Atlanta-based musician Matt Rousseau is an artist whose sound is shaped by a journey through diverse genres and locations, brought to life via his MatAre project. Before launching this current endeavour, he was immersed in the dance music scene under the name Vibal, gaining recognition during the Orlando Breaks era. His productions became prized among vinyl collectors, capturing the energy of underground electronic music.
With MatAre, he’s shifted focus, moving beyond dance floor-driven beats to craft emotionally impactful music that blends indie rock, new wave and thoughtful lyricism. His sound is influenced by bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, Fleetwood Mac and The Sundays, presenting the sound of 80s nostalgia for a modern audience. Having lived across the United States, his nomadic lifestyle informs the themes of his music, reflecting personal challenges, solitude, determination and emotion in a way that’s struck a chord with listeners across the USA and beyond.
Since introducing MatAre in 2020 with his debut eponymous EP, he’s released multiple follow-ups, including his first full-length album, Patternicit. His presence extends beyond the studio, bringing his music to life on stage across Atlanta and North Florida, where his atmospheric sound finds a home with live audiences.
Opening a new chapter in his constantly developing artistic output, his latest single, “The Siren” sees him reveal a different side to his musical vision and signals the arrival of his upcoming record. Unlike his typically reflective themes, this track recounts a tale of fascination and hidden danger lurking beneath the waves captured via post punk energy infused with elements of new wave and goth rock.
Recorded in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2023 and finalised last December, the creation of “The Siren” saw MatAre recording vocals on the beach at night, allowing the natural surroundings to seep into the music. Jumping straight into an uptempo indie rock bounce, MatAre’s subtly lively vocals ride above the driving shuffle of drums and bright guitar plucks as he spins catchy hooks into the atmospheric sonic fabric.
Gliding through moments of stripped-back arrangement, the intricate ebb and flow provides an invigorating listening experience from start to finish. With an upbeat vibe and infectious writing, “The Siren” sees MatAre continue his prolific creative output in 2025 and build the hype for his highly anticipated forthcoming album release.
Listen to The Siren below
More from Music
JK LAB releases “Bare Aura” featuring KXNE
Coming out of Villach in Austria, JK LAB is a producer whose musical vision has been influenced by a passion …
Frannie B drops new single “Echo”
Based in Oxford, Frannie B has been making an impact in the UK music scene with a pop-focused sound that …
Brand new single from Nick Norton-Smith
London-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Nick Norton-Smith has built a decorated career across an unusually diverse musical landscape, moving between film, …
