MATILDA

For Matilda, music is the medium to expose the raw truth. "We are all victims of the politically correct," she says. 

"My art is so inspired by Italian neorealist cinema: life is not all shimmer and shine, as we see in Hollywood movies. I want to bluntly tell my perspective on our reality, without many filters".

Loud, straight shooter, and definitely punk rock: MATILDA is a rising talent from Milan. Singer, video-maker, and songwriter, she plays with lyrics and a strong aesthetic, bringing freak media around the Italian metropolis. 

"I have a background in experimental arts and cinema production. Therefore, what I learned during my degrees definitely shapes how I produce my content. With my videos, I want to offer suggestions and show what my texts do not. And that's why it is fundamental for me to combine visuals and words".

Self-thought musician, Matilda Balconi "grew up on bread and rock'n roll" - "When I was younger, I was ashamed of playing in front of an audience. But during the pandemic, I felt the urge to bring my art on stage and show others what I had to tell."

Hence, during the lockdown, she started to write her own lyrics and melodies. 

"I realised I could do it and wanted to make it a profession. I knew a PR manager who was organising a concert for an Irish Punk band. The event wasn't far from Milan, and he was looking for an opening act. 

I had never performed live before, but when he asked me If I had done gigs already, I lied" (LOL) – “I had a lot of fun and zero anxiety. That concert was my stepping stone. 

There, I met my producer. And from last January we started to actively collaborate together."

In the chorus of your first original "Bleah" you sarcastically sing "If the world goes to shit, post a story on IG (transl:Se il mondo va a puttane, tu fai una storia Insta)". Tell us more.

"Bleah" is a cry of rage against a society capitalised by increasingly toxic, harmful, and suffocating behaviours. It is time to say we have had enough of it. The lyrics of this song are quite intense, and so is the video clip I produced. The first time you watch and listen to it, you might think is a funny song, with a catchy chorus and pop colours. Nevertheless, I recreated the aesthetic of a reality show where what's going on is absolutely sick. For instance, the employees pay more taxes than what they earn. I want to offer points of view to let the viewers reflect on what I think are the problems of our current society."

What does it mean to be an emerging artist in Milan?

"There is a lot of competition, that's for sure. Along with Rome, Milan is the city of the art hub in Italy. Everyone is trying to emerge and be a full-time artist. 

Especially in the beginning, I had people suggesting to change my sound, and do genres that are easier to market - like pop or trap - as many youngers don't listen to punk rock here. However, I didn't want to give up, and I kept doing my music". 

MATILDA is currently releasing an EP with 4 covers, and working on her new originals' production. She decided to rework four staple Italian tracks released between the end of the '60s and the late '70s. Mostly pop singles, she sings them her way: Adding an electric guitar, fast-paced drum beats, and an amusing video.

"If I could push a button and choose one era to live in, I would choose the '70s. I just love the music of those years, the aesthetic, and how people were enjoying life. Folks would go to a pub and listen to the band playing while drinking a beer. Now everyone is looking at their phones, and watching reality behind their screens. I think this is because we are surrounded by fast-paced entertainment, and to focus on a live performance without looking at our phones seems demanding.

At the same time, I recognize the potential that social media have. They are the fastest means we have to connect with others. I use them in the most spontaneous way, showing the real me". 

How Freak are your media?

"I am experimenting with different aesthetics and melodies; I want my songs to sound freaky. I want people to listen to a playlist with all my tunes and think what the fuck am I listening to?"

You can find MATILDA's music on all major streaming platforms and you can follow her on Instagram at @matildasound.

Freak, out!