Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Matilda Pratt
THE RELEASE
Matilda Pratt, a 21 year singer songwriter from the West Midlands, UK has quickly gained recognition for her talent. One notable performance was her moving rendition of the National Anthem at Twickenham Stadium, which was broadcasted nationwide in both 2022 and 2023. In addition to festivals she has also captivated audiences at venues like The Hotel Cafe (Main Stage) in Hollywood, Breaking Sound LA, The Sunflower Lounge (Birmingham) and The Jacaranda (Liverpool). An exciting highlight for Matilda was supporting The Dunwells during their tour in October 2023. She also headlined the prestigious 'We Found New Music' Showcase in Hollywood alongside artists such as Billie Eilish and Yungblud. Matildas achievements include winning Track of the Year 2022 on Future Hits Radio and being featured as Track of the Day on BBC Introducing. Her music has also been selected by Jake Gosling for inclusion on the Official Hotel Chocolat Spotify Playlist played across more than 100 UK stores well as locations, in New York, Japan and St Lucia. Matilda Pratt has been gaining recognition with her tracks such as 'Dear You' 'If She Dares,' and 'My Stranger.' As the year comes to a close she leaves a lasting impact with a headline performance at The Victoria, in Birmingham on December 8th. This milestone adds to her career accomplishments.
"21" is an indie/pop anthem that Matilda Pratt carefully crafted during her summer, in Los Angeles in 2023. Departing from the realm of love songs, Matilda explores a coming of age story centered around the moment of turning 21 and graduating from Oxford University with a Law Degree. The song captures a conversation with her self, imagining the dreams she held at the age of 7 and questioning if they align with todays reality. "21" serves as a testament to the support of Matildas incredible family and friends who have been there for her through every life challenge. The track invites listeners to reflect on their mentors and allies as they pursue their dreams. Tackling the stage of twenties navigating transitions and uncertainties "21" encapsulates the universal experience of embarking on new beginnings whether it be returning home or carving out a path in a new city. Matilda considers this track her most authentic yet expressing pride in releasing something that deeply resonates with listeners fostering connections, through shared experiences and the road of self discovery we all embark upon.
THE INTERVIEW
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
Sam Fender, Ellie Goulding, Cyndi Lauper, Liam Gallagher
Now that is a very eclectic mix... but I will explain why...
Ellie Goulding - she was the first artist I ever saw LIVE when I was 11 years old in Nottingham and her version of 'Your Song' was the first song I ever covered when I was 10 and won a local talent show! I think her style, stage presence and unique voice has always inspired me, particularly as I put my own 'spin' on a lot of cover versions which is something she does really well.
Cyndi Lauper - again, such a unique and timeless artist! True Colors was another of the first songs I ever covered, suggested by my Grandad when I was only 10 years old too, so it is really special to me. It was also the first song I ever recorded in a studio and having spent soooo many hours in the studio since, it remains a very special experience for me. Just this year she actually reposted my cover of the song on her Instagram story so it would be great to add her to my Mount Rushmore of inspiration.
Sam Fender - I just love everything about Sam Fender. I have loved him since his 'Play God' days and I hate to be that person... but saw him 'before he was big', haha! His style is so unique in the industry and he is such an inspiration to my current sound. I've since seen him perform at Arenas and Festivals, like Reading Festival, as well as at the Fonda Theatre in LA, which was so surreal to see him perform a much more intimate show. Generally... I just want to be a female Sam Fender! Oh and he liked my cover of 'Hypersonic Missiles' on Instagram too, that was cool.
Liam Gallagher - as I can't have the whole of Oasis on my Mount Rushmore of inspiration, I have had to pick my favourite Gallagher brother. I have seen him LIVE multiple times and just think he is one of a kind. I love his solo stuff, as well as the classic Britpop sound of Oasis, and this is a huge inspiration for my music. I always say he would be the person I'd invite to a dinner party too.
Were there any specific challenges or breakthrough moments during the production of your new single that had a significant impact on its final form?
The night before I was supposed to go in the studio to write '21' I just couldn't sleep. I had recently finished my Law degree at Oxford University and was genuinely just lying in bed, reflecting on my life and where I was now. I also couldn't sleep because I was staying on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood, Los Angeles which quite literally never sleeps! I decided to just get out my phone and write what was circling in my head on my notes app and was actually getting quite emotional. A lot of what I was writing in my phone actually became parts of the song, like 'seven and fourteen' was absolutely one of the first things I wrote about, though I did not expect to call the song '21' until near the end of the writing process.
When I then got in the studio in LA the next day, I knew exactly what I wanted to write about. I was absolutely set on the sound but just needed to land the narrative and it all just fell into place. I wrote '21' with my younger self in mind, picturing her right by my side and thinking if she would be proud of where I am today, but my producer also pointed out that it could absolutely be about a sibling, or family member, or childhood friend, and that's why I think the song will resonate with so many people.
Can you share insights into the collaborative process behind the creation of your latest single, including any notable contributions from producers, co-writers, engineers or featured artists?
I wrote the song with the amazing Rob Seals, who also produced my last single 'Dear You', and actually John Mayer's bassist Sean Hurley is also playing bass on '21'... pretty cool.
Can you articulate the impact or impression you hope your new song leaves on listeners long after they've experienced it for the first time?
I hope everyone pictures a person or people that have had a massive impact on their life and has always believed in them and facilitated their dreams, whoever that might be. No matter how many people have told you that you can't do something, that there was always someone who never told you that your dreams were too big or unachievable. I hope it also resonates to a lot of people my age also who are still navigating life and their 20s and that you don't have to have absolutely everything figured out right now and that that is okay!
Looking ahead, how does the release of this single pave the way for future projects, and are there any hints or clues about the direction your music might take in the coming months?
'21' is absolutely my sound and I have just written my next single which I am soooo excited to release. It is definitely the same sort of sound... but also something totally unique. Like '21' is a little more 'pop'/indie, but my next single is a bit more 'indie'/pop and something I think people haven't really heard before. Exciting times!
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