Monday is here again and we’re back with a brand new Track of the Week!
‘Midnight’ is the debut single from BIMM Brighton’s Matilda Bond, and we’ve been listening on repeat on all weekend. Take a listen and discover more about the track below.
What was your inspiration when you began writing ‘Midnight’?
The whole song is based around people-watching and constructing a storyline for the people around you. I was sat in a park, soaking up all those D-vitamins, creating an entire account in my head of the story behind each person in my surroundings.
The concept of ‘Midnight’ developed from the idea that it is the time where everyone, somewhere between drunk and sober, finds and tells their honest thoughts. The message that I wanted to get across was the feeling of being present and looking outwardly for a moment.
Are there any artists that inspire you when writing?
When me and Ciara (my co-songwriter) are writing, our biggest musical influences range from Jordan Rakei, Lianne La Havas and Hamzaa to Golden Oldies like Billie Holliday, Etta James and B.B King. We look to Jordan Rakei the most for lyrics and groove, Lianne La Havas for tasteful melodies and Hamzaa for feeling!
What is key to your sound and how do you make your music stand out?
Tough cookie! I think the key to my sound is in the way all of the instruments play off each other and work together. We always find the best sounds just from paying attention to one another. As an artist, my main focus is creation, and although all music takes influence from each other, I aim to make something new without worrying too much about the confines of genre. I just want to create weird sounds and put them all together in a weird pot!
How does your songwriting process work?
It always starts with pressure for me. It’s hard to explain, but I write the best music when I feel very pressured to do so. It sounds as though this takes the feeling out of the music, but it makes the process for me because in some way I’m forcing myself to feel. With pressure applied, I begin with colourful chords and a melody until I eventually add lyrics. Lyrics are always, always last.
Describe your sound in 3 words…
Warm, Vibey, Soulful.
How has studying at BIMM Institute helped you develop as an artist?
Networking, networking, networking! I have developed such amazing relationships through BIMM Institute – and the fact that I am constantly surrounded by talented musicians means that I am driven to do better and better all the time.
What’s next for you?
As soon as these crazy days are over and we return to normal life, we are getting back into the studio ASAP. It’s a weird and bubbly time right now. ‘Midnight’ has been such a long time coming and we’ve been working on so many new things for the past year. Finally, they are rising to the surface. The plan now is to shift all my focus on to the next song – EXCITING!
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