It’s been four long years since Mathew Gold last released an album. But the wait ended as he released his self-titled third album last week.
The Green Point-based artist recorded more than 50 songs which was whittled down to 14 for inclusion on his latest release.
“The recording process was the longest it’s ever taken for me to make an album. The entire writing process took about three years. The different genres and styles of music – I expose myself to all of that. I would make my favourite music and conduct the entire process.”
And, he said, he worked with 10 producers on the project.
“I would involve everyone; it was an inclusive project. The reason why it took so long was that I didn’t want to compromise the quality of each and every song.”
He said that being signed to Universal Records resulted in significant change in his career and they allowed him the freedom to take time to put the album together.
“I knew it was going to take a longer time than my previous album because I worked with specific producers on songs. It has been an amazing experience and I learned so much as a writer, how to collaborate better and how to find beauty in simplicity and not adding too much.
“I’ve never been more proud of my music. I believe in this project and in what we’ve created,” added Mathew.
He said he had been exposed to different kinds of music through his brother who used to record shows from the radio. He then moved to Worcester where he was exposed to alternative rock music.
“I remember being in Grade 9 and sneaking in the back of the cinema and saw Francois Van Coke for the first time.
“I admired the control and the power he had on stage. That was probably one of the most defining moments (for me) as a 15-year old seeing someone absolutely kill it on stage. I listened to everything and used all of those elements.”
Even though he first picked up the guitar in Grade 5, his first dream wasn’t to be a musician but an NBA player.
“I took my basketball very seriously. I played school, provincial and national basketball. I realised very soon the level of competition in Africa. I actually also studied to become a teacher.
“My entire family was not musically trained but we learn by ear. I’m so blessed to come from a family that understands music. They understand what it means to people and what it means to me.”
He said his family was very supportive when he decided that music was something that he wanted to pursue as a career.
“The support from my brother and his family and my parents has been the most important reason I continue to do this. I’ve never released a song without running it past them. They’ve been a part of every single step of my career.”
Matthew said his career had come a long way from making it into the top 12 of the Idols SA competition in 2009.
“Idols to me was almost like a question. I was 18 years old. (The question was), let me see how I compete against talented people.”
In the two years after Idols, Mathew started working on his first album which was self-funded and self-produced. From there the second album was more about his expansion and finding where he fitted in as an artist.
“Through that process I realised that I was really good at collaborating. I think I learnt enough to believe that I have something to offer.”
Mathew said that live performances were extremely important to him as an artist. “When people come to see me I try to make it a lot about my vocals. I try to show you my journey through music. I honestly feel like I do it well. I know that I appreciate versatility within a project or an artist’s ability. When I’m in a club and performing my radio hits, that is always special.”
With regard to his latest album, he said, choosing the running order of the tracks, had been one of the most important parts of the project.
“Even though it’s my third studio album I feel like it is still brand -new. Up to this point it has been a learning experience to know myself better musically and now I’m ready. I’m giving everyone my best. If you listen to the album from the start to the finish, you’ll have a better understanding of who I am.
“Being more vulnerable has allowed me to have less boundaries when it comes to making music.”
Mathew thanked his fans for the wait and his family for the support throughout the recording process.
He added that he was busy planning a club tour, the details of which would be released soon.
“It’s been a long time coming but I want to be respected for my efforts and attention to detail. It’s really sexy, local content with an international sound. I’ve been waiting for this for four years, I’m just happy.”
