Matisa, wearing Vivetta for French Fries the HUMAN DNA issue
Isabella Matilde, aka Matisa, is a young dj and producer who, in recent years, has made great strides in her musical career. Passing her life between Rome and Florence, her artistic influences are certainly notable, but what most characterizes her is the strong bond with fashion. Matisa tries to see the beauty in everything that surrounds her, and looking to the future with an optimistic look. Her positivity has allowed her to grow as an artist despite being a difficult time for the music industry; in fact, she has been recently featured on Rinse FM, guest of Paramida’s show, one of electronic music’s ground-breaking stations. We can’t wait to see where her music takes her next!
Interview by Beatrice Panero / pane.nero
Creative and art direction by Sarah Venturini / mattandsarahimg
Photography by Paolo De Luca / paoliinodeluca
Video by Zorg Lenski / zorglnsk and Paolo De Luca / paoliinodeluca
Original track id: Organza by Matisa / matisa.dj
Fashion by Sarah Venturini / mattandsarahimg featuring Vivetta
Production and fashion assistance by Nadia Lametta / lanadineee and Claudia Chiarolanza / claudia.chiarolanza
Make up & hair by Isabell Taranto / isabelltaranto
Special thanks to IDNTY Barra / idnty_barra
How long has making music been a part of your life? How did you get into it?
My mother made me listen to a lot of classical music growing up which is still a great passion of mine. I studied piano and oboe until the age of 13 and then started to want something more and naturally gravitated into electronic music. I have never stopped doing research though, I consider it being a fundamental tool for knowledge and inspiration.
You were born in Rome and now you live in Florence, how did these two realities influence your artistic production?
Whilst being in Florence I have fully entered into the fashion world and my approach to this has inevitably had a great influence on my way of thinking about music. The mix of fashion and music for me creates a really interesting magic that I cannot describe.
Do you think Italy is the right place to grow as dj and producer?
I would like to say “yes” because Italy enriches anyone who comes to visit, even just once. From a professional point of view, unfortunately, my answer is “no”. I am considering a move to Berlin at some point, I feel the city is the most suitable place to further my career. I need more closeness to the world of music (sharing ideas with people, going to record shops), this is important to improve yourself.
The connection between fashion and music is getting stronger and stronger. How much do you feel your music influences your aesthetic?
At the moment whilst music is totally on standby, I get a lot of my influences from the fashion world. I have managed to do what I wanted which is build the connection of fashion into music. I always have fashion in mind when I’m producing music, always having one eye on creating something suitable for fashion runways.
What artists are you listening to right now?
Kasper Marott new album “Full Circle” is pure pleasure.. and oh god yes, “Isles” by Bicep.
If you could choose one artist to collaborate with, who would you pick?
There are so many amazing artists I would love to work with but right now I think a collaboration with Mall Grab would be interesting, he is such a versatile artist and he has a crazy style ... I like it, it could be a great alliance!
How has your musical taste evolved over time and by which factors or authors was it most influenced?
I have always been influenced by beauty, I seek beauty in everything. Surely by discovering new artists and new musical waves the musical direction can change. When I started out I was oriented towards techno, then the discovery of disco and my love for Steven Maxwell von Braund and Patrick Cowley up to the 80s world with Alexander Robotnick up to my beloved Progressive House of the 90s. Now I take influences from both Music and fashion, I think everything has a part to play in the creative process.
Talking about your recent feature on Rinse FM, what was it like participating with your mix?
It was my third appearance on Rinse FM since I started playing. This time I was a guest on Paramida’s show, one of my favorite DJs ever. She never bores me. I always work on blending a lot on harmonies and create a
journey, but here I was more careful. The process of mixing new and old vinyl always surprises me.
Which are your best achievements of your career?
mmm ... off the top of my head from a professional point of view, I have recently moved to One House Artists booking agency, something I am very excited about. And from a production point of view, producing a record on Optimo Music and my collaboration with Kim Ann Foxman has to top of the pile.
How has the pandemic changed the way you work?
Without this pandemic perhaps I would not have made certain choices, I may have continued to do what I did without thinking too much … however life is changing, it has not been an easy time because of cancelled tours has meant having to make a living in other ways. Luckily I have a plan B. That always saves you ..
What are you working on at the moment?
I have recently finished some new releases that you will taste in 2021 including a remix for Kim Ann Foxman which will be released on her new EP.
As a young artist, what is your definition of success?
I am a driven artist and set goals, I am lucky to have achieved them and thus become a better person for it. I always want to bring true happiness to those around me through my music, and this is my form of expression of success.
What are your goals for 2021?
I would have to say getting back to touring, playing music to people all over the world. Meeting new people, creating connections and building for the future.
