Matt DeAngelis, is a 24-year-old singer/songwriter from Southern New Jersey, USA. He has been honing his craft as a songwriter since age 8 with the ultimate goal of spreading a positive outlook in a world that can be riddled with strife and negativity. Having been diagnosed with an OCD/anxiety disorder from his youth, he has internalized the time sensitive world around him and has learned through his strong faith to take a negative and turn it into a positive, which has been a guiding force in his development as a songwriter. His advocacy for climate change and mental health have been a passion since my youth and I have loved weather for as long as I can remember.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hey Matt DeAngelis, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. How has the time gone for you since our last interview?
I have continued to be busy playing in my band and have been in the studio weekly preparing upcoming singles for 2023.
What role does the artist have in society?
My main goal is to bring positivity and inspiration to anyone and everyone that hears my music. I am a song-writer at heart, but also love being an entertainer on stage when I perform. In the world we live in, sometimes all someone needs is a positive distraction to keep them going.
Your latest track is “Change Your Ways.” Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
When I first wrote “Change Your Ways,” it was just a song about the struggles of the world and the need for mankind to open their eyes. I couldn’t imagine the way it would turn out in production after being in the studio. It was quite a process to make everything come together, having spent hours in the studio. I loved every minute of working on this song and am blessed that it has come out the way it has.
Where did the idea for the music video come from?
One way I wanted to promote my singles moving forward was by having music videos with each song. My video producer and I picked a scenic location that we thought would attract the attention of my viewers. The video was filmed in just two days and turned out even better than I expected!
What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
My strongest memory from my childhood was when I wrote my first complete song that was coincidentally called “Childhood.” I was just 10 at the time and remember writing the song in my room at the keyboard while looking out the window late one afternoon. This was the song that propelled me into the songwriter I am today.
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
One of my most embarrassing moments as a musician was when I accidentally sang a different song on top of the one that was being played by the guitar player. Both of the songs sounded so alike, I didn’t know I was actually singing the wrong song! I played it off pretty good though. To this day I think only the band knew what was going on.
Is artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?
Being an artist, and more specifically a solo artist, can get very lonely. The grind of the business wears and tears on you, but seeing the ultimate goal in your mind is what keeps me going. I know I am striving for greatness and that the world will get to hear my music. Depression seems to take hold more than I want it to, but as a songwriter, I write about my experiences and turn it positive in order to inspire others.
What is your dream project?
To say I have one dream project is probably impossible, but I would love to work with a well-known musician such as Elton John or Billy Joel. Whether it be writing a song, or just performing with them, it would absolutely be a dream for me.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Be determined and keep your eye on the prize! You will get discouraged but the goal should be turning those discouragements into inspirations for other people. Practice always makes perfect, and I have done my fair share of practicing over my career to get to where I am thus far. It is a constant grind that you need to be prepared for. There will be many disappointments, but picking yourself back up again and moving forward is the only option in the music industry.
What can we expect from Matt DeAngelis in the near future?
I plan on releasing several singles in the near future with featured music videos for each song. You will not want to miss what’s to come in 2023! You can also see me perform live across the Mid-Atlantic with my band!