PREMIERE: Matthew Alexander - Meraki (EP) + 10 Questions

East London's own Matthew Alexander unveils a soul-stirring masterpiece with his latest musical offering, "Meraki."

The EP's lead single, "Overboard," serves as a shining example of Alexander's musical prowess. With its nostalgic charm and sumptuous blend of R&B-infused pop, the track envelops listeners in a melodic embrace. Alexander's soulful vocals, reminiscent of classic R&B legends, intertwine seamlessly with intricate melodies crafted with acoustic and electric guitar elements, all produced entirely by Alexander in his home studio.

Alexander shares, "It's a conceptual celebratory song about alcohol consumption with an underlying melancholy nod towards alcohol abuse and lack of love. This song means a lot to me, as all of the songs I write do."

Drawing influences from R&B icons such as Craig David, Brandy, and Musiq Soulchild, "Overboard" transports listeners to the golden era of R&B, echoing the pop-infused gems of the 80s and 90s while carving out a unique space in today's music landscape. With his debut EP, Alexander invites audiences to embark on a soulful journey guided by his rich storytelling and clean, captivating vocals.

Matthew Alexander sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Well I remember my love for singing and performing starting at 6 years old. I sang in a nativity/variety talent show. Singing a song named ‘A penny for Georgie’ in my super high pitched voice at the time. There was not a dry eye in the hall by the time I finished. Even my mum didn’t realise I had such a talent until that moment. Everybody cried, I made such an impact.

I actually remember from the 1st moment it was suggested that I sung in that show, I went into the next room and looked in the mirror at 6 years old and I felt something, the spark, the passion for it lit up inside me as I imagined myself on that stage and I felt excited to sing, I knew I could do it, I knew it would be my chance to stand out in such a big family. From then on I continued to sing in talent shows, attended the Brit School and eventually my dad bought me an 88 key Korg Triton Extreme keyboard which I learnt to produce and song-write on. I come from a family of musicians and singers/performers. My mum and dad were both in bands with their siblings. I heard their records playing all the time as I grew up, and watched my mum and aunts on stage regularly so I guess I couldn’t escape it. My parents were my first inspiration. I soon learnt it was my calling.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Oh my there’s so many artists that influence me, how long have you got *laughs*. In no particular order, Brandy, Musiq Soulchild, Ginuwine MJ, Whitney Houston, Faith Evans, Aaliyah, Dru Hill, all the 90’s R&B boys, girls and bands. I think you can hear that in my phrasing. I also love pop music too and the art of creating an infectious pop song. I pull influence from each act's specific skills, so for example, Timbaland for production, the Dream for songwriting, Beyonce for stage presence and Luther Vandross for tone and delivery, my songwriting and production influence is vast, I have such love for music, no genre is off limits.

Who would I want to work with in the future? That's a great question, again there’s so many great acts. It would be dope to collaborate with Stormzy, Dave, Ella Mai, Mahalia, Cleo Sol or AMARIA BB. I love what they’re bringing to the table. Dream, stateside acts would be artists like SZA, Summer Walker, Usher or Beyonce. One can dream or shall we say manifest.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I started working on my album in January. I plan to bring my EP “Meraki’ to the stage this year around working on my album project. As an independent artist I’m making my own decisions with regards to the direction of my album and who I work with. It was important for ‘Meraki’ to not have any features, as I wanted to give people a real insight into my artistry, but now as I embark on this album project, I’m allowing the universe to bring the right producer(s) songwriter(s) to me to create something special.

4. How would you describe your sound?

In essence my sound is R&B but I consider myself a Pop/R&B act. Mainstream music creation is my mission. My voice lends itself to soul and R&B Music but as a songwriter my songs can be interpreted into any genre. If you're looking for my music in HMV for example. though, you’ll find me in the RnB/Hip Hop section.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I'm pretty proud of the success my single “Aligned’ had in 2023. As an independent artist, coming out of such a lengthy hiatus, rebranding and going it alone it literally felt like I was starting from scratch in an industry that had changed so much. I’m proud of the recognition I received from radio DJ’s, my peers and my growing fanbase, not only as an artist but as a company director launching myself as a reemerging artist.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

The mad game of music indeed, the cure and the cause. I would say don’t be afraid to bet on yourself. People will only invest and support you if they see you are making an investment in yourself. It's literally a do it yourself industry now and money makes the world go round so like you would save to buy a house or invest in crypto, invest in your brand and your music, show people you are a worthwhile investment. Talent is not enough. Oh and work smart, not just hard, build a team, play fair and have no fear.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out? 

There’s so much talent out there right now. Shae Universe, Debbie, Destin Conrad, Jayla Darden, LAYA, Elmiene, Nia Sultana, Dayo Bello, No Guidance. FLO, I could go on.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

I’m not really an ‘album’ person, like listening to an album from beginning to end. I listen to music on playlists and then add them to my favourites. If I had to say though, It would probably be a Destin Conrad, Shae Universe or Cleo Sol project.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I find watching cool sci-fi or fantasy movies and series a good bit of escapism. I also love working out in the gym and spending quality time with family and friends. I also find a bit of alone time out in nature quite the reset too as I do spend a lot of time looking at screens. Making music is my favourite thing to do though so music would always be my choice of activity over. anything else.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Warm water or hot drink, some type of cough sweet or vocal zones and a hoodie, *laughs* I don’t like being cold. I’m pretty low maintenance to be honest. As long as my voice feels healthy and I’m well rested, as I do wear a lot of hats, I’m a happy artist.  I love being in the studio. It's my happy place. I mean what's better than being able to crank up the volume and sound design the life into your latest production or vocally arrange your newly written song, away from the hustle and bustle of London.