Feature: mattokushi Decodes ‘When Nobody's Watching’
How did everything come together?
I started making music when I picked up a guitar at the age of 14. My friend and I, back in Moscow, began writing various compositions at home, mostly as a joke. But soon, it grew into my main form of self-expression. I always strive to be sincere in my music, and without a doubt, this played a big role in getting my album released on streaming platforms.
What impact do you hope ‘When Nobody's Watching’ will have on your audience?
I really hope that my album helps people get through difficult moments in life — and, of course, adds to their joyful ones. Most of the songs on the album are an inner cry, so I’m sure many people will feel the same emotions and find understanding in my songs. This album is also very important to me personally, as it marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one, filled with exciting new rock music.
Can you talk about any standout tracks on the album and what makes them special to you?
Without a doubt, the track “В моей комнате зима” (Winter in My Room), which became the starting point for the album, conveys all the pain of that stage in my life through both its music and lyrics. My girlfriend and I have been apart for over a year now, and this track expresses the emotions of how painful it is to be separated against your will.
There’s also an interesting story behind writing the track “In My Dreams.” I had a studio session scheduled for the next day, but I just couldn’t finish the second verse for the song “HOBBY.” At some point, I got so frustrated that I decided to start everything from scratch. In just three hours, I wrote both the music and lyrics for “In My Dreams.” The next day in the studio, I ended up recording both tracks.
What role do you feel emotions play in your music, and how do you channel them into your performances?
I believe that emotions are one of the most important aspects of creativity. Every time I sit down to write new music, I do it while fully immersed in the emotion I’m experiencing at that moment. It could mean choosing minor keys if I’m feeling sad, or exploring interesting chord variations with a richer tone if I’m aiming to create an indie track. I’m certain that people can feel the artist’s emotions through the music and adapt them to their own life situations.
As for performances, I haven’t been on stage that much yet, but I plan to create exciting shows. They’ll include segments with energetic tracks that make everyone jump, as well as intimate sections where the audience and the artist come together as one voice, connecting deeply through soul-stirring music.
How do you stay inspired and motivated to continue pushing boundaries in your art?
My main motivation is my girlfriend and myself — she’s my muse, inspiring me to make new creative decisions. Recently, I’ve also been inspired by other forms of art, such as photography, painting, and sculpture. I think it’s amazing how one form of art can give life to another.
But inspiration is only part of the process. To avoid writing songs that never see the light of day, an artist needs to be disciplined and responsible. Especially if you have a team, you have to see things through to the end.