Matilda uses her calming vocals to spin a tale of longing and missing in latest single As It Is.

West London’s Matilda Mann offers a tentative taste of what to expect from her forthcoming EP with her tranquil new single As It Is. Strumming guitar and gently serenading us with her whispery, floating vocals, she carries a tenderness so gentle that even the most hard-hearted person cannot help but feel touched by. The track comes from an intimate part of Matilda’s life, as she explores the experience of longing and missing when the one you love is separated. The simple accompaniment allows the soothing timbre of Matilda’s vocals to shine through, and she displays the beauty of minimalism as she charms listeners, armed only with an acoustic guitar.

Speaking more of the track, Matilda elaborates:

At the time my boyfriend was in America for a month and I spoke about how I missed him (and how in  relationships before, I had never actually missed them when they were away, and it was always a big sign for me) I had a few friends at the time who were coming to the end of their relationships, mainly due to long distance, but it was dragging on because they didn’t know how to let go. I think sometimes it can be quite daunting to imagine yourself single and to lose a part of your life that you’ve just grown accustom to always being there.

We chatted with Matilda a bit more about her forthcoming EP, and any advice she has for people experiencing similar emotions expressed in the single.

What’s a motto that you live by?

You never know what someone else is going through.

You mentioned that the track was written whilst your boyfriend was in America; have similar feelings surfaced over recent periods given lockdown? How have you been coping?

He’s actually been living with me! We spend a lot of time working on different projects at home, but then always make dinner together. I think we found a good balance during these times.

What advice would you give to someone who was in the same position as your friends who were daunted by the thought of letting go of their relationships?

It’s hard to let go of people. Especially when they’ve become such a big part of your life. Sometimes it seems like it’s dragging on and if they don’t make you happy anymore, or you seem to be going in different directions, then that would be (for me) the biggest sign to start thinking about if you still actually want them.

Are there any underlying messages that you hope to get across with your forthcoming EP?

Each song in the EP is a message that at some point in my life I’ve wanted to say to someone. They may be different in style and genre, but I wrote about things that I found really hard to say to someone. So if I could’ve just played them a song, that would’ve explained everything for me, it probably would’ve been much easier haha.

Are there any behind-the-scenes stories that you can share with us?

Well…on my way to the session, as I was about to walk onto my train, I fell straight through the gap between the train and the platform. Nobody saw me fall, so I had to quickly pull myself up onto the platform and I just laid there then got onto the next train. I hit my foot really hard on something and smashed my ribs on the train floor. I called my mum and was like, “should I come home”?! And she said to just go to the session and see how I felt. So I went and we ended up writing this song!

Have you sourced inspiration for the forthcoming EP from a similar place to your debut?

I don’t ever want all my songs to be too similar to one another. It’s hard because I’m limited with what I can play on guitar, so I rely on making sure my lyrics are always different, or not just about love. My main consistency in my songs will always be strange kinda lyrics and lots of harmonies. Other than that my songs can sound whatever way I’m feeling that day.

And finally, what does music mean to you?

Music has been the main thing in my life since I was little. My parents are so passionate about it and they constantly make me watch documentaries about things like Motown and the beginnings of so many amazing artists. It’s never felt like work. It’s always just been something I’ve always enjoyed. I feel so lucky to be able to do it as a career.