Interview: Matt LeGrand straps in for a midnight rendezvous
The pop newcomer talks creating a safe space from tragedy, grounding his songwriting and new EP.
When sharp-shooter Cupid wields his bow and arrow, unsuspecting loners beware. He’s the god of desire, attraction, lust and affection, and though his iconography has changed in time, he holds great power in classical mythology. He is often utilized as simply a plot device to propel the story forward, but the mystique and poetic themes surrounding him like an angel’s halo have endured. Throughout history, artists, sculptors and even musicians have danced in the pink hue of his shadow. Topics of romance, stealing away for a brief moment of ecstasy and unbridled joy only love can excite are woven through jazz, rock, country and modern pop music. And for Matt LeGrand‘s part, he basks in the fleeting caresses with a lover in a new song called “12:00 AM,” which contains a harp-like backing instrument embedded in an otherwise raving and frenetic club scene.
With producer Elvis Williams (Fergie, Beyoncé, Usher), LeGrand makes his convictions and intentions known right from the start. “All day, I’ve been busy at work / Counting down the minutes till I see your face,” he coos, time seemingly stopping as he daydreams about what is about to come when the lights go out. “Swear that I can feel the earth turn / Time is moving too slow / And I just can’t wait till the sun goes down / I know that our love can make the stars shine at night…”
The stroke of his pulsing heart is almost too much and comes to a fevered pitch on the hook. LeGrand, born in France before moving to Chicago as a kid, wears his heart on his sleeve, and even though his skin is burning for just one more touch, he relishes in the rush. “[This song] symbolizes a fresh new day filled with endless amounts of possibilities and what a pleasure it is to spend it with the one you love,” he tells B-Sides & Badlands over email. “Elvis made the process feel like we had already worked with each other in the past, even though we didn’t, of course. I am always drawn to producers that care for the project they are working on. Elvis showed that passion. I won’t lie, though, there was a little bit of nervousness going in but only the good kind.”
Elvis’ pedigree also includes hits for Ludacris, Ciara, Kelly Rowland and the Pussycat Dolls, among many others. More than anything, that level of experience instilled LeGrand with valuable lessons about the roles and dynamic in a recording studio. “I learned that a producer and a recording artist are the same but very different. Elvis has the freedom to create any story he’d like, and I have the pleasure of getting to bring that story to life,” he says. “Now, there are also circumstances where I am more involved in the creative side of things, but when it comes to working with a top producer such as Elvis, I’d like to just let it be.”
“12:00 AM” and previous single “All Good” sample a debut EP, still currently in the works.
Below, LeGrand talks seeing The Rolling Stones for the first time, picking up a guitar, his journey to a healthy and happy mental space and keeping his songwriting grounded.
With the Rolling Stones being your first concert, I imagine that day must be seared on your brain. Do you recall the excitement before and how you felt afterward?
I do remember being very excited but also kind of nervous. I didn’t really know what to expect to be honest. The whole experience turned out to be life changing in the fact that it inspired the music in me. I fell in love with the attitude and emotion that was behind the fantastic stories. The idea of having a platform and having the freedom to share what you’d like to share really struck a cord with me. I am here today doing what I am doing so I can show others my vision ⎯⎯ so they can understand me and I can understand them. This mission that I am on is what I believe I’ve been called to do, and I’m just getting started. I remember the day after the concert; I had to go to school, and my ears were ringing so much. Of course, I tried to use it as an excuse to go home, but that didn’t slide.
Do you find their spirit present in your own music?
The Stones is a band that I am still listening to and learning about today. The fact that they are still touring is a miracle sent down from the heavens. On that note, one of my favorite things I’ve ever heard a music artist say is when Mick Jagger was asked, “Why do the Stones still tour? Don’t you want to retire and live in peace?” Mick said, “Well, creativity never retires so why should we?” He is so right! There is always so much to accomplish. There is always more to give and celebrate. That stuck with me and will continue to as long as I am alive. My music doesn’t sound anything like theirs but their spirit will be with mine forever.
