For Matt Maltese, life is about writing songs, and good ones, really great ones. It's a craft he's devoted himself to since childhood, a passion nurtured through countless hours spent scribbling away in notebooks. The 30-year-old singer-songwriter has come a long way from his humble beginnings as a teenager in Reading, where music was merely a hobby, and his own voice still had to be discovered.
That all changed when he began co-writing with others, discovering that collaboration could unlock new sounds and ideas. His breakthrough came when 'As the World Caves In', an apocalyptic ballad imagining Donald Trump and Theresa May's last night on earth together, took off on TikTok, gaining worldwide attention and catapulting him into the spotlight.
This newfound fame brought both vindication and irony for Maltese. On one hand, he'd found success through his own efforts; on the other, the massive commercial success came courtesy of a social media platform that didn't initially appreciate his artistry – and was now a part of it.
Maltese has since expanded his creative horizons as a songwriter in demand, penning hits for notable artists such as Celeste, Joy Crookes, Jamie T, Tom Misch, and even the Bard himself. It's an incredible feat for someone who had once been told he didn't fit into traditional labels like Atlantic Records.
Despite being thrust into stardom, Maltese remains committed to his craft, driven by a desire to produce songs from the heart rather than just following trends. He is most proud of co-writing with Celeste and Joy Crookes, as well as collaborating with the legendary Kano – experiences that serve as testaments to his artistic integrity.
Maltese's latest album Hers is no exception to this trend, capturing a longing and yearning for human connection in what feels like a world turning increasingly cold. This introspective work cements Maltese's status as an influential voice in the music industry today – one whose artistry transcends age groups, genres, and geographical boundaries.
Maltese has found that fame can sometimes skew people's perceptions of him. He is often self-deprecating about his rise to stardom on TikTok, where he's seen to have 'become' someone he never intended to be – an artist capable of captivating millions with a single track.
The recent collaboration with Rosalía has been perhaps the most notable moment in Maltese's career – elevating him from an unknown indie singer-songwriter to an internationally recognized talent. When asked about the experience, Maltese is characteristically modest, downplaying his own involvement and crediting the Spanish pop star with taking 'Magnolias' to new heights.
It was a song originally written in a casual co-writing session that would change the course of Maltese's life. Despite being dropped by Atlantic Records after his debut album didn't quite hit the expected mark, he found solace in this very writing process. Working independently on Krystal helped him rediscover his passion and ultimately led to his breakthrough.
For Maltese, success is about staying true to oneself as a songwriter and artist. In an industry where trends are quick to change, it's refreshing to see someone like Matt Maltese clinging to his artistic vision – even when that means bucking the norm and forging his own path.
That all changed when he began co-writing with others, discovering that collaboration could unlock new sounds and ideas. His breakthrough came when 'As the World Caves In', an apocalyptic ballad imagining Donald Trump and Theresa May's last night on earth together, took off on TikTok, gaining worldwide attention and catapulting him into the spotlight.
This newfound fame brought both vindication and irony for Maltese. On one hand, he'd found success through his own efforts; on the other, the massive commercial success came courtesy of a social media platform that didn't initially appreciate his artistry – and was now a part of it.
Maltese has since expanded his creative horizons as a songwriter in demand, penning hits for notable artists such as Celeste, Joy Crookes, Jamie T, Tom Misch, and even the Bard himself. It's an incredible feat for someone who had once been told he didn't fit into traditional labels like Atlantic Records.
Despite being thrust into stardom, Maltese remains committed to his craft, driven by a desire to produce songs from the heart rather than just following trends. He is most proud of co-writing with Celeste and Joy Crookes, as well as collaborating with the legendary Kano – experiences that serve as testaments to his artistic integrity.
Maltese's latest album Hers is no exception to this trend, capturing a longing and yearning for human connection in what feels like a world turning increasingly cold. This introspective work cements Maltese's status as an influential voice in the music industry today – one whose artistry transcends age groups, genres, and geographical boundaries.
Maltese has found that fame can sometimes skew people's perceptions of him. He is often self-deprecating about his rise to stardom on TikTok, where he's seen to have 'become' someone he never intended to be – an artist capable of captivating millions with a single track.
The recent collaboration with Rosalía has been perhaps the most notable moment in Maltese's career – elevating him from an unknown indie singer-songwriter to an internationally recognized talent. When asked about the experience, Maltese is characteristically modest, downplaying his own involvement and crediting the Spanish pop star with taking 'Magnolias' to new heights.
It was a song originally written in a casual co-writing session that would change the course of Maltese's life. Despite being dropped by Atlantic Records after his debut album didn't quite hit the expected mark, he found solace in this very writing process. Working independently on Krystal helped him rediscover his passion and ultimately led to his breakthrough.
For Maltese, success is about staying true to oneself as a songwriter and artist. In an industry where trends are quick to change, it's refreshing to see someone like Matt Maltese clinging to his artistic vision – even when that means bucking the norm and forging his own path.