Like his role model and spirit guide, Amy Winehouse, MateoBriscoe struggles with sleep paralysis, overcoming trauma, navigating identity, and a slew of ticks and eccentricities.
Yet, through the trials and tribulations he ventures, he manages to tell everyone's story through his music and connect with individuals on a deeper level - because, like most of us, MateoBriscoe has countless tales to share the hardships.
The alluring Sacramento songbird exposes his vulnerability in a new light as he brings forth the unconventional energy of his latest single, "Insane."
Conveying a brooding atmosphere with unfiltered guitar riffs, sparse yet impactful percussion patterns, a bassline you feel in your chest and a Southern flair that dips into an edgy ambience, MateoBriscoe invites listeners into this poetic soundscape that's unapologetically candid.
Teaming up with Jesse Szabo and Jesse Hanes to emanate this organic energy that streamlines through "Insane," this collection brings life and importance to the song's meaning. Baring his soul upon a blues-rock single that embodies dark nuances, MateoBriscoe unravels issues surrounding mental health as he belts out picturesque lyrics that are riddled with authenticity and profound honesty as the foundation of "Insane" unfolds through the lens of the issues we see in society.
There's an impeccable balance of suspense and ruthless delivery throughout this record. Ramping up in intensity as the chorus gives us the poignant prominence of MateoBriscoe's timbres, the verses are a time to dissect the lyrics attentively as the crafty wordsmith he is on full display.
Embracing the effervescent attitude spearheading the frontlines of "Insane," we're grateful for the blatant realism MateoBriscoe instills as he calls out the stigmas around mental health and stands up for what he believes in.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Mateo Briscoe, and congratulations on the release of "Insane." We're fully onboard with your messaging and how you deliver your artistry through such a unique lens. What moment or story inspired the creation of this song?
Many moments of my life lead to this song. Many of my peers and stepmother didn’t always treat me well as a kid. They always made me feel weird or unlovable because I was different. I would get talked down to for simply thinking, communicating, and acting differently. Those things made me keep to myself and scared me out of being my true self and finding true friends for a long time. As I got older, I got tired of hiding my feelings for others and never feeling like I could speak for myself. It often felt like I wasn’t taken seriously unless people heard my words in a song. So, I used that as motivation. I began writing this song on a day when I was feeling down but also feeling tired of feeling down for being myself. This is the first song I’ve ever written about my personal mental health, hoping it would bring me peace and answers. I love myself and will no longer hide the things that make me who I am.
How were Jesse Szabo and Jesse Hanes able to help bring this idea to life? Could you please share a glimpse into the creative process entailed?
One of my favorite moments to share with Szabo and Hanes is when we come together to write and record. The first day I came to Let's Go Studio to meet the Jesses, I played "Insane" for them. They were so excited to work on the song; I was lucky to have met them. Usually, when I write a song, I bring it to them, and we jam out to the song and get a feel for it. We have so much fun, and I love watching their creative process. Once we know how we want the song to sound, we sit in the studio and write the official parts for each instrument.
There's such a profound dynamic that also oozes from the visuals. What can you tell us about the concept of the music video and what it was like to film this piece?
When I wrote the song, I always envisioned a spooky music video to go along with it. I’ve always thought it would be a fun song to release on Halloween. Jesse Hanes found the location for the video and said it matched the song's vibe perfectly. Chris Brice, the director of the video, heard the song and knew exactly what the video needed. He did a fantastic job and brought this song to life. When we walked into the Georgetown Hotel and Saloon, I had no idea it was said to be haunted, but it was the perfect touch for this video. I wanted to reflect on my inner demons as well as make the video fun and spooky at the same time.
Did you always know you would end up as a musician? What instance had to happen for you to get to the point of certainty? Truthfully - no, I wanted to become a veterinarian when I was younger. As much as I love music, I love animals. But when I started taking music classes and writing my lyrics, I decided that music is what makes me happy. I was always told that being a musician isn’t a realistic career choice, so I gave up on it for a while. But taking band classes in high school and learning to stand up for myself and my goals helped me realize that I can make this dream a reality. What message do you hope your audience can take from this song? I hope people feel heard and accepted when they hear this song. I hope that they understand that it's ok not to be ok. Just because someone struggles with mental health doesn’t mean they aren’t deserving of love and happy life. Be yourself and love others, treat people how they want to be treated and love yourself! I wrote this song to help myself feel confident and loved, and I hope this song helps others with the same thing.
