Nov 18 2024 67 mins
In this episode, we sit down with Mat Kerekes, the multifaceted frontman of Citizen, to dive deep into his solo work, his ever-evolving approach to music, and his unique balance of passion projects. Whether it’s fronting an iconic band like Citizen, writing his own songs as a solo artist, or stepping into the role of a producer, Mat seems to do it all—and do it well.
Mat's most recent solo release, To Dream of Something Wicked, dropped on Wax Bodega to rave reviews, and in this interview, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the record. As Mat explains, the album was a labor of love that came together organically during a transitional time in his life. Written and recorded while moving back home, he unintentionally tapped into a sound that echoed his 2016 release Luna & the Wild Blue Everything—an album that established his solo sound. But with this latest project, Mat says, “This record is just me,” showing that he's not trying to emulate anyone or anything. He’s comfortable with who he is, and that authenticity is reflected in the music.
We also explore Mat's evolving relationship with Citizen, touching on the 10-year anniversary of Youth in 2023 (which, for Mat, marked a turning point in both his career and his personal life). He shares funny and heartfelt stories from those early days of the band, as well as his growth—from an insecure high school kid to a driven musician who balances his time between creating, performing, and pursuing other passions like Muay Thai and video games.
As we discuss his solo career, Mat reveals that his solo music often happens during downtime from Citizen. While the band will always be his main focus, his solo work offers a refreshing outlet—one that allows him to write without the pressure of a larger team. In fact, his solo endeavors have been more low-key with little press or touring, but we can expect a short 2-3 week stretch in 2025, with Mat playing a handful of dates before moving on to the next phase of his career.
If there’s one thing that stands out about Mat, it’s his ability to fully dedicate himself to whatever he does. Whether it’s music, the gym, or martial arts, he gives it everything he’s got. A self-proclaimed gym rat who’s constantly training, Mat is someone who truly takes advantage of the 24 hours in a day, leaving no room for regrets.
We had a blast chatting with Mat—his humor, honesty, and passion shine through in this conversation. Be sure to listen to the full interview for insights into Mat's creative process, his growth as both an artist and a person, and of course, some great stories from the road with Citizen.