Ahead of the release of his new single, which is coming out in a matter of weeks, we’ve sat down with one of favourite Belgian producers, Moonlight Matters, to find out what really makes him tick as both as an artist and a person, yes – DJs and producers are people too, and we should never forget that.
We’ve actually been meaning to catch up with Moonlight Matters and his latest goings-on for a while now. So, what we do know is he recently released a new single, ‘Hallucination’ featuring the enticing vocals of Black Atlass, which we kinda forgot to post to our shame — especially as it is pretty damn incredible.
But fear not — not only can you hear his new single (below), he’s also made us a stunning mixtape (which is totally amazing) and he’s even answered our Introducing questions, where he delves into some of his favourite musical influences, he shows us around his studio and garden, and tells us what he’d change about the music business if he was given the chance.
Can you please introduce yourself.
Hey Andrew! My name is Sebastiaan Vandevoorde, I’m from (not so) sunny Belgium, and I also go by the name of Moonlight Matters.
And whereabouts are you today…?
I’m working on a sunny disco track with latin american influences in my studio situated a stones-throw from the picturesque city of Bruges in Belgium. The weather isn’t that bad today so I’ll be putting my feet on the grass of my garden as well today…
And most importantly — what’s the view like…?
Gives us five words that best describes your new track…?
Texas, groove, playful, signature sound, finally there…
Who inspired you into a life of music… ?
I got inspired at a very early age by going to (at the time techno) parties with my friends, I was that guy annoyingly staring at the DJ for hours trying to wrap my head around what he was doing. Before that I had always been around musical instruments, but didn’t really take things that seriously and just had fun with them. It wasn’t until I got my first set of sl1200’s and few vinyls that I was convinced the music life would be where I’d want to go to the greatest annoyance of both my poor parents. Soon after that I realised that I wanted my own music to be on that vynil and i picked up producing from there…
Do you ever regret it…?
Every professional musician knows a life in music isn’t all puppies and sunshine, but so far I haven’t regretted one single second of my choice to go into music. In most creative branches you know that there’s certain things you probably won’t be able to obtain. I think two of those are mostly emotional and financial stability. One minute your hot, the next your not… Sometimes you make a lot of money, sometimes it will be hard to fill your fridge… It’s just a matter sticking to your passion, learning how to roll with the punches from time to time and be smart…
If you could change one thing about the music industry what would it be and why…?
Well, I think a lot of the artists nowadays have that — if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em attitude these days. I’d like to see a litlle bit more of the beating. So, fuck what everybody wants to hear, and fuck what everybody else is doing. From the label-side it would be great if they would put their reputation as real curators on the line more and pick what’s really special, interesting, different — rather then picking what is safe and will be a guaranteed return on their investment 99% of the time… No pun intended… Just my 2 cents…
Who is your favourite artist…?
A friend of mine made the video for my new single featuring the legendary Texas/Sharleen Spiteri, which is coming out in a matter of weeks and I love his work! His name is Sammy Slabbinck, and he’s a collage/video artist from Belgium… Amongst others, he’s worked with Leonard Cohen on his last album cover, did stuff for Gucci and had his works reviewed by Rolling Stone Magazine, The New Yorker, The Telegraph and many more… A true talent!
http://sammyslabbinck.tumblr.com/
What was the first record you bought…?
Michael Jackson’s Thriller… Still as good as the day it came out! Maybe even better… Countless hours, days, mounth, years of listening pleasure and still discovering new angles on that record…
What was the last record you bought…?
James Blake’s The Colour In Anything. It might surprise you as this one has been out for a serious while, but I kinda slept on the record for God’s sake! I couldn’t do without it right now, the record is so well written, so carfully produced, such a beautiful and cohesive collection of masterpieces… R.E.S.P.E.C.T!
What track do you wish you’d written…?
Couros – Never Break. That track is sooooo perfect! OMG! I love the simple yet fresh and effective production on this one. It’s the perfect blend between hope and dispare. A melancholic track that always makes me a bit emotional but gives me so much energy… I heard it first on The Magician’s 66th Magic Tape…. (Thanks Stephen!!!)
What track makes you happiest…?
Phoenix – If I Ever Feel Better. This track allways chears me up! Imagine a rainy day, press play and be prepared to be cheered up! Love these guys!
What track makes you saddest…?
Jacques Brell – Ne Me Quitte Pas. This man is a timeless legend, he’s Belgian as well. A true example of pure emotion, music from the heart. You don’t have to speak French to get the melancholy on this record… So Pure…
What’s your favourite club…?
I’ve had the priviledge of playing Fabric a few years ago, and that place just oozes history. Very honoured to have been able to play a few records there (Thanks Erol!) and very happy the story continues for them!
What’s your favourite after party record…?
Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient Works II. This is the perfect transitions from tinitus to sweet dreams… VIBES!
What track has had the most influence on you…?
Automat – Automat. This record is just such an obscure classic. The first time I heard it, it was like the gates of heaven opened in front of my eyes. Made with the one and only obscure MCS70 synth ever produced by italian musicians Romano Musumarra, Claudio Gizzi (composers) and Mario Maggi (programmer of the sounds on the MCS70). A MUST HEAR!!! Discoverd this one through the legendary I-F’s cybernetic broadcasting system…
Which of your own tracks are you most proud of…?
A few years ago I did a rework of a Ben Howard track called The Fear. I did it just for fun, to be able to add it to my DJ sets as I just loved the energy and message of that track. With a solid 850.000 Soundcloud plays it’s really started to live a life of its own…
What’s your current favourite record…?
Gonna have to go with one of those James blake tracks off the latest record. I think If I have to choose one I’d go for that track with Bon Iver called ‘I Need A Forest Fire’. Just mesmerising how those two voices blend together… A match made in heaven!
If your studio was one fire and you go back in to save one thing, what would it be and why…?
I’d be happy to save myself, as my biggest instrument is my brain, but I’d defo be trying to save my memorymoog & CS60, those are my babies, as they have so much caracter and personality.