The most talked-about French producer of the moment, Mathieu Koss reworks essential, timeless tracks at will, turning them into new global hits. Born of prestigious collaborations and stamped with a sunny electro pop identity, his covers keep racking up awards. In an exclusive for Rodmusic, he looks back on the ones that brought him to the public’s attention…
At 31, what’s your state of mind today?
As I write this, I’m ill (a bit of a cold), but otherwise I don’t think I’ve ever felt this good, as a man and above all as an artist.
It almost looks effortless, yet your meteoric rise also reflects a journey full of doubts and obstacles. Tell us how it all started.
It’s true that if you haven’t followed me from the start, you might think I came out of nowhere, when actually I started more than 10 years ago now. At first it was with 2 mates from back home in Nancy, in 2005/2006. We’d meet up in one of their cellars at 6am to make tracks, it was really cool. We spent more time laughing than actually making songs, but we learned quite a few techniques together. It was during those years that I started thinking I could try to make it my job. In 2014, when I got back from a year of travelling, I decided to go all in, and I think it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Since 2014, I’ve been working like mad to develop my music and my vision. It isn’t easy, I’ve often wanted to quit, people have often tried to discourage me, but I’ve always managed to get back up and keep moving forward. And above all, I’m lucky to be surrounded by great mates, a family and a girlfriend who support me.
Alok & Mathieu Koss - Big Jet Plane
After that incredible collaboration with Alok in 2017, what opportunities came your way?
To be honest, not much, contrary to what you might think. That period wasn’t the best for me. I was at the end of my deal with Spinnin’ Records and we no longer agreed on the vision for the project, so we parted ways. I found myself on my own with a hit and enormous pressure. I didn’t know how to handle it and I fell apart mentally. It took me a few months to get my head straight again. But during that ordeal I had one of my best ideas: “Never Growing Up”.
That track marks a turning point in the artistic direction of your project. Why the shift towards a more Electro Pop sound?
Quite simply, it’s what gets me going. Producing club music didn’t satisfy me any more, I felt like I was going round in circles and I felt capable of producing something other than basslines. There’s also the pride in my grandmother’s eyes when she heard that track on the radio for the first time. That clearly helped my music evolve.
You have plenty of prestigious collaborations, but you’re one of a lucky handful to have worked with Aloe Blacc, a singer closely linked to Avicii, who would have turned 32 on 8 September. Can you tell us more about that incredible collaboration with him?
Actually, to pick up on the previous question, Avicii was one of the artists who did a lot to steer me towards more Pop music. And “Wake Me Up” is one of those timeless tracks I still listen to.
For “Never Growing Up”, it happened very simply: a mate put us in touch. I sent him the track and you all know the rest. That track changed my life, and meeting Aloe is one of the best encounters I’ve had in this industry. We’re still in touch, by the way, and we hope to bring you a follow-up soon!
Mathieu Koss & Aloe Blacc - Never Growing Up
After the successful release of “The Beach” as a fully independent artist, why did you sign with Universal Music?
Being indie is great, but the power of a major is something else.
We’d been talking with Universal for over a year, well, mostly my Manager had. I had quite a few offers after the success of Don’t Leave Me Now with Lost Frequencies, and in the end I chose Universal’s. I’m happy about it, we’ll see what the future holds for us together!
How did the collaboration with Yves Paquet on this cover of “Wicked Game” come about?
I was looking for a voice for this track, which I’d made during lockdown, and it was my team who had the idea of contacting Yves. He has a great voice that suits the track perfectly. I’m really happy we got to work together.
Mathieu Koss - Wicked Game, Pt. II feat Yves Paquet
What drew you to the idea of reworking this Chris Isaak song, which has been covered so many times?
What drew me in was the chorus melody that everyone knows. During lockdown I watched the series Umbrella Academy with my girlfriend, and at the end you hear that Parra For Cuva remix. Something just clicked.
Let’s be honest, this track is a classic, it’s been covered hundreds of times. When I decided to work on it, I looked for a way to stand out. I love doing covers, but I always try to bring a fresh perspective, and for Wicked Game I had the idea of writing an answer to the original song, which makes this cover unique.
Does this single mark the start of a new chapter?
I think so, yes. I’ve got a lot of music on the way and I think I’ve managed to create the world I’ve been looking for for a long time. There are things that will probably surprise you, and I can’t wait.
How do you see the future of Mathieu Koss?
I see him headlining Coachella and Tomorrowland within 3 years (if it happens, you’ll have had the exclusive).
Photo by @guillaume_liberty_photographie