When your mom bought you a guitar soon after that concert, what were some of the first songs you learned to play? Was writing your own stuff something you explored early on?
I didn’t start to explore song writing until around 16 or 17. The first songs I learned to play were classic rock songs. Specifically, I remember “Sunshine of Your Love” and “White Room” by Cream. I was and still am a big Eric Clapton fan. I also remember “When I Come Around” by Green Day, who were another really big influence as I started to create my own music.
Making dance music is a far cry from the kind of rock The Stones are known for. You led a rock band in high school. How did you come to the realization that rock music might not be your destiny?
Who says The Stones isn’t dance music? I’m pretty sure Mick Jagger has created his own signature dance moves. [laughs] You know, I really loved my time being in bands, and I know that it’s definitely not over. There are still a rock band dream that needs to be attended to. It’s very hard to be serious about a music project when in high school. We were teenagers and had no idea what we wanted to do. Through high school, I slowly started to realize that this was what I actually wanted to do with my life, and my band mates had different visions for their future, so I took off on my own. The fact that I am here right now talking about my music and my career is more than I ever imagined. I am grateful.
Your first show was also a battle of the bands competition. What did that teach you about the nature of this business?
I think the answer that you’re looking for is that this is a competitive business, and it sure is a battle. But you see, I wasn’t thinking about any of that at that age. It was just plain fun! It was in this creaky old run down bar that I am sure no 16-year-old had any business being in. We got second place, and our prize was three hours of recording time in some guys basement. It definitely taught something completely different than the nature of the business. First big lesson is to make sure the venue has a stage facing the audience and not a wall! [laughs]
What led you to explore dance music?
I started to really like it once I got out of my high school rebel-rock phase and opened my mind up to all types of music. I started to dance myself, so it just transitioned smoothly into the sound that I have today.
How do you ground your songwriting?
Most of my songs have been a collaborative effort. It’s always great to vibe with the writers and producers so that they can get a sense of what’s going on in my life.
In talking about your live shows, you’ve stated you hope to be an escape for your fans from their daily routine. Was that belief born out of all the tragedy and pain going on in the world?
Not only the pain going on in the world but the pain that we experience within us. Everybody goes through some sort of anxiety, scare, trauma, groundlessness feeling that brings pain to the soul. I believe these feelings are completely natural, and they happen for us to learn how to better appreciate when times are good. Though, that doesn’t change my mission of trying to interfere some of that sadness with some joy. My music might never solve any issues, but if it can bring a smile and some cool dance moves out of you, then that’s enough.
Your previous song “All Good” focuses on rediscovering yourself. Was that a long journey to get to such a healthy, empowered place?
It is a story about rediscovery and coming back to oneself. Though, it’s quite challenging to rediscover oneself when you haven’t even discovered yourself. I think that it’s the longest journey that we embark upon because it never ends. When you find the foundation of who you want to be, it makes the journey a bit easier I feel. What I mean by that is your values and morals. I find this important to have solid because I know that I’m going to be challenged. Some days will feel like a fight, and others will flow with ease. The main thing is to stay in the day. Stay here and right now.
How do both these songs fit together and within the themes and style of the rest of your upcoming EP?
The EP is going to be a great variety of songs. We have some Caribbean styles, acoustic, dance and urban. It’s going to feature an exciting list of experienced veteran producers and some up and coming millennials. It’s going to be quite a diverse piece of art that includes sounds you may have heard in the past and a feature. I’ve stepped into place I never thought I would while recording this album, and its overall theme is going to be based on diversity and stepping into the unknown.
Has that process been a pretty liberating one, to finally put together a body of work?
It definitely feels good to have a body of work that fits and that I can perform. I am happiest when I’m on stage, and it’s pretty hard to get on stages without any material. It has opened the door to more performance opportunities, so I am happy!
What have you come to learn about yourself in this process?
I have come to learn about trust. I am a Virgo, so that means I’m a perfectionist and a control freak. I’ve had to find a different way to function. I’ve had to find a more relaxed, trusting and open-minded way of being. A way of being where control is let go of but gained at the same time!
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