Dallas, USA-based artist and producer Matt McKnzi first featured on this blog last month thanks to the release of his mythology-infused single Atlas. Now he’s back with a double release that shows two more sides of his sound. They’re called City People and Ghost.

By Graeme Smith

City People sees Matt turn his attention to society and the drama of relationships. It opens with a looping acoustic guitar melody and some lonesome notes before we arrive at a hip-hop-infused groove. Matt’s vocals are, as always, beautifully expressive, especially during a laidback but hard-hitting chorus. There’s a world-weariness to its lyrics that is utterly gripping.

Ghost, on the other hand, is a personal tale, exploring the after-effects of being with a toxic lover. There’s an experimental and bombastic feel to its instrumental arrangement, combining percussive textures with big bass beats. Matt’s vocals and lyrics simmer with a restrained anger aimed at the song’s subject. It’s an emotional powerhouse that’s rich with genuine feeling.

Matt McKnzi truly is one to watch. His genre-bending style and captivating storytelling make him an infinitely engaging artist.

Both tracks feature on Matt’s debut EP Ghost, which is out now in all the usual places.

You can check out single City People and Ghost below.