The ukulele was where it all started. Matyas read from a paper about this extraordinary instrument about six years ago. The first ukulele arrived at home not long after. Matyas began learning the fundamentals and realized he was holding an expressive instrument. Experiments got underway, and Bach, for instance, was played. Later, Matyas switched to the guitar, and as he was perfecting his technique, he ignored all note-and-chord theory. Instead, he wrote music using his intuition, trying to capture the beauty, calmness, and simplicity in it. And, based on feedback, has been successful in instilling feelings of serenity and reminding listeners of the splendor and undeniable greatness of natureโessential components of Matyasโ music with its astounding sounds. On the other hand, beauty hides evil. In contrast to Tarrega, Segovia, and other composers, Matyas draws more of his inspiration from a darker world. His songs frequently have a somber flavor and incorporate death metal or gothic themes.
โHer Shadow In The Flameโ began as a commission. His friend had asked for a cover version of the song. While he completed the task, the contribution was never made. He made the decision to keep it himself because, in his opinion, it worked out well. He made a few minor adjustments to the original draft, and this is the result.
One of his all-time favorite songs was covered in the original by Cathedral (Hopkins the witchfinder general). The story is about witchcraft and the Inquisition, as you may have already noticed. In other words, a war on women and unjustified violence against helpless people. True insanity, a dark chapter in history, and a trove of well-known folktales and tales. Being a fervent admirer of gothic subjects and things related to dark arts and other such things, the age of witchcraft has always fascinated him, and he studied it extensively.
But this little song ended up being the soundtrack to a longing story rather than a horror one. The profound loss of a loved one who may have passed away forever. And it is appropriate to remind people what it means to be a human to another human at a time when unjustified violence against defenseless people is occurring once more in Europe. There ought to be harmony, love, and understanding. Unfortunately, there is only pure evil and hatred in Ukraine. But in his opinion, love always wins. Dark days will eventually come to an endโฆagain. Check out the song and the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
MATYASCORVINUS: I come from Scandinavia. From Finland, to be more precise. From a small coastal town called Kotka. I started already as a kid, with drums. Which I used to play for many, many years.
Later, after band years, I found ukulele. Started practicing and soon after switched to guitar. Which I have now been doing for several years.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
MATYASCORVINUS: I studied classical guitar back in the day, but noticed it was not for me. So, I quit it. Only to start again after couple of years. This time with my own songs and style. Which basically is classical, what comes to strumming technique (finger style), but much more stripped down, less traditional. And way simplier!
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name
MATYASCORVINUS: My very first influences, as a child, were the sixtieโs acts; The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Jimi Hendrix etc. played to me by my sisters, who happened to be big music fans. I was so small that I could not even walk, and they put me sitting in front of the record machine and cranked it up! They later told me that I loved it. So, the seed was planted very early. I remember a song that really struck me was Norwegian Wood by The Beatles. And why not! Itโs still a great piece. So is the whole album, Rubber Soul.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
MATYASCORVINUS: According to feedback, people have had strong visions of summer and serenity. They have also found my music relaxing etc. It has given them peaceful feelings. This is also my sound; soothing, relaxing, sereneโฆyet melancholic and sorrowful. We Finns love our songs in minor, so this is natural for me. Being a goth in my heart.
MATYASCORVINUS:
Well, I have defined it folk because maybe thatโs what it is. I call it โpseudo-classicalโ and for some reason I cannot find it from all these platforms asking for genre, HA-HA! My learning curve and way to do it feels my very own. I studied the basics; posture, strumming, sheet music, notesโฆjust to abandon it all in order to do it my way. I do not play cover songs, except Gary Numanโs Are Friends Electric. But thatโs a very special song to me. So, it just had to be done. Well, Peter Gabrielโs Games Without Frontiers is another very special song that I have made a version of, but never released.
So, let this be a small introduction to my ethos, which is: classical music is solely playing some other guyโs songs or works. In principle, playing covers.ย Following a scripture i.e. rules. For me this is completely out of question. On the other hand I have a certain respect for these people for having the patience to follow the rules for their entire career. On the other hand, I feel pity. If youโre really good at what youโre doing, why donโt you create something new? Obviously, some people do not.ย
So, Iโm in it with a punk-rock attitude. Do it yourself. I am a big fan of punk and metal, which are originally based on DIY-attitude. People have started to do what they love to do. And if there isnโt a readymade concept for the thing you do, you go and create that concept: musical style, visuals, record companies, fanzines, blogs, gigsโฆthe entire scene. Without asking some executives in the music industry whether itโs ok. In my opinion everything you create for your art is extremely ok, as long as it does not harm anyone.
For me the very best things in music have started with grass roots activity. Deep in the underground. Later to be found by millions of people.
