An Interview with Matt DeAngelis

A new single release from Matt DeAngelis comes through as a beautifully woven acoustic, singer-songwriter-style track. As the song unfolds, you become more attached to the character and sentiment behind it. Not only relatable but articulated in such a way that you feel connected.

"Rock And A Hard Place (Stripped)" is a song that speaks of struggle and frustration in certain kinds of relationships when you're trying but not seeing any progress in certain aspects. At least, that's how I picked up on it.

The sentiment was strong and the display of emotional backbone that you get throughout this track is pretty intense at times.

The descriptive lyrics draw you in, but the performances are passionate and can be lush at times.

As the song unfolds more and more, you begin to hear vocal harmonies in the background that give off a sort of atmospheric vibe adding a vastness to the song's underbelly and, in turn, pushing more of that emotion to the forefront.

Those backing vocals are almost like instruments themselves and the melodies and harmonies being performed add gorgeous layers of texture to the song and the soundscape.

This track is a stripped-down version of its original counterpart which has a different feel but the same message.

Although the original version has its own aesthetic to it.  A lot more of those inner thoughts spill out for everyone to share and soak in because you can hear every lyric perfectly along with what feels like a more passionate performance vocally.

So, not only is this beautiful, connective and relatable but it also has a particular way of wrapping itself around you.

By the end of the track, there are many vocal layers, and the song is full-bodied with them so the intensity is high, and you can feel that emotion bursting through in a climactic pinpoint.

I love songs with such thick honesty and emotional value. I think it's something that takes bravery and perhaps this was very cathartic for him to write and release.

It sure seems that way and although I do like the original, as I mentioned before, this version hits me differently.

Matt DeAngelis is an artist and songwriter who seems to let his guard down when creating music. You can hear in the songs that his music is almost like a form of therapy for him. This is why so much of the music he puts out has authenticity to it.

A lot of us go through different kinds of struggles and inner thoughts that keep us stuck in certain places or feel like they control us. Not all of us have the ability to articulate that into words let alone words of music, so when you hear a song like this from an artist like Matt, it feels good.

Songs like this make us feel like we're not alone in those kinds of thoughts or struggles and that's really important when it comes to delivering impactful music. 

The performance on the guitars is perfect but still has soul and heart just as the entire track boasts.

This is a song you listen to with headphones on so you can really soak in these beautiful layers.

The build to that climb in intensity really grabs you with this track.

With the release of such a beautiful and honest single, we wanted to chat with Matt to find out where it actually came from and why he decided to do a stripped-down version of the song in the first place.

Here's what happened.

Buzz Slayers: Hey Matt and thanks so much for taking some time with us once more! I'd love to start off with "Rock And A Hard Place"(Stripped)! This was really amazing and had such beautifully woven vocals involved! What made you re-create this previously released track?

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! We got the idea for a stripped acoustic version when we were recording different parts to the original song in the studio. We isolated several tracks, including the drums and a few of the other keyboard parts, then found the raw version of the song brought out the best in the quality of the song.

Buzz Slayers: Have you had ideas to create other stopped down versions of songs or are you planning on any others?

The acoustic version to this song certainly has inspired me to at least consider recording more stripped versions of my songs. I'm even planning on recording an acoustic version of a Beatles cover song in the near future. I feel that these stripped versions of songs give the audience a much different perspective and appreciation for the music in general.

Buzz Slayers: Are you performing this song live at the moment? 

While I'm not performing this song live at the moment, I'm planning on playing both the original and stripped version of the song live in the near future. As I continue to play more as a solo artist, I definitely want to incorporate more of my original songs aside from just cover music.

Buzz Slayers: When you record your songs, are you doing it at a home studio, or are you doing these at a bigger spot?

I record most of my songs at The Gradwell House Studio and Musically Speaking Studios nearby in New Jersey. These are both professional studios, but I've also had the pleasure of recording several of my other original songs at Cove City Sound Studio on Long Island, New York with two of the original band members of Billy Joel.

Buzz Slayers: What do you think might be coming next for you?

The future will remain quite busy, as I am planning on releasing several more original singles throughout the remainder of this year. I will also be recording several new music videos in a variety of locations outside of New Jersey. The incorporation of these music videos has helped my career in many ways, and I anticipate that, with improving design and filming, they will continue to do so.

Buzz Slayers: Were you inspired or influenced by any folk, or singer-songwriters? If so, give us a few! 

My number one inspiration growing up was David Bowie, but I'm also a huge fan of Billy Joel and Elton John. I am an avid fan of classic and progressive rock, including bands such as The Beatles, U2, Yes, Genesis, Kansas, and others. These artists and bands have helped to shape not just the musician I am today, but the songwriter I have become over time.

Buzz Slayers: We just have to touch on your "Dust in the Wind" cover! This was also quite beautifully done! Was that a tough challenge for you?

Thank you so much! I very much enjoyed recording this cover and had an amazing experience filming the music video that went along to this song. I had the idea of performing and recording this cover song based on my brand of being a storm chaser and advocate for climate change. I want to help bring awareness to our ever-changing world and help to promote the wellbeing of our planet.

Buzz Slayers: The original "Rock And A Hard Place" was lush and very full-bodied! What instruments were you performing on that version?

On the original version of "Rock And A Hard Place," I recorded the piano and backing keyboards, as well as all the lead and backing vocals. The musicians I had behind me are extraordinarily gifted. Between Bill Kennedy on guitar, Cole Herudek on drums, and Eric Bishop on bass, it's truly the perfect storm of musicians for my songs. I am very grateful to have such talented musicians help my songs realize their full potential.

Buzz Slayers: The stripped version was also intense but in a different way. Are you as happy with the stripped version as you were with the original?

I think that both the original and stripped versions came out excellent, and I am equally happy with both of them. I have come to appreciate them in different ways but am still highly satisfied with both results. I had an incredible time recording these tracks and music video to the original song. For the stripped version, I recorded a more mellow lead vocal and the guitar solo is a laid back simpler  acoustic version.

Buzz Slayers: Are you planning a music video for this one?

While I'm not planning on a music video for this stripped version of my songs, there are several other music videos coming this year that I believe many will find very enjoyable.

Buzz Slayers: Before we go, is there anything you'd want to express to fans of the music?

I am eternally grateful for all of the support that my fans have given me and continue to provide throughout my journey. I will do everything I can to provide the best content for my audience as possible.

Buzz Slayers: Thanks again for taking more time with us Matt!

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