Rising artist mattokushi has unveiled his debut studio album, When Nobody’s Watching, a deeply personal exploration of identity, longing, and resilience. Released on October 25, 2024, the album blends genres like indie, punk rock, country, and grunge to create a distinctive sound, resonating with listeners worldwide.
Born Maxim on November 3, 2006, in Samara, Russia, mattokushi found his musical footing early, drawing inspiration from iconic rock acts like KINO. Now based in England, he describes his sound as Soft Grunge, a genre-bending style that fuses elements of melancholia with raw, energetic rock. With a growing fan base across platforms like TikTok and Telegram, mattokushi is quickly establishing himself as a prominent voice in modern alternative music.
When Nobody’s Watching chronicles mattokushi’s emotional and personal experiences during his first year living in London. The album showcases his ability to channel raw emotion into a variety of sonic textures. From the high-energy pulse of punk rock to the introspective tones of indie, the album offers a narrative arc that mirrors his journey of adapting to new surroundings, navigating relationships, and pursuing his dreams.
Lyrically, the album focuses on themes of long-distance relationships and faith in the future. Songs delve into the challenges of separation and the hope of reconnecting, all while reflecting the pressures of being a young artist balancing academic and creative ambitions.
Recording the album was no small feat; mattokushi juggled studio sessions with the demands of final college exams, often rushing directly from exams to record vocals in a London studio. Despite the challenges, the album feels polished and cohesive, thanks to Maxim’s dedication and hands-on approach—he personally created all the beats except for the final track.
A standout on the album, “В моей комнате зима” is described as a “cry of the artist’s soul.” Combining heavy distorted guitars, a dark solo, and the interplay of scream vocals with sultry, low tones, the track immerses listeners in the pain of separation. The lyrics capture the torment of being apart from someone essential to your happiness, a feeling both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The intensity of the song served as a turning point for mattokushi, inspiring him to create a full album. For fans of melancholic rock and heavy pop rock, “В моей комнате зима” is an emotionally charged anthem that lingers long after its final note.
To bring When Nobody’s Watching to life, mattokushi created lyric videos for each track using a VHS camera, filming in different countries. These nostalgic visuals complement the album’s themes, emphasizing its emotional and geographical journey.
Promoting the album was a multi-faceted effort. mattokushi leveraged social media platforms like TikTok to reach new audiences, collaborating with bloggers and music influencers. The strategy paid off, with one promotional video garnering nearly 300,000 views. Within two weeks of its release, the album had already amassed close to 10,000 listens across streaming platforms—a promising debut for the young artist.
From the beginning, mattokushi’s musical journey has been shaped by diverse influences. His earliest tracks combined rock and rap, a reflection of his upbringing and exposure to a wide array of genres. Meeting the musician anessy in late 2023 further propelled his development, offering guidance that helped mattokushi refine his unique style.
Now, with When Nobody’s Watching, mattokushi demonstrates his ability to seamlessly weave together punk’s raw energy, country’s storytelling depth, indie’s introspection, and grunge’s emotional grit. This eclectic mix appeals to fans of alternative rock looking for something fresh yet familiar.
Even as he celebrates the success of his debut album, mattokushi is already preparing new music. With plans to attract even more attention to his work, he’s proving himself to be an artist who thrives on growth and experimentation. His evolving sound, combined with a relentless work ethic, promises an exciting future for his music career.
In his own words, mattokushi’s mission is simple: to create music that connects with listeners on a profound level. With When Nobody’s Watching, he’s accomplished just that, inviting fans into his world of raw emotion, sonic experimentation, and unflinching honesty.
For fans of melancholic rock and Soft Grunge, mattokushi’s debut is a must-listen—a record that captures the beauty of vulnerability and the power of perseverance.
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