Interview: Matthew Tuck
Christian Rap artist Matthew Tuck has clocked up an impressive following, with over 100K monthly listeners on Spotify and Top 5 chart hits, all without any promotion. On the back of his latest single 'Life With You', taken from the 'Transition' album, Louder Than The Music decided to find out more about this enigma.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Music has always been an outlet for me. Growing up I had severe ADHD and always dealt with my emotions by creating songs that allowed me to, in a way, escape my reality. Through my music I speak on mental health issues, create songs that make you feel something and hopefully give my listeners a place to go and get away as well. As far as making music goes I took the catchy instrumentals and choruses of pop, mixed them with rap, which gave me an opportunity to say more in one song, and put a little bit of R&B feel in there to complete the puzzle.
Tell us about your new single 'Life With You' and what the inspiration behind it was?
“Life With You” is a modern pop/rap fusion with R&B roots telling the story of two people in love wanting to spend life together. I wanted people to get teleported back to when they first met the person they’re in love with today, while reminding them how lucky they are to have that person in their life. I really wanted to stir up passion in people. God created such an amazing dynamic in relationships we often overlook and take for granted.
That song is from your 'Transition' album, tell us how the album came about?
Transition started as an EP that we were originally going drop as a more chill quarantine pack for the fans. After getting help from my friends at All Amour we decided to take it in a different direction. We made it into a mixtape that tells the story of two people who are a rollercoaster of emotions, as they transition into a better life together and deal with the many problems that come with a relationship. Transition is a double meaning, a transition of me setting the bar for where rap and music in general needs to go, but also the necessary transition many relationships go through. Every song is a different stage of love, listen closely and you’ll see the themes.
What are your favorite tracks on the album and why?
Goodbye is my favorite by far. I feel like I was really able to vividly paint the romantic picture of loving someone too much to let them go. The instrumental hit me so hard and from the start I knew it would be my favorite one the project. Higher Levels is another one of my favorites because even though my new style is more pop, I like proving I can still spit too. I wrote that chorus on a flight to New York, just kept hearing “higher levels” over and over until I was finally able to match it to a melody. The mixing really took it to a whole new level and J-Wright did his thing on the feature.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I want them to feel understood. I want people who are in their worst places in life to feel like they can relate to me and the music, knowing that I’ve been there and better times are coming. I also want people in their best places to remember what tough times felt like, so that they can both embrace the good and remember the bad, giving them that need to help others who may be struggling. I want people to see God and experience a side of Him we often neglect. I want people who feel lost, alone, and afraid to know that we serve a God who cares about them no matter what they may be going through.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Jon Bellion. I’ve always loved the melodies he comes up with and the really intricate process he goes through to put out the highest quality of music possible. I love his faith and despite having extreme success as a writer he makes it a point to give credit to God.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
For me success is constantly changing. I think the minute you reach a goal, give yourself 30 seconds to celebrate it, and after that set a bigger goal. God seems to add a times 10 to everything I’ve ever asked for so sometimes it feels like I’m stupid for not asking for greater things, but sometimes we have not because we don’t have the faith to ask. My next goal is to work with some artists I’ve always looked up to, and to take my music to a whole new level now that I have the time and resources to really focus on my craft.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Probably “Perception” by NF
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
“Time” by NF
What does the next year hold for you?
Next year we’ll be hopefully be able to tour again with another talented artist, along with being blessed with the opportunity to perform at a few festivals. We should have another mixtape out by then and be preparing for my album. Hopefully I will also be able make music with some of the really talented major artists I’ve become friends with throughout this past year.
