven but it's done with such a unique dynamic and subtlety that in a way, you feel like the song is just meant for you yourself.
It's definitely been a long time since the song is done for me and I think it's because of the feeling that the track is very personal and comes from real-life experience and feeling.
There is this wonderfully youthful beckoning that is there throughout the course of the track, and you also can hear a number of influences in classic rock that peek through the entire time.
The beauty of this song is the honesty and the way he delivers that vocal performance along with the lyrical content that makes you connect with everything that's happening.
That youthful beckoning I'm speaking of has more to do with how the song somewhat deals with the things we felt or dreams we had when we were younger, and I think that's something literally everyone can understand.
You can tell that there was a lot of attention to detail in the recording process and mixing process of this song, but it really worked out because it never loses that soul or heart that it was started with in the first place.
The track has an amazing way of wrapping itself around you and letting you become engulfed and also washed away with the whole thing and to me that's very gracefully executed.
You can also tell that Matthew has an absolute love for his craft which of course is songwriting, and he does this to get things off of his chest and maybe the only way he knows how.
It feels like this may have been cathartic for him and that feeling, and emotion comes through in the song itself.
This was a single of wonder and kept two elements of that fantastical and dreamlike reach that we all have or had at one time.
With the release of such a beautifully performed single, we wanted to have a sit down with Matthew Presidente to find out what actually inspired this song and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with "Sungold"! This single had a real classic rock feel and came through theatrical to me! How did this release come about?
Sungold is the first song I wrote in a batch of new ones for an upcoming album. It’s inspired by the music I grew up to in the 90s and that’s where the nostalgic feel comes from. I’ve been workshopping it and playing it live for a couple of years now - both solo and with my full band. Live, it always tends to be a special moment in the show and gets a great response. We wanted to capture that dramatic build in the recording and decided to release it as one of the songs teasing the full album!
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
These days I’m very much inspired by evolution and change! As I’m getting older and seeing a wider perspective, I’m appreciating the nuances that inspire change in a persons life. Whether that be a pandemic, a career decision, loss, success, travel, etc. Many of my new songs are focused around finding your own path, even if it’s not what is expected of you.
Buzz Slayers: This single has some interesting approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
I’m inspired by lots of different kinds of music - I’m a pop lover at heart but I also have a soft spot for rock and indie sounds. As a piano player who likes to rock out, I take inspiration from many of the great classic artists of the 70s - Elton John, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac. As a child of the 90s I have recently been drawing inspiration from the music I listened to growing up - Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Counting Crows, etc. These newer songs, Sungold included, have a much different sound from the more pop-focused music of my last few records. These ones are recorded with my full band and really lean into my classic influences.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I like to surround myself with creative people, so if I’m not personally working on music I love going to enjoy entertainment whether that be concerts, theatre, film, comedy, drag or even karaoke! If I am not living & breathing music you can find me bending and breathing in a yoga class!
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
I always like to listen to Madonna in the summer! If I’m going for something more current I’m really enjoying King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard right now.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
Yes! It’s a full summer of gigs so I’m performing lots around Vancouver (where I live) with a number of regular spots, many pride events and a few full band shows sprinkled in too. Also touring around the province with a few Okanagan shows. My webpage and insta are always up to date with all the details for anyone who wants to come get rockin’!
Buzz Slayers: What do you use to record this material?
Most of these new songs were recorded in Vancouver’s famous Hipposonic Studios (in the amazing room that’s seen Metallica, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi to name a few!) on the Yamaha grand piano. The rest were recorded in the fabulous Rain City Recorders with producer Matt Roach who is mixing the album. My full band has been involved in the recording process and this is the first record I’ve done (out of 6!) that wasn’t done at home or in a home studio.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
Keep an eye out because I will be trickling out the new songs every few months until it’s time for the full album drop later this year! I am proud of this record, I think it has something for everyone and I feel it is equally personal and relatable all at once.
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