6. Whatโs your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles โ and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
MATYASCORVINUS:
Musicโs role in the world is as versatile as there are people (billions). For me music has always been one of the many channels to bring up โseriousโ things i.e. political views, social issues, individual challenges, abuse, emancipation, equalityโฆjust to name a few. Music has always been in crucial role during uprisings, revolutions i.e. it has had an important role to unite. And divide. Itโs a very powerful form of art. And it has given people identities throughout the centuries. Think about Ukraine and Oh, The Red Fiburnum In The Meadow. Quite strong and meaningful, isnโt it?
For me, making instrumentals, itโs a bit different. There is always a backstory in my songs, anyhow. My songs are soundtracks of something, always. Otherwise they would be empty shells.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
MATYASCORVINUS:
Yes, it is. For me making music is doing something I have to do. Itโs in my heart and soul. Every time I grab my guitar, something comes out. Something from deep within. I cannot even explain it. Hereby, making music is a must.
My expectations for the future is gaining more and more people who do understand the concept of Matyascorvinus. However, I do not have high hopes of some kind of break through or gaining millions of streams. I understand my position as an independent musician deep in the margin.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
MATYASCORVINUS:
It is a mystery for me; I never have anything in my head when grabbing the guitar. Everything comes out from somewhere deep within. My fingers are exploring the fret board and if it sounds nice, I will memorize it. The music makes itself, there is never anything planned. Sometimes the entire song comes quickly, sometimes there are fragments floating in my mind for months. Only to be shaped into a song, later. The creative process takes different forms. I donโt have any patterns or schemes to work with. Itโs pure intuition. Afterwards, I do not even remember when or where it came from. The music just is. Right now. Also, I never write anything down. If the song has potential, it sticks to my mind. Weaker efforts just fade away. And itโs ok.
There is no collaboration. I feel it would ruin the whole process. Which is very delicate. Itโs like catching a butterfly. You must be very careful and sensitive. You do not want to hurt it. And after youยดve caught it, you watch it for a while, memorize its features and let it fly again.ย
9. What has been the most difficult thing youโve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
MATYASCORVINUS:
There are so many difficult things endured by this farโฆI could write a book about. But one thing is alcohol. I have been sober for almost eleven years now. To quit drinking was maybe the best decision I have ever made. Well, I did not make the decision entirely by myself, my wife was very decisive in matter. Basically, I had to choose between booze and marriage. I chose the marriage. However, I still sometimes notice loathing myself for the things Iโve done in the past. Being ashamed of yourself is a destructive feeling. We humans often tend to find someone else to blame, but understanding that there actually is no-one else, can be crushing. Thatโs my burden. But making music makes it easier.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
MATYASCORVINUS:
I think the greatest success for me, musically, has been gathering people from all over the world. Iโm a very international person. Touching someone from the other side of the globe is overwhelming. Even itโs just that one person.
11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
MATYASCORVINUS: I am blessed not to have bumped into these grim people, what comes to my socials. Apparently I have managed to create content that makes people feel good. Especially I am happy to have reached seemingly peaceful people, from all ages, liking the very same small things I do in my life. Also, I have intentionally kept my channels free from politics or societal issues. As we all know, thereโs a huge cesspool out there, online. No need to stir it.
However, Iโm very political and outspoken what comes to the state of the world, especially in Europe right now. The war in Ukraine has even deepened my political views. Still, I think people have places to handle this kind of issues of their own. I do not feel the urge to preach to anyone about whatโs right and wrong. Itโs enough, that in my heart I know what I feel. Besides, Iโm very confident in my views. So, thereโs no need to shout them out. People need nicer things, donโt they?
12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
MATYASCORVINUS: Studios do not excite me at all. On the contrary, staring at the mic, red light and the guy behind the glass makes me uneasy. I also do not understand the massive stacks of gear. I recorded my very first effort in real studio which is owned by one of my friends. It was very easy to work with him but the intimacy and the delicacy of the process was missing. Had to do something for it! So, I consulted him and bought myself good equipment to do it myself, studied the recording and softwareโฆand TA-DA! Now Iโm completely free recording engineer (sort of) working in my own home studio (Minimal Micro Studios). My latest efforts, Tree Of Life, Her Shadow In The Flame were completely made by myself. In Solitude was recorded by me, mixed and edited in studio (Teemu Aalto Music productions).
What comes to live performances, I have not done any. To be honest, for time being, I find it uncomfortable to think the idea of people in front of me, listening. However, I wish that will change some day! ย
13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
MATYASCORVINUS: Both and. Itโs quite challenging to bring up a story in an instrumental song. For me itโs enough to have people understanding and accepting what theyโre hearing. Also, if they get feelings, any kind of feelings, thatโs a win. My intention is to create good thoughts and make people to listen to themselves. Seems that it has also happened!
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Photo credits: Matyascorvinus