Der südafrikanische Singer-Songwriter Matthew Mole ist momentan auf Tour und macht dabei natürlich auch wieder Halt in Deutschland. Vor seiner Show in Berlin haben wir ihn zum Interview getroffen und schnell festgestellt: Seine gute Laune ist mindestens genauso ansteckend wie seine Musik! Mit seiner offenen, herzlichen Art macht er es einem mehr als leicht, sich mit ihm zu unterhalten. Wir hoffen, dass seine positive Energie auch beim Lesen überspringt und ihr genauso viel Spaß mit dem Interview habt wie wir bei unserem Gespräch!
Matthew Mole im Interview
Alright, let’s start this!
Awesome.
You put out “Love Me” – your new song – together with two other songs. Why did you choose that collection of the three?
Well, thanks, firstly, for noticing that there were two other songs. I wrote “Love Me” about two and a half years ago, and I really enjoyed the song, and I really wanted to put it out, but then there were two other songs. The next one on the release is called “On My Team”, of which we released a demo version that I recorded on a cassette recorder, just because I find that fun. There is an official version of the song too, but we wanted to save that for later and, first of all, see if people liked the song. Which I think, hopefully, people like it. They seem to like it so far. And then, the third song is also a demo version. It’s called “Lost In Your Eyes”, a song that I initially wrote for a company in South Africa. They make dog food, and I am a big fan of dogs. I have two dogs at home that I love. So, I wrote that song for them, but I ended up liking the song, and I created my own version of that song, and then we put out the demo version of that as well. I guess we live in a world of releasing singles now, rather than EPs or albums or collections. And I love albums, and I love releasing songs in batches, but I understand, you know, rather give a song its moment in time instead of releasing an album at one time. So that’s what we did. “Love Me” is the focus song that we were trying to give its moment in time, but also we wanted people to hear some more and give them a bit of a teaser of what’s to come. And I love the idea of releasing demos as well. So that’s what we did.
That’s a fun concept, though!
Well, thanks!
So this is the start of a new chapter?
New era, yes.
So can we expect a full-length album any time soon?
Yes, next year at some point. There is an album coming. We have already released new songs. Early 2026, we released a song called “In My Head” and then “Love Me”, and then we have quite a few planned to come. But I would love to put out an album, yes. ’Cause albums are my favorite. But I would still love to share songs on their own. There are three more songs coming, and I’d love to give them their “moment in time” before the album comes, and that will be towards the end of 2027.
Can we expect another new song this year, though?
Unfortunately not. That was the plan, but since we’re on tour and we have a few other things to get past and enjoy, the next new song will be out in early 2027.
A great start into the new year then.
Yes, that’s the idea, thanks, exactly!
Your songs in general have this bright, uplifting energy. Even when the lyrics might be more emotional, the music itself tends to feel quite optimistic. Is that something you consciously aim for, or does it simply reflect your personality?
Thanks for picking that up. I guess it is slightly conscious because, well, I am a big fan of sad songs and feeling the emotions and the heaviness of a sad song, especially if you feel sad. I love that. But I think one thing I want people to feel when they listen to the songs that I make is hope. That’s the main thing. I want them to feel uplifted, hopeful and encouraged. So that’s the idea. And yes, sometimes I will write a sad song, but thanks, it’s a huge compliment what you’re saying. Even if it’s emotional, it’s still kind of light and optimistic, and that’s always been the goal when I’ve written songs. From the start, I want it to feel happy and optimistic. It’s strange ’cause I’ve never really thought about it properly. I think it’s just always in the back of my mind, and subconsciously, I have always wanted everything to be happy. Thank you for making me aware of it!
So, what does your own playlist look like? A lot of sad songs in there?
I think 50/50. Like, one of my favorite songs of all time is “Fix You” by Coldplay, which I’d say is pretty sad.
But it’s a great song.
Yeah, it is. That’s the thing. Some sad songs are the best songs.
And you said making your music sound “happy” is a slightly conscious decision. So do you think your music reflects who you are as a person, or is there a difference between Matthew the artist and Matthew in everyday life?
