Matt DeAngelis is an amazing new artist I’ve discovered recently, creating proggy, anthemic songs that will get you singing straight away. His latest release, Speak For A Moment, is truly one of the best things I’ve heard for a long time, showing an immense songwriting depth. I jumped at the chance to find out more about this unique artist – find out how we got on below!

By Jane Howkins

We recently reviewed your track Speak For A Moment. What can you tell us about the song?

This song was written to exemplify my determination of living in the present and fulfilling desires to make a difference in the world. There is limited time for us to do so, being how abrupt and exponential life truly is. I believe that everyone carries the potential to change the world for the better, but one must speak and break their silence for that potential to be unlocked. I wrote this song towards the very beginning of the pandemic, which is where my inspirations stemmed from initially. It was almost as if I felt imprisoned on Earth with the unrest during this time, so my desire to create change expressed itself through writing. We seldom turn our attention to the macrocosm of life, where there is only a moment in time to fossilise your mark. In turn, this will set you free, whether you begin your journey as a ‘stoner’ and evolve to a ‘donor,’ the choice is yours, but the clock is still running. I hope this song can provide inspiration for all, especially to those who have not yet realised their significance on Earth.

How has the reception to Speak For A Moment been so far, and where can the track be purchased?

Speak For A Moment has gained plentiful attention from the press and has received very positive reviews over the past month. The track can be purchased on my Spotify, with over 7K streams since the release. It is availible on every streaming service and can be played on YouTube.

Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?

I am planning to release my next single entitled All Good Things at the end of next month in October. Thereafter, I plan on releasing singles every couple of months with new music videos. I am currently working on a number of songs that will be released as singles in the near future.

Are there any plans to release a full length album or EP anytime soon?

I have discussed releasing a second EP in the near future with a compilation of recent and future singles, but no definite decision has been made at this time. My debut EP entitled World I’m Comin’ For You was released in January 2022. Since then, I have released a number of singles with music videos.

The track has a really unique sound. What/who are you most influenced by? What have you been listening to recently?

My first main inspiration came at a very young age when David Bowie’s Hunky Dory was playing in the car. Throughout my teen and young adulthood years, I have been greatly influenced by Billy Joel, Elton John, along with progressive rock bands such as Yes, Genesis and Gentle Giant. Most recently, I have been listening to the pop band U2 and discovered incredible songs by them that I had not heard in the past. I am influenced by many artists and bands, but these are just some of my biggest influences thus far in my career.

What is the writing and recording process like for you?

Most of the time, I write my songs from home and bring them into the studio to record professionally. Once the basic song is recorded, production begins where other instruments and different parts are added to make the song complete. This often takes weeks to finish with the help of my producers Bill Kennedy and father John. My mother Lauren and producer Tom Conran are also vital in the recording process.

You’re based in New Jersey. What is the local music scene like at the moment?

I am the keyboard player and one of the lead singers in the cover band The Loop, and we play in many casinos in New Jersey, as well as many other large venues throughout the mid-Atlantic region. The local music scene is quite active and I have been performing frequently in front of fairly large crowds as a result. I will continue to do this and hope to gain more experience as a solo artist aside from the band performing my original songs, as well.

Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?

I will continue to write and release new music while performing in the band I am a part of. Between performances and recording, I plan on being quite busy for the foreseeable future, and will be once again be collaborating with the great Richie Cannata, Billy Joel’s original sax player.

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

While I do not have any tour dates lined up for the UK, I would soon like to visit and perform in the country which gave us The Beatles and prog rock! I think it would be an incredible experience.

Any last words for the fans?

To my fans, I want to say thank you for all of your support and I will continue to release new music for you in the near future. The endless support I receive means the absolute world to me. Stay tuned for new music very soon!