This October Steel City Dance Discs presents the ‘Wonder’ EP from fast-rising Italian artist Matisa, which uses the theme of make up to highlight broader topics of female empowerment and gender inequality, alongside a more personal focus. Here we see her loves of music, fashion and make-up combined; three pursuits that’ve been pivotal for means of self-expression and identity, as she describes:
“On the EP, I really wanted to capture the excitement and feelings I have whilst I’m getting ready, and before I perform. To capture and describe the emotions and nerves that bubble inside. The three tracks are not only named after types of make-up and a snapshot of what I do in front of the mirror whilst I’m getting ready; but this is also my nod to being a female performer in a predominately male sphere. I wanted to highlight parts of my ritual of preparation – activities that make me feel like Wonder Woman.”
Fresh and filled with spirit, Matisa kicks off the EP with the transcendent, IDM-meets-Bingo Beats energy of ‘Brilliantine’, where twisted modulations fuse in harmony with angelic abstract vocals. Her original ‘Eyeliner’ is a euphoric breakbeat hardcore stomper, whilst Mall Grab’s take on the same track goes in harder with jacking drums, ecstatic rave stabs and menacing bass. Closing the EP is ‘Lip Plumper’ – a hypnotic stripped-back house cut which nods to UKG. This EP represents a significant moment in Matisa’s musical journey, as she evokes a combination of discovering yourself through creative expression with losing yourself on the dancefloor.
Matisa ‘Wonder’ EP
Download/stream: 14th October
Vinyl: 25th November
Tracklist
1. ‘Brilliantine’
2. ‘Eyeliner’
3. ‘Eyeliner’ (Mall Grab Remix)
4. ‘Lip Plumper’
Born in Rome but currently based in Florence, Matisa studied Political Science and did a masters in Fashion Product Management at Polimoda – one of the top institutes in the world. Having then worked at the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum as Assistant Director for a period, she has since focussed on music, honing her sound and creating an energy that is bright, bubbling and emotional. Matisa’s original productions can be heard on labels such as Moxie’s On Loop, Optimo Music, Butter Sessions and Biologic Records, whilst she also recently remixed Kim Anne Foxman. Her tracks have been supported by the likes of Ben UFO, Peach, Nicola Cruz, Shanti Celeste, Sally C, Midland, DJ Seinfeld, Ivan Smagghe, Jennifer Cardini, Dusky and Carista.
Listen to Matisa’s new single ‘Brilliantine’ on Futuristic Playlist
Photo Credit: Dario Cerisano
Follow Matisa
https://www.facebook.com/matisa.dj