That’s an amazing question. Well, no, I don’t think so. I struggle to separate the two. I don’t ever consciously try to separate the two. I enjoy being vulnerable in songwriting ’cause I feel like it makes it more real. When I write songs, I basically write down what I go through in life, and that allows me to be vulnerable. And in turn, I think it kind of makes the songs more real. It’s what I am experiencing. And that makes it even more difficult to separate the two. I’m just a human, like everyone else. And I happen to make songs as a career. So yeah, Matthew the person and Matthew the singer or the songwriter are very much the same.
You have been making music for quite some time now. Has your relationship with your own music changed over the years? Do you still recognize yourself in the songs you wrote ten/fifteen years ago?
I’ve changed a lot as a human and, as we just said, as a songwriter then, too. I’ve grown up. I mean, the first song I ever wrote, I was like 14 years old. I think it was a terrible song. But that’s almost 20 years ago. That’s crazy. So I’ve changed a lot and grown up and met new people and experienced new things. But the biggest difference, which is such a small thing, I’d say, is just that my voice has changed. Which I like. When I listen to songs from years ago, it’s difficult to listen to. I sang very weirdly, I think, and I’ve tried to embrace the South African accent a bit too much. But what I thought back then was, “I’m gonna sing the song the way I want. This is who I am” – which I like, and I still do that, but I feel like I did that too much. I was myself too much. Although: Always be yourself. I think I’ve tried too hard to get that South African accent. But yeah, my biggest change is my voice. Other than that, no. I still see songwriting the same way, and I still write about what I go through. So I’ve changed a lot, but also not (laughs).
You seem to spend quite a lot of time touring in Germany, and you’ve been doing that for years. Is that something that depends on your listener numbers here, or has Germany become a favorite place for you over time?
It has absolutely become a favorite place. South Africa is obviously home, and we play there the most. But we’ve come back to Germany a lot consciously because the first time I came to visit was my first time leaving South Africa. I have an amazing booking agent here in Germany. He is from South Africa, based in Munich. His name is JP Enderli from a company called filter, and he contacted me years ago. He was like, “Hey, I’ve found your music, and I’d love to book you a tour here in Germany.” I mean, there was one show in the Netherlands and one in the UK, but it was mostly Germany. So I came over, and it was amazing. It was a brand-new experience, and now we’ve kept coming back because people are so kind, and I want to come back here as much as possible. But there is one thing that stood out when playing a live show here. My only comparison was South Africa, which is amazing, don’t get me wrong. People are kind there, and they party, and they’re loud and high-energy. And I love it because that’s home. But then it was such a difference here. At shows here, people do that too. They jump around, they clap, and they sing along, but also, in the quiet moments, everyone is very quiet. And I love that. It’s a culture of attending a show because you choose to. You’re choosing to go to a concert rather than going to hang out with friends and having a drink, and there happens to be music playing. People are so kind here. They come to the show, they’re all there early, and they come down for the support artist, too. I’ve been the support artist here many times, too. And then they listen to the entire show and take in everything, and I love that. It’s an amazing culture here, and I can’t get enough.
Is there anything that has changed about your perception of Germany since you first came here?
No. From the start, there is such a hospitable kindness about everyone here. And I think I’ve just been experiencing this more and more. I don’t wanna say I fully understand the culture here because I don’t, and it’s a different language. And I won’t understand it fully unless I move here and get fully ingrained in the culture. But I just love it. And I am starting to understand more about Germany and the people here. And I’ve always loved it, and that’s why we keep coming back. So no, my perception has not changed. I’m just getting to know it more.
I’m glad you didn’t encounter the stereotypes that Germans are cold and rude. Do these stereotypes of Germans exist in South Africa?
No, that has not been our experience. Like, we have little things that we do. Every day, we’ll go and find a coffee shop or a nice place for dinner, and the people we encounter when we do that are always amazing and kind. I don’t think I’ve heard that stereotype that people are cold and keep to themselves. I mean, I would understand if people kept to themselves. I lived in London for four years with my wife, and it was more like that there. Like, people kept to themselves, and they’re in their own world, sort of, but here? Maybe. But we find people, and we talk to them, and they’re always so kind and nice.
Besides the people, is there anything you particularly enjoy when you come here?
