Multi award-winning singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Matthew Mole drops his long-awaited 4th full-length album on Friday, the 6th October, entitled ‘Wake Up, It’s Morning’.
Two years in the making, the album is the first full-length offering since his ground-breaking South African Music Award-winning Record of the Year, ‘Ghost’. Having always produced music with a positive message, ‘Wake Up, It’s Morning’ sees the artist continue on the trajectory of hope and possibility and refers to the new album as “a collection of songs connected through the idea of finding the new compassions that come with each morning.”
Although Matthew has been teasing audiences for some time with single releases such as I’m With You, Good Things and See Me Again, ‘Wake Up, It’s Morning’ drops with a full 13-track complement of nu-folk, indie-pop and acoustic ballads. With his signature Cape Town-infused accent and heartfelt messages, his ability to cut to the heart of the song through simple, yet deeply resonating lyrics keep him one of South Africa’s most beloved stars.
Always notoriously a lone wolf in the studio, ‘Wake Up, It’s Morning’ is the first album that has seen Matthew not only co-produce with fellow peers, but also write alongside respected members of the pop music world. As he regularly spreads his global wings through touring, he has now found comradery through musical collaboration too.
The first international single release from the album, entitled Always By My Side is his first major creative collab. Bringing in Ross Hamilton (Ella Eyre, Nathan Evans, Saint Phnx) as a fellow songwriter and producer, the track is a strong introduction to the album and would-be new fans, linking back to the concept of new mornings providing grace and strength. Another track that shares a penmanship credit is Say You’ll Be Mine, bringing in Jonathan Quarmby, known for collaborations with Lewis Capaldi, Rhys Lewis, James Arthur and Tom Walker. All tracks on the album share a co-production credit with long-time friend and peer Brendyn “Rusti” Rossouw.
The album opens with the energised I’m With You and keeps it high-paced with tracks such as Wake Up, a true Matthew Mole hit waiting to drop. My Soul and Never Felt Like This both welcome upbeat, traditional folk sounds, without skimping on the much-loved electronic influence that occasionally throws a nod to the Eighties.
Enough, Goodbye, See Me Again and Countryside introduce some melancholy without dipping the tempo, and complete a full-rounded body of mature and versatile work. Matthew is excited about the album’s evolution. “I think this might be the most diverse album I’ve ever released. It has a mix of original Matthew Mole elements and new, fresh musical ideas”, he states.
11 years into his career, Matthew continues to grow and develop with every release, tour and live performance. On stage he leaves nothing behind. Playing live guitar, ukulele, synth, kick drum, triggered beats and singing, he is known for electrifying festival headlining slots as much as intimate, busker-type acoustic sets while exploring the world. With no bravado and a deep commitment to his fan base, Matthew is a working man’s musician as much as he is a huge pop star to the youth. His previous EP’s, albums and their accompanying videos have always shown an authenticity that is 100% unique, whilst remaining genuine to who he is as a person. As his star grows brighter every year, Matthew opens himself up to organic transformations whilst still remaining true to his main inspirations, his love of music, his wife Jess and his fans.
Matthew Mole kicks off his South African tour in October and will be travelling to Europe for the promotion of ‘Wake Up, It’s Morning’.
