MATT LEGRAND has become one of Chicago’s fastest rising teen idols. LeGrand brings the club atmosphere to life in his new music video, I’ve Been Watching You, featuring Mestiza. We caught up with Matt LeGrand to talk about his latest single and gain a behind-the-scenes glimpse of his musical life.
AC: Let’s talk about your new single I’ve Been Watching You. Where did the creation of the song begin?
MATT LEGRAND: I went down to Atlanta to have a session with Dave Hall. We planned to work on two songs for this specific trip and I’ve Been Watching You was one of them. I knew that I was going to be taken out of my comfort zone the minute I heard it. RnB was not something I really grew up listening to. I was excited and nervous to try it out. Though I personally think that’s how you’re supposed to feel when you’re on the verge of something special.
What was it like collaborating with Mestiza?
She is a vibrant very lovable person! I’m really glad that she is part of my journey and I am of hers. There is a language barrier between us but somehow we tune in to a different frequency and suddenly we’re able to know exactly what the other is saying! I like to think of it as a basic human heart to heart communication.
Are there particular things you look for in a collaboration?
The person has to have a good understanding of balance. A person that knows when to be creative and when to be logical. In my experience, If a person is too creative they get nothing done and if a person is too logical you have no fun.
Inside the studio, is there a fear you’d like to conquer?
The studio is a very vulnerable place. I sometimes start thinking that I don’t have what it takes. It feels like all of my flaws as a vocal performer are being looked at underneath the most powerful microscope. So I’d like to conquer the fear of letting my flaws be shown.
What about outside the studio?
The fear and excitement of slowly letting go of a normal way of living. Moving towards an abnormal lifestyle with potential tours coming up. It’s what I’ve been waiting for though so more excited than fearful.
How has your childhood informed your musical influences?
I grew up with classic rock playing in the house and the car! Bands like The Rolling Stones, U2, and Zeppelin. When I got to my teens I submerged myself into pop-punk! This is when I found the yearning to want to pursue music full time. Whatever you grow up listening to or surround yourself with is what will always feel the most natural! I try and bring a little of me into everything I do.
What do you want the world to look like in 10 years?
I’d like it to look like middle earth post-Sauron but I think that’s an impossible desire. I’m not sure what I’d like the world to look like. I think it’s already magnificent but maybe seeing humanity living more in harmony with nature would be nice! I think we complicate so much and that gets in the way of the natural flow of things.
Everyone seems to have an app idea at the moment. What’s yours?
A: I don’t feel comfortable letting my idea out of its cage just on the pure chance that it’s a billion-dollar idea!
Aside from your upcoming projects, do you have one particular thing you’re excited about for the future?
I’m excited about this app that I’m working on…no just joking! I’m excited to grow my record label MXM Entertainment. We’re working on combining the worlds of entertainment, mental health, behavioral health, and wellness in general.
You can watch the video for I’ve Been Watching You here
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INTERVIEW: ADAM CROOKES