The food. Big time. Everywhere, I love the food. So my favorite food in the world is Bavarian food, and you find variations of that even though we’re in Berlin now and not in Bavaria. I love a wholesome, hearty meal, so that’s a big thing. And, again, the music culture and the support for live music. And the fashion here is cool. (points to his jacket) I know this is not a German jacket, but I feel very European ’cause I’ve got this big puffy jacket. We can’t wear these in South Africa ’cause it doesn’t get cold enough. And then, Birkenstocks. I heard Birkenstocks were a very German thing, but I’ve actually never seen anyone wearing them here.
I mean, it’s a summer thing.
See, I feel like it’s more a winter thing, but I guess it’s a summer thing. I mean, I wear them with socks. I got them upstairs (laughs). I feel like it’s a nice, cozy thing.
Yeah, they’re comfy.
Very. And my tour manager Finn is wearing his Birkenstocks ’cause it’s nice and cold and cozy. I don’t know. Are there any more things I should be more aware of? Like stereotypical things that people normally do or you enjoy?
I don’t know. I mean, the food is a big aspect. Maybe not only the hearty meals, but things like chocolate are good.
Yeah, we have chocolate all day long. And also snacks. Do you know the Pombär chips? Those are German, right? I love them so much. Those are the best.
Very random, but I love it.
You like them too? Okay, nice. Yeah, I know, very random, but I love them. Are there any other meals we should try?
Definitely go and have a kebab.
We’ve had many of those.
There is a really good place in Berlin.
Really? I’ll get the name later from you. We love those. Really, these are so good. Ah, now I’m hungry (laughs).
Now enough about Germany. What’s the best thing about growing up in South Africa? And is there maybe even something from your childhood that you think has shaped you as an artist?
I think so. I love it. It’s my home, and the people are amazing. I grew up in a small place called Fish Hoek, which is a part of Cape Town. And I am learning that a lot of people know of Cape Town, and I didn’t realize so many people knew so much about South Africa. I am learning that in Germany, and that’s so cool. I think it totally shaped me. I mean, again, what I write about as a songwriter and a human (laughs) is what I experience, and most of what I’ve experienced – especially my early stages of life – is growing up in South Africa and the people that I know there and the things that I went through there. And I am grateful for it. Every country in the world has its challenges, but I think South Africa is a special place. The human beings there are so cool. I think South Africans are super friendly, very hospitable and friendly. Have you been?
No, I wish.
You need to come to South Africa! They’re very friendly, and hopefully, you’ll get to experience that one day. And the food is also good. But I think the country has gone through a lot. Like, I grew up just after the major difficult things the country went through. I was born just after that. Still, it’s an amazing place with beautiful people. And it shaped me as a human and, in turn, shapes who I am as an artist and a songwriter. It’s weird to explain ’cause it’s all I’ve ever known. But my favorite thing in the world is traveling and experiencing new countries, new cultures, new things. But I am always very grateful to arrive back home in South Africa ’cause it’s a special place. It’s a weird one to explain, but yes, it has totally shaped me.
Is there something about South Africa that you wish more people knew?
I don’t know. I guess people that haven’t been to South Africa still have maybe met South Africans, and it’s a good review, like people have good things to say about South Africans. I guess, no. I think if someone has never been to the country and never met a South African, what I’d want them to know is: They are really friendly people, and we love guests. Like, come to South Africa! Come see the place! We want to show people around. I think we’re proud. South Africans are proud of their country. And I’d love that to be known, but I think that might be generally known. I don’t know if you’ve heard that or if you’ve found them to be friendly.
Yeah, a friend of mine has been to South Africa and she had a great experience.
That’s great, and I think that’s all I would want anyone to know.
So, I have a couple more questions. Does songwriting help you process things that happen in your life? Is it a way of understanding your own emotions better?
Definitely. That’s what it is for me. So my first-ever bio that I had to write for somewhere, like as an artist…(laughs). I think as I’ve grown up, I’ve maybe, I’ve gotten slightly better at it, but I’m still not good at expressing myself with words. So when I talk and, like, express anything, I kind of struggle to do that. I am a lot better at expressing myself through writing songs. And I think that’s because I can process thoughts in a better way ’cause it’s a creative outlet. I think I am able to explain myself, express myself and understand myself better when it comes to writing songs. When I sit down to write a song, I am consciously trying to – sometimes it’s effortless – tell a story. That story is something that’s in my brain, and I have to search my brain to find the ways to explain it. And for some reason, when it comes to writing a song, it’s much easier. So yeah, it’s like a therapeutic process.
Does that therapeutic process end when you put out a song? Like, how does it feel to put a song to life and out in the world? Does it maybe feel like a form of healing or more so letting go?
That’s such a good question, like, that’s so cool to try and figure this out, ’cause I don’t really think about it that much. It’s just kind of a thing that I do. So I think through the songwriting process, it’s therapeutic, and I am learning so much, and I am entering my brain in ways that I normally wouldn’t be able to if I wasn’t writing a song. Then, the release process, I think, for me, becomes a thing of, like, I want other people to experience that small part of my brain. So, I somehow articulated in, like, a small way a thought that I had or something I experienced or a person I met, and now it’s in the form of a song. And what I enjoy is now I get to share that with the world, and if anyone hears it, even if one or two people hear it or a thousand people hear it, it doesn’t matter. I’m grateful that I get to share that with people. It can be scary too, but that’s the goal for me. Like „Oh, I’ve created this thing, and now I get to share it with people„. So yeah, it’s scary, but I love it.
If you could send one of your songs back in time to your younger self, which one would it be and why?
That is a great question. I’m gonna ask my friends that question (laughs). If I could send one song back in time… I think it would be “At The Corner”. It’s ten years old, so I guess this is already my younger self. I think there is so much that went into writing that song. There are so many lyrics, so many words. All my songs don’t have that many lyrics, so a lot went into the writing. I remember thinking a lot about the details of the words and the melodies and how the song changes, like the tempo changes. And I really enjoyed that process. And if I sent that to my much younger self, I think I could’ve learned about myself more or about things more. Because what the song talks about is experiencing difficulties and how I, as a human, navigate those difficulties. And maybe me, as a younger person, before those difficulties come, could’ve learnt how I was going to experience them. And as a younger songwriter, I would’ve been proud, I think. Like, “Wow, you’re gonna be able to write songs like that?! That’s cool.” Because, I mean, I like the song. There are many better songs in the world but I enjoy it. And I think I would’ve learned a lot as a young person that’s about to experience life, and I would’ve been happy to know, “Ah, you’re gonna write a song like that.”
That’s a very wholesome answer. So, one last question. Since we’re called untoldency – is there anything untold about you? Something people may not know?
I just said I like to be vulnerable, so I share all these emotional things in my songs, but I never share with people the everyday, fun things. So for that reason, I think I could say really anything, and it would be an untold thing. But what comes to mind is… My favorite thing in the world is just being at home with my wife and our two dogs. And just having a normal day. It would be like, we wake up, we go to the promenade, take our dogs there, go for a walk along the beach, go have a coffee and a nice breakfast, and then we’ll go home. And then I normally either do work, which is admin stuff, or I spend time writing songs. And then we’ll just have, like, a normal – I guess normal is different for everyone – but just a normal day. That is what I crave in life. A normal day. Not doing too much, not too exciting, just being at home with my wife and our dogs, Lily and Olive. There is actually this new song that’s gonna come out soon, where I put the demo version out already. In “On My Team”, I mentioned my one dog, Lily, and at that time, we only had one dog. And now I kind of feel sorry for Olive, ’cause she wasn’t with us when I wrote that song. So now I’m gonna have to write a song about her too. So yeah, my dogs are my favorite thing ever, but my wife is also my favorite thing ever. So I feel weird saying this is an untold secret. That should be obvious, but I am saying this because I want to make it more obvious. You know, on social media, you always share the highs, especially when you’re on tour. There are a lot of fun experiences, so I want people to know that, but I like the normal, boring everyday things. Does that make sense?
Yes, of course. Well, thank you so much.
No, thank you!
Eines können wir euch sagen: Wer eine ordentliche Portion gute Laune gebrauchen kann, sollte unbedingt mal ein Matthew Mole Konzert besuchen! Und für gute Laune zuhause, könnt ihr hier seinen neuen Song “Love Me” hören:
Fotos: Leon Strydom, Jessica Mole, Dick Smith
