Interview: Matt Maltese on Album “Hers”

“Hers” is described as your most insular and intimate project yet. How did self-producing this album influence its emotional tone and creative direction compared to working with outside producers?

I think more than anything, it made the album a more singular vision, musically. Collaborating with other people means that micro decisions go in directions you wouldn’t have gone yourself, and sometimes that can be a great thing. But with this record, I knew I wanted to be incredibly precise and stubborn with every small decision. Which of course almost drove me crazy.

You’ve mentioned this album reflects on a long-term relationship rather than infatuation. How did writing from that perspective change your lyrical approach or musical choices?

Lyrically it had the biggest impact. Put quite plainly, it meant that when it came to writing about love, it was a totally new perspective. One that I foolishly thought might be simpler and involve less chaos. That wasn’t the case!

You likened making the album to ‘having a year to write a really important email.’ Can you expand on how that slower, more reflective process shaped the final product?

I’ve definitely done so in the past, but with this record I gave myself a little longer to stew with the songs.. I think self-editing over a long time has become something I believe in, and with this album there was more of that. I’d like to think that brought about a more lived-in album this time around.

There’s a distinct sonic atmosphere in “Hers”—twilight tones, creaking piano, woodwinds. How intentional was that aesthetic, and what emotions were you hoping to evoke through these textures?

Very intentional. I think overall, I didn’t have too much of an idea what I was trying to get across emotionally – but it felt like I knew deep down this music needed those textures, and of course the warmth and gravity that comes with them. And I wanted ‘production’ in the conventional sense to feature very lightly on this record. All of this record is just arranging and recording great players.

You’ve been candid about the ‘British shame’ around writing love songs. How do you balance vulnerability and self-consciousness in your songwriting?

With difficulty! It’s an ever-changing wave I think. There are moments I allow myself to write the thing I might not have written on another morning. It’s basically one long journey of self-acceptance. I’m not sure you every fully reach a destination, but I think sometimes you make things along the way you can stand behind and that’s definitely something

With six studio albums under your belt now, how do you feel your relationship with songwriting and storytelling has evolved?

It’s a strange one. I think I’ve gone through a lot of stages, just like everyone else does growing up. I sort of feel like I’ve come back to melodrama and comedy in a full circle really. But I also feel very open to what the future might hold. I know I want to keep breaking my own mould somehow.

Your lyrics often mix dry wit with deep emotional weight. Is humor a coping mechanism in your writing, or does it come naturally as part of your personality?

It comes naturally for sure. I’m definitely that cliché kid that realised comedy was a powerful way to get through school.. and then of course you realise it’s also a very powerful way to get through life. I think it feels incredibly good to laugh. And I’m generally of the thinking that life is full of suffering, so laughter is the bravest, smartest thing to be trying to do.

You’re about to tour major venues like London’s Roundhouse and LA’s Greek Theatre. How does the scale of these shows affect how you present such intimate music live?

We shall see I guess! I know that I’d like the shows to feel like they hold the space.. generally I’m just going to aim for it to be the greatest live performances we’ve given yet. No pressure

Many of your fans connect deeply with the emotional honesty in your music. What kind of conversations or feedback have most moved you since releasing “Hers”?

It’s early days still I guess, but a lot of people have told me how important the album has become to them already, and that means a lot of course. Starting out, all you really can hope for is to have a place on the shelf next to people’s favourite albums.

You started releasing music at a young age and have built a dedicated following over time. Looking back, what would you tell your younger self as you release this sixth album?

Don’t freak out, I’ve been sent by an online music platform to speak to you. Also, shave your “beard”.

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