Tell us a little about how you got started producing music? Who are some of your influences and dream collabs?
In 2011 and 2012 I got to spend 2 years working almost daily with Greig Nori, who had produced and managed Sum41 and was producing a lot of the big Canadian Pop bands at the time. He was the first one to ever validate my musical instincts and motivated me to want to become more than just a songwriter. He showed me how professionals do things, the small details that separate a good song from a hit. The experience was priceless and he’s definitely my biggest influence.
My dream collaboration would be Nirvana. I pretty much only listened to Nirvana for about 5 years of my life before expanding my musical mind, but their songs will forever be imprinted on me. I think the rock influence is evident in my music.
Tell us about your latest release “End of the Ocean ” what was the inspiration behind this track?
It’s a nostalgic song about a boy who is battling between love and pursuing his dreams. He ultimately decides to pursue his dreams, but he never really moves on. All of my songs are pretty autobiographical.
Do you have more projects on the way, if so when can we expect them?
I have a bunch of Rock influenced songs that my friends at 254 Toronto helped me with, I’m planning on releasing those later this year. This summer, I’ll be recording my first full length album with Greig Nori at his studio in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. I’m so excited to lock it down with one of my idols and take my time to create something epic. We don’t have a release date for that yet, but we’re planning on live streaming the recording of the album so follow along on social media, it’s going to be a really unique experience.
Covid19 has really impacted the world as we know it and we doubt things will ever be the same. How has the pandemic affected you as a producer and a performing artist? Would you say it has given you the opportunity to focus on production and getting new music out there?
My original plan was to tour all of 2020 and 2021, releasing music and promoting it along the way – I played my first show in Los Angeles on February 11th of 2020 before COVID-19 forced me to cancel my entire schedule. At the time, I was really bummed out but it was almost like a blessing in disguise. I haven’t left the studio since and I can really feel my improvement. Before the pandemic, my sound was close to where I wanted it to be, but I wasn’t 100% confident yet. Now, after a straight year of dedication and practice, I am more polished and advanced sonically – I’m so excited to share my creations with the world.
This is a question we love asking. Please tell us something about you that your fans don’t know. Surprise us
I call myself maddhatr, (Mad Hatter), because I have always identified with Lewis Carroll’s Mad Hatter character from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, especially the quote, “I am under no obligation to make sense to you”.
I live my life under no obligation to make sense to anyone… and that’s how I make my music too.
‘END OF THE OCEAN’ BY MADDHATR, IS OUT NOW AND AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON ALL MAJOR STREAMING PLATFORMS